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Science Engagement

Courses

SCIB01H3

SCIB02H3

Coordinator: K. Persaud Email: scieng@utsc.utoronto.ca
Website: www.utsc.utoronto.ca/tlsweb/science_engagement.html
Science Engagement is a trans-disciplinary approach to science education. The goal of Science Engagement is to deepen students' knowledge by helping them actively engage in science as scientists, themselves. Through a range of activities, we simultaneously strengthen the U of T Scarborough research endeavour, reach out to our communities and broaden the way we help our undergraduates learn science. There are two major categories of activities: Team Research and Service Learning (which includes both Community Outreach and Classroom In-reach).
Team Research
A group of 3-5 students work as a team to develop and/or implement a project. Faculty members provide general guidance, and students meet weekly with a graduate student. Participation requires (1) registration in a supervised study course offered by the departments of Biological Sciences, Computer & Mathematical Sciences, Physical and Environmental Sciences or Psychology, (2) acceptance of the Science Engagement application form which can be downloaded from the website, (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/tlsweb/science_engagement.html) and should be emailed to scieng@utsc.utoronto.ca. GPA and communication skills will also be considered.
Service Learning
Service Learning is a pedagogical approach which links discipline-specific concepts and approaches with direct practice through the continual, transformative process of critical reflection. Through Science Engagement, students can carry out their service and actively apply their academic knowledge in either of two ways:

Community Outreach, where students bring concepts and approaches taught in the science classroom to science interested parties within the off-campus community such as area schools, NGOs, community groups and laboratories or
Classroom In-reach, where students deepen their knowledge by using their own educational experience in a completed UTSC undergraduate science course to enrich the learning of students currently in that course.

Both SCIB01H and SCIB02H involve a 7-8 hrs/wk placement component and a 2 hrs/wk in-class component.
Students enrol in Team Research using the course code of the supervised study course offered by their department. Students enrol in Service Learning courses (Outreach & In-reach) using the course codes listed below (SCIB01H3 & SCIB02H3 respectively). For placement opportunities and complete application procedures, students should visit the website: www.utsc.utoronto.ca/tlsweb/science_engagement.html.

SCIB01H3 Science Engagement Outreach
A service learning course in which students bring concepts taught in the science classroom to science-interested parties within the community such as area schools, laboratories, NGOs and government departments. Problem-solving, professional communication and self-reflective learning skills will be developed. Evaluation is based on participation, self-reflective writing and project portfolio creation.
Limited enrolment: 30
Prerequisite: (1) Completion of 4.0 full credits & (2) selection of a U of T Scarborough major or specialist subject POSt offered by Biological Sciences, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Physical and Environmental Sciences, or Psychology & (3) acceptance of the Science Engagement application form which can be downloaded from the website, (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/tlsweb/science_engagement.html">www.utsc.utoronto.ca/tlsweb/science_engagement.html) and should be emailed to scieng@utsc.utoronto.ca. GPA and communication skills will also be considered.

SCIB02H3 Science Engagement In-reach
A service-learning course in which students deepen their knowledge by using their own educational experience in a completed science course to enrich the learning of students currently in that course. Evaluation is based on self-reflective writing, learning-aids produced and project portfolio. To participate in SCIB02H , students must have attained a grade of 70% or better in the course they wish to be placed.
Limited enrolment: 30
Prerequisite: (1) Completion of 4.0 full credits & (2) selection of a U of T Scarborough major or specialist subject POSt offered by Biological Sciences, Computer & Mathematical Sciences, Physical & Environmental Sciences, or Psychology & (3) acceptance of the Science Engagement application form which can be downloaded from the website, (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/tlsweb/science_engagement.html">www.utsc.utoronto.ca/tlsweb/science_engagement.html) and should be emailed to scieng@utsc.utoronto.ca. GPA and communication skills will also be considered.

Published Wednesday July 23rd, 2008 Section last updated Fri Feb 22, 2008

Calendar 2008-2009
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