Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: VISITING RESEARCH

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Research

Credit Hours: 0

Description: Research conducted by visiting student scholars. Department Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: PRE-REGISTRATION FOR NSCI 399

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Internship/Practicum

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Course Description in Esther for NSCI 009 and NSCI 399 NSCI 009 IS A PLACEHOLDER FOR NSCI 399: Medical Professionalism and Observership To register for NSCI 399 in spring 2016, you must add NSCI 009 to your schedule. Prior to the beginning of the semester, you will be required to register for NSCI 399 and drop NSCI 009 from your schedule if you have matched to a shadowing time. This should be done through ESTHER. NSCI 399 Course Description: This course consists of lectures to enhance your knowledge of medical professionalism, an intense writing experience aimed at reflecting on your experiences in both the lectures and clinical settings, and an opportunity to shadow a physician and/or observe in the operating room, intensive care unit or other clinical unit at Houston Methodist hospital. Once enrolled in the spring, students will have the opportunity to review the experiences of past students to select a specialty that closely aligns with your goals and expectations. Please note, matching with physicians will not occur until students begin matriculating in NSCI 399. The process is below: NOTE: Space is limited and registration for NSCI 009 DOES NOT GUARANTEE a seat in NSCI 399. In order to be eligible to enroll in NSCI 399, a student must: 1) Register for NSCI 009. 2) Complete all parts of the NSCI 399 Course Application by noon on Friday, November 20, 2015. The application can be found at: https://docs.google.com/a/rice.edu/forms/d/1p1cM7bLXfsCdAD6F9Fy8AXkBGIYyoraz5Qm4kMI-7vE/viewform 3) Selected students will be invited by 11:59 pm on November 24, 2015 to begin the Methodist credentialing process. 4) Complete ALL PARTS of the Methodist training via the MERLIN system by Friday, December 18, 2015 at noon. Information and documentation and how to complete the MERLIN training will be made available to the selected students. 5) If selected for enrollment in NSCI 399, at the beginning of the spring semester, you must drop NSCI 009 and register for a specific section of NSCI 399 (based on shadowing time) via ESTHER before January 7, 2015 at noon. 6) Physician matching will be determined once the spring semester is underway. 7) In spring 2016, students will attend the lecture and discussions for the first half of the semester and shadowing will begin in week 7. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: CONCEPTS IN PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This course is intended as an investigation of some of the major concepts in physics and astronomy that form the basis of our modern understanding of the universe. By focusing on scientific methodology and a few universal laws, the course will help students appreciate scientific discoveries and give them the conceptual understanding to form intelligent views of contemporary scientific issues. For non-science/engineering majors.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CHALLENGES

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Students in NSCI 120 will solve client-based problems that require the discovery or application of scientific knowledge, specifically in the fields of biology and chemistry. Students will work in interdisciplinary teams and be involved in shaping their project and implementing the scientific method to find solutions. This course is limited to first-year students only.

Long Title: WRITING PROFESSIONALLY IN THE NATURAL SCIENCES

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 2

Description: Targeted to freshmen. To begin to develop a professional identity, students will learn to document research or clinical activities, interpret research findings, and summarize their work in the context of a research field. Course will address common errors made by students in laboratory courses. Data will be collected from virtual laboratory activities.

Long Title: INDEPENDENT STUDY

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Independent Study

Credit Hours: 0 TO 3

Description: Independent Study in an area of science with emphasis on scientific procedures and methods. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: COMPUTATION IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Description: The course introduces basic techniques for problem solving and visualization using computational environments such as Mathematica and MATLAB. Class will consist of a mixture of traditional lectures held in classrooms and self-paced modules covering topics in science and engineering that will be completed in Symonds II. No previous experience is required or expected. Cross-list: COMP 110. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: NEW VENTURE COMMUNICATION FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Teaches students in science or engineering the skills needed to discover, communicate, and promote products and services based on technological innovation or scientific research. Students learn to innovate a product or service with social or commercial application, write an early-stage business plan, and give a 10-minute financing presentation.

Long Title: MEDICAL PROFESSIONALISM AND OBSERVERSHIP

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This course consists of lectures to enhance your knowledge of medical professionalism, an intense writing experience aimed at reflecting on your experiences in both the lectures and clinical settings, and an opportunity to shadow a physician and/or observe in the operating room, intensive care unit or other clinical unit at Houston Methodist hospital. Once enrolled in the spring, students will have the opportunity to review the experiences of past students to select a specialty that closely aligns with your goals and expectations. Please note, matching with physicians will not occur until students begin matriculating in NSCI 399. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: MEDICAL LEADERSHIP RESEARCH

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Research

Credit Hours: 1 TO 3

Description: Students will help in ongoing research in the health profession program with Dr. Gia Merlo. Additionally, students may conduct independent medical leadership/professionalism research upon approval. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: PROFESSIONAL MASTER'S SEMINAR

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: A weekly seminar which serves to provide exposure to local industry leaders from the areas of oil and gas exploration, nanotechnology, and environmental management; introduce career management and business relations tools; further develop written and oral communication skills; provide a forum for students to present internship project results. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: SPACE STUDIES SEMINAR

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: A weekly space seminar held by space industry leaders and organized by faculty providing exposure on "real-world" subjects , such as general, commercial and scientific aspects of space; mission planning and design; astrodynamics/orbital mechanics; spacecraft navigation; Payload definition; Space environment; propulsion and maneuvering; human factors; risk management; export control regulations and others. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: ENVIRONMENTAL LAB

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Laboratory module offered in conjunction with CAAM 353 that illustrates applications of numerical analysis in the solutions of common environmental science and engineering problems. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: ENVIRONMENTAL CASE STUDIES

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Seminar bringing in outside speakers from the community to address environmental issues.

Long Title: PROFESSIONAL MS INTERNSHIP

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Internship/Practicum

Credit Hours: 12

Description: Supervised internship or project associated with pursued degree. Exclusively for students in the Professional Master's Program in Natural Sciences. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: SCIENCE POLICY, AND ETHICS

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: An introduction to the policy, ethics, politics, and legal issues that relate to science and technology - discovery and application. This course presents a framework for analyzing ethical issues in business and professional work. The course then explores the ways in which government policy and business practices can promote or inhibit advances in science and technology while influencing the ethical choices of the professionals involved. Case studies will be used. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: PROFESSIONAL MASTER'S PROJECT

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Independent Study

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Professional master students present the results of their internship or independent project. Recommended Prerequisite(s): NSCI 510.

Long Title: WRITING AND PUBLISHING SCIENCE

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 2

Description: To prepare graduate students for writing and publishing independent research, this course examines the genre of the primary literature article; analyzes successful writing; explores ways of managing references and avoiding plagiarism; and addresses issues of authorship, submission, and peer review. Students will receive peer feedback on documents in preparation.

Long Title: APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE FOR TEACHERS

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Rice office of STEM Engagement faculty and staff lead a discovery based course focused on 8th grade mathematics and science with a focus on the combined content of mathematics, science, and literacy (ELA) in addition to pedagogy leadership. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: TEACHING PHYSICS VIA INQUIRY I KINEMATICS

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This is a professional development course to serve high school physics teachers. It will cover topics in kinematics and mechanics with student-centered inquiry based pedagogy. Teachers will develop laboratory and hands-on activates, learn about new developments in physics research, and share best practices. The course goal is to improve teachers' science content knowledge related to the Texas Essential Knowledge and to provide teachers with tools to engage their students in science. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: TEACHING PHYSICS VIA INQUIRY II, ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This is a professional development course to serve high school physics teachers. It will cover topics in electromagnetism with student-centered inquiry based pedagogy. Teachers will develop laboratory and hands-on activities, learn about new developments in physics research, and share best practices. The course goal is to improve teachers' science content knowledge related to the Texas Essential Knowledge and to provide teachers with tools to engage their students in science. Instructor Permission Required. Recommended Prerequisite(s): NSCI 573.

Long Title: CONTEMPORARY TOPICS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1 TO 6

Description: Mathematics topics related to and transcending elementary school mathematics. Active, student-centered, inquiry-based learning experiences using manipulatives and the latest technologies in a collaborative setting. Contemporary readings related to mathematics education. Problem-solving and motivational strategies, assessment, differentiated instruction, and questioning techniques to meet the needs of all learners. Curriculum development using the RUSMP Learning Plan.

Long Title: CONTEMPORARY TOPICS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL MATHEMATICS

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1 TO 6

Description: Mathematics topics related to and transcending middle school mathematics. Active, student-centered, inquiry-based learning experiences using manipulatives and the latest technologies in a collaborative setting. Contemporary readings related to mathematics education. Problem-solving and motivational strategies, assessment, differentiated instruction, and questioning techniques to meet the needs of all learners. Curriculum development using the RUSMP Learning Plan.

Long Title: CONTEMPORARY TOPICS IN K-12 SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1 TO 6

Description: Contemporary topics in grades K-12 SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS instruction - covers both content and pedagogy. Multiple sections are offered. Each section focuses on specific areas of instruction at specified grade levels. All sections include field studies, inquiry, curriculum development and implementation of instructional strategies in the classroom. Students may enroll in different sections for repeated credit. These courses do not count toward graduate degrees in Natural Science. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: CONTEMPORARY TOPICS IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL MATHEMATICS

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1 TO 6

Description: Mathematics topics related to and transcending high school mathematics. Active, student-centered, inquiry-based learning experiences using manipulatives and the latest technologies in a collaborative setting. Contemporary readings related to mathematics education. Problem-solving and motivational strategies, assessment, differentiated instruction, and questioning techniques to meet the needs of all learners. Curriculum development using the RUSMP Learning Plan.

Long Title: SEMINAR IN SCIENCE FOUNDATIONS

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 3

Description: SEMINAR IN SCIENCE FOUNDATIONS ***** Seminar with a team of university faculty and community-based scientists (in fields such as medicine, space, energy, and the environment) to increase understanding of scientific principles as they are applied in the scientific community of Houston and as they relate to secondary school science.

Long Title: TOPICS IN CONTEMPORARY ALGEBRA FOR IN-SERVICE TEACHERS

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1 TO 6

Description: Emphasis on function concepts through multiple representations and problem solving. Algebraic thinking and symbolic reasoning, underlying mathematical processes, and connections between algebra and the other mathematical strands. Active, student-centered, inquiry-based learning experiences using manipulatives and the latest technologies in a collaborative setting. Contemporary readings related to mathematics education.

Long Title: MANAGEMENT FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Department: Natural Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This course is for graduate and undergraduate students who want to understand the basics of management in new and/or small technology-based businesses and is particularly relevant to students who are interested in careers in technology or entrepreneurial ventures. NSCI 610/ENGI 610 is team taught to provide insight into how technology oriented firms manage people, projects, accounting, marketing, strategy, intellectual property, organizations and entrepreneurship. Student's active participation is essential. Students who take this course are eligible for MGMT 625. Please contact Dr. Harry Wilkinson: hewilkinson@sbcglobal.net. Cross-list: ENGI 610.