Life Science
Description
The study in life sciences examines and assesses the place of various organisms in the natural world. The courses examine evolutionary principles for a comprehensive model for understanding the origins of organisms and the changes they undergo. Science technicians use the principles and theories of science and mathematics to solve problems in research and development and to help invent and improve products and processes. However, their jobs are more practically oriented than those of scientists. Technicians set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments, monitor experiments, make observations, calculate and record results, and often develop conclusions. They must keep detailed logs of all of their work. Those who perform production work monitor manufacturing processes and may ensure quality by testing products for proper proportions of ingredients, for purity, or for strength and durability.
As laboratory instrumentation and procedures have become more complex, the role of science technicians in research and development has expanded. In addition to performing routine tasks, many technicians, under the direction of scientists, now develop and adapt laboratory procedures to achieve the best results, interpret data, and devise solutions to problems. Technicians must develop expert knowledge of laboratory equipment so that they can adjust settings when necessary and recognize when equipment is malfunctioning. Most science technicians specialize, learning their skills and working in the same disciplines in which scientists work.
Program Learning Outcomes
After completing the Life Sciences courses, students will be able to:
- Identify and explain the definitive characteristics of living organisms in a clear and concise manner.
- Demonstrate an understanding of evolution and its relationship to the unity and diversity of living organisms.
- Employ the scientific method by proposing hypotheses based on observations, testing the hypotheses, critical analyzing experimental data, and formulating conclusions based on the experimental data.
- Find, select, and evaluate various types of scientific information including research articles, mass media sources, and web information.
- Demonstrate the safe and correct operating procedures in the use and treatment of common lab equipment and materials.