19 undergraduate courses in the 2025–26 Undergraduate Calendar.
SCI 200Energy - Its Development, Use, and Issues0.50 units
A survey course which deals with energy resources, their conversion into energy products and their use in today's industrial societies. In light of the Energy Technology Perspectives (ETP) Model, energy supply demand, and conservation constraints, the use of non-renewable fossil and nuclear fuels, biofuels and other renewable fuels (wind, hydraulic, solar) will be reviewed and technical and social issues arising from their use explored. This course should prepare students to analyze and deal with the many contradictory energy usage claims and decide for themselves the best course of energy use.
SCI 201Global Warming and Climate Change0.50 units
This course will survey a broad spectrum of topics relating to global climate change, with an emphasis on the scientific approaches to address this issue. Topics covered will include natural and anthropogenic causes of climate change, monitoring methods, current and low emission alternatives of energy production. The scientific, economic, public and political aspects of implementation of carbon capture and storage technology and other geo-engineering options to mitigate climate change will also be discussed.
Antirequisites
Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
A practical introduction to everyday technology, this course will look at the physics behind common devices used in consumer products and industry. Examples include air conditioners, microwave ovens, household wiring, nuclear reactors, and medical imaging.
SCI 207Physics, the Universe, and Everything0.50 units
How does the universe work? How can it even exist? What is the ultimate nature of reality? This course explores big picture questions that connect humanity to the nature of the physical world. Beginning with introduction to Einstein's ideas and the quantum nature of the universe, this course considers how physicists tackle some of the mysteries (e.g., existence itself) and challenges (e.g., the world's energy problem) in science today.
No mathematics or other specialized knowledge is required.
SCI 211Traditional Medicines Land-Based Field Course0.50 units
A four-day land-based field course. Students will engage with Indigenous instructors and community members to learn traditional medicine knowledges. Delivery will be blended with online preparatory lectures. Land-based learning, and teaching circles with Indigenous Knowledge Holders.
For further information, contact the Science Indigenous Initiatives Manager.
SCI 227Chemistry in Society: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow0.50 units
This course surveys the impact of chemistry on our lives and explores the role of chemists and the chemical sciences in addressing the past and especially the present and future needs of society. Topics will vary from year to year, but will be drawn from the following critical areas: food, energy, materials, health, and the environment.
Prerequisites
Must have completed the following: Grade 12 Chemistry
SCI 230Global Aspects of Technological Innovation and Entrepreneurship0.50 units
This concentrated 18-day block course features a combination of academic study, group work, and field trips in Southern Ontario and Israel. The course focuses on cultural exchange and experiential learning on technological scientific innovation and entrepreneurship where students will interact with companies with a global impact. Students will examine different approaches to transforming scientific innovations into useful products.
An introduction to geological concepts; the influence of geological factors on the natural environment; Earth processes and natural hazards; Earth resources, including water, energy and mineral resources; waste disposal and pollution; global climatic and environmental change.
Quantum mechanics is driving a technological revolution. This course offers an introduction to the basic concepts of quantum mechanics from a historical and philosophical perspective. The course will supply the background needed to understand the controversies surrounding the interpretation of quantum mechanics as well as the principles behind the cutting-edge research being carried out at the Perimeter Institute and the University of Waterloo.
The ancient Greeks developed scientific theories that were influential for over a thousand years. Their worldview was different from ours, but they sought to explain some of the same phenomena that we grapple with today. In this course, we will study ancient Greek theories and methodologies in the sciences, which may include physics, astronomy, mathematics, meteorology, cosmology, astrology, and geography.
SCI 267Introduction to the Philosophy of Science0.50 units
This course considers fundamental questions concerning the nature of science. Consideration is given to such topics as scientific methodology, scientific revolutions, natural laws, and the debate about whether scientific theories represent reality, or just our perceptions of reality.
This special topic field course of broad interests will provide students with hands-on field experience, a connection with experts, and, alternative learning modes, relevant to all students in the Faculty of Science.
For further information, consult the Science Undergraduate Office.
This special topic field course of broad interests will provide students with hands-on field experience, a connection with experts, and, alternative learning modes, relevant to all students in the Faculty of Science.
For further information, consult the Science Undergraduate Office.
These special topics courses will cover material relevant to all students in the Faculty of Science. Course content is not specific to an individual program.
For further information, consult the Science Undergraduate Office.
These special topics courses will cover material relevant to all students in the Faculty of Science. Course content is not specific to an individual program.
For further information, consult the Science Undergraduate Office.