Natural Sciences: NSC

Lower-Division Courses

NSC X01C. Freshman Seminar.

Small-group seminar involving reading, discussion, writing, and oral reports. Introduction to University resources, including libraries, computer and research facilities, and museums. Several sections are offered each semester, with various topics and instructors.

NSC X01F. Experiential Learning.

Course may include research, career and networking events, student and community speakers, and other subjects related science. Emphasis on student participation.

NSC X01S. Natural Sciences Seminar.

Seminars may include study sessions, career and networking events, student and community speakers, and other subjects related to issues for students in science. Emphasis on student participation.

NSC X02. Texas Interdisciplinary Plan: Critical Thinking Seminar.

An examination of fundamental concepts in critical thinking, including the role of intellectual virtues, an analysis of the elements of thought, Socratic thinking, and the application of universal intellectual standards.

NSC X03. Creative Communication of Scientific Research.

Learn to communicate about science, technology, and medicine to broad audiences in order to increase understanding of the impact these fields have on human lives.

NSC X06. Dialogue Across Difference: Identity, Power, and Privilege.

Explore frameworks, terminology, critical thinking, and empathy tools for engaging in productive conversations around difficult subjects related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Examine DEI resources, issues, and challenges across campus.

NSC X07. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Capstone.

Use critical, reflective thinking, and effective problem solving to: identify a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issue on campus or in the community to address and propose a solution or steps toward a solution; develop leadership in the DEI concentration; facilitate debriefs of DEI events and assist with concentration development.

NSC X07J. The Effective Health Care Professional.

Introduction to careers in the health professions. Discuss the intra- and inter- personal core competencies of the professions sought in healthcare providers. Work on the critical reasoning skills needed to succeed on reading comprehension and situational judgment tests found on traditional professional school placement exams.

NSC X07K. Thriving in a Collaborative Healthcare Environment.

Introduction to the collaborative relationship between the health professions. Work on the critical reasoning skills needed to succeed on reading comprehension and situational judgment tests found on traditional professional school placement exams.

NSC X07M. Introduction to the Health Professions Action Plan.

Discuss the steps necessary to complete a competitive application to professional school including the generation of an effective application, personal statement, and the refinement of skills for a successful professional school interview.

NSC X08. Topics in Natural Sciences.

NSC X08.1. Capstone Prospectus Seminar.

Seminar to prepare students for their capstone project by helping them develop a research prospectus, identify faculty mentors, and develop a target list of journals for publication of a report on their research.

NSC X08.2. Evidence and Inquiry Proposal Seminar.

Development of compelling, cross-disciplinary, and academically feasible questions of interest outside student's major area of study; design a field of study around those questions; and write a field proposal for faculty review.

NSC X09. Topics in Natural Science.

NSC X09.1. Planning Your Capstone Experience.

Develop a feasible capstone experience and consult with subject matter experts. Explore substantive writing instruction to develop a proposal that describes and justifies the capstone experience.

NSC X09.2. Health Science Scholars Capstone Experience Preparation.

Explore and determine a viable capstone experience to prepare for the honors thesis. Consult with subject matter experts. Receive substantial writing instruction to develop a written proposal that defends the capstone experience.

NSC X09.3. Natural Sciences Ethics Seminar.

NSC X09.4. Polymathic Capstone Field Invention.

Guidance in developing a feasible interdisciplinary field of study and consulting with faculty who are familiar with the field. Substantive writing instruction to develop a proposal that describes and justifies the interdisciplinary field of study.

NSC X09.5. Introduction to Applied Problem Solving.

Introduction to applied problem-solving with a focus on critical thinking and ethical reasoning on issues relevant to college students.

NSC X09P. Topics in Calculus for Emerging Scholars.

A workshop focusing on ideas more than computation and procedures, where students work in small groups on sets of problems designed to encourage advanced thinking about calculus.

NSC X10E. Internship in the Sciences.

Practical work experience related to the student's area of interest in natural sciences. Internships may be on or off campus, paid or unpaid, and may include work with nonprofit agencies, government offices, or private corporations. Students work in a professional environment and apply analysis, communication, and other academic skills to practical work.

NSC X10H. Topics in Natural Sciences Honors Seminar.

Emphasis on student participation. Format may include student speakers, outside speakers, discussions, visits to laboratories, or other enrichment activities.

NSC X10H.1. Dean's Scholars First-Year Seminar.

NSC X10H.2. Health Science Scholars First-Year Seminar.

NSC X10H.3. Polymathic Scholars First-Year Seminar.

NSC X11. Critical Reasoning.

An examination of the fundamental concepts in critical reasoning, including the analysis of argument, application of intellectual standards, and the role of intellectual virtues.

NSC X15. Women in Natural Sciences Seminar.

The work and lives of women scientists in a sociocultural context.

NSC X18C. Topics in Forum Seminar Series.

Lectures and discussions on various contemporary issues. Emphasis on multidisciplinary perspectives and critical discourse.

NSC X19. Topics in International Learning Seminars.

Discussion of various issues related tot he academic, cultural, and personal aspects of completing academic work in international locations.

NSC X19S. Topics in Natural Science.

To record credit earned while enrolled at another institution in a program administered by the University's Study Abroad Office. Credit is recorded as assigned by the study abroad advisor in the College of Natural Science. University credit is awarded for work in an exchange program; it may be counted as coursework taken in residence. Transfer credit is awarded for work in an affiliated studied program.

Upper-Division Courses

NSC X20E. Internship in the Sciences.

Practical work experience related to the student's area of interest in Natural Sciences. Internships may be on or off campus, paid or unpaid, and may include work with nonprofit agencies, government offices, or private corporations. Students work in a professional environment and apply analysis, communication, and other academic skills to practical work.

NSC X21. Introduction to Peer Mentoring and Leadership.

Explores current theory and research related to peer mentoring and leadership within higher education. Includes interactive lectures; and the opportunity for students to identify and work through ethical choices as peer leaders; to study leadership concepts such as conflict resolution, diversity, and group dynamics; to work collaboratively; and to conduct independent research.

NSC X22. Natural Science Topics.

NSC X23. Natural Sciences Topics.

NSC X23.1. Polymathic Capstone Thesis Preparation Seminar.

Supports the research process to identify a faculty mentor, define appropriate thesis topics, develop an annotated bibliography, draft a thesis proposal, and develop an initial plan for drafting thesis.

NSC X24. Natural Sciences Topics.

NSC X25. Topics in Inventors Program Practicum.

Design, research, prototype, and test a STEM-related product or solution.

NSC X26. Introduction to Scientific Programming.

Introduction to programming using both the C and Fortran (95/2003) languages, with applications to basic scientific problems. Discuss common data types and structures, control structures, algorithms, performance measurement, and interoperability.

NSC X29. Topics in International Learning Seminars.

Discussion of various issues related to the academic, cultural, and personal aspects of completing academic work in international locations.

NSC X29S. Topics in Natural Science.

Used to record credit the student earns while enrolled at another institution in a program administered by the University's Study Abroad Office. Credit is recorded as assigned by the study abroad advisor in the College of Natural Science. University credit is awarded for work in an exchange program; it may be counted as coursework taken in residence. Transfer credit is awarded for work in an affiliated studies program.

NSC X35. Scientific and Technical Computing.

Introduction to computing techniques and methods applicable to many scientific disciplines and technical applications. Discuss computer hardware and operating systems, systems software and tools, code development, numerical methods and math libraries, and basic visualization and data analysis tools.

NSC X71. Capstone Thesis Seminar.

Directed reading, research, and discussion followed by the writing of a substantial thesis.

Graduate Courses

NSC X88C. Science Communications Seminar.

Professional development supplemental to primary studies. Designed to develop skills in the effective communication of scientific concepts.

NSC X88D. Science Communications Practicum.

Professional development supplemental to primary studies. May be taking concurrently with the Science Communication Seminar. Opportunities to focus on skill development while receiving constructive assessment and evaluation.

NSC X88E. Professional Ethics and Social Responsibility in Research.

NSC X88G. Concentration on Science in Public Policy.

NSC X88J. Concentration in Science in Public Policy.

Identify and articulate the relevance of scientific scholarship to public policy.

NSC X88L. Introduction to Evidence-Based Teaching.

Designed for graduate students interested in learning to teach science and mathematics effectively in their own courses, rather than as Teaching Assistants. Subjects include defining learning objectives, designing learning tasks, observing classrooms to identify effective teaching strategies, and practice teaching. Intended for graduate students in the College of Natural Sciences.

NSC X88M. Mentoring Undergraduate Researchers.

Aims to develop graduate students' skills in mentoring undergraduates and other junior participants in STEM research. Explores how to define suitable projects, establish appropriate relationships, set expectations, encourage communication, balance guidance with independence, and address diversity and ethical issues in mentoring.

NSC X88P. Leading People and Organizations.

Professional development supplemental to primary studies. Designed for graduate students in STEM disciplines. Explores the knowledge and skills necessary for scientists to manage and lead effectively within organizations.

NSC X88S. Strategic Management.

Professional development supplemental to primary studies. Designed to help students develop general management skills such as managing change strategically, implementing strategy, and addressing long-term health of an organization.

NSC X88T. Mentored Teaching.

Designed for graduate students who have completed NSC-088L Introduction to Evidence-Based Teaching, or its equivalent. Each student will design, teach, and conduct assessment of an instructional unit (~3 hours of class time) in an undergraduate CNS course, working in collaboration with the faculty member acting as instructor of record. Intended for graduate students in the College of Natural Sciences.

NSC X88V. STEM Professional Development.

NSC X98D. Investigating Career Options for STEM Advanced Degrees.

Professional Courses

NSC X80. Topics in Research for Independent Study.

Produce group and individual projects in research design, research methodologies, and research execution. Practice in a professional position under supervision.