19 undergraduate courses in the 2026–27 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.
Climate change is one of the most profound environmental and social issues affecting communities, nations and individuals. This course is an introduction to this global challenge, including its scientific underpinnings, history, potential impacts on natural systems and human societies around the world, and two societal responses: adaptation and greenhouse gas mitigation. Opportunities to develop sustainable resilient communities, as well as Canadian climate change policy responses, will be highlighted.
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 that will affect everyone. This course offers an introduction to the basic concepts of quantum mechanics from a historical and philosophical perspective. Students will use a variety of materials (e.g., articles, simulations, videos) to learn about distinctive features of quantum physics. In class discussions and assessments, students will explore controversies surrounding the interpretation of quantum mechanics and develop an understanding of the principles behind the quantum research being conducted here in 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
The sciences are widely considered to be one of our best sources of knowledge about the world. In this course, students will investigate the nature of scientific knowledge. Topics may include scientific methodology, the roles of values and social factors in scientific knowledge production, scientific revolutions, scientific explanation, and the scientific realism debate about whether our best scientific theories describe reality. Through readings and class discussions, students will learn how to apply and evaluate a range of accounts of how scientific knowledge is produced. In-class activities and assessments will develop students’ reading comprehension, as well as their oral and written communication skills.
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.