Physical and Natural World (PN)

In the Physical and Natural World (PN) category of the University Studies Program (USP), students will understand the fundamental concepts of scientific and quantitative inquiry and develop the ability to understand the relevance of scientific and technological, and quantitative skills to contemporary society.

Required Student Learning Outcomes

In order to meet the Physical and Natural World requirement, courses must meet three of the five Physical and Natural World Student Learning Outcomes and two of the six Critical and Creative Thinking student learning outcomes.

Physical and Natural World Student Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the principles of the scientific method.
  • Formulate and test ideas through analysis and interpretation of the data
  • Use scientific and quantitative logic to examine contemporary problems.
  • Use quantitative data analysis as the basis for making critical judgements and drawing conclusions.
  • Examine the impact of technology on science and society.

Critical and Creative Thinking Student Learning Outcomes

  • Access diverse information through focused research, active discussion, and collaboration with peers.
  • Separate facts from inferences and relevant from irrelevant information, and explain the limitations of information.
  • Evaluate the credibility, accuracy, and reliability of conclusions drawn from information.
  • Recognized and synthesize multiple perspectives to develop innovative viewpoints.
  • Analyze one’s own and others’ assumptions, and evaluate the relevance of contexts when presenting a position.
  • Communicate ideas in writing using appropriate documentation.

Policies

USP Policies:

  • Courses may be required for the major, but cannot be taken from the major department.

PN Application Form

PN Courses (Updated 3/1/24)

For more information, please contact Chrissy Wade, USP Chair or Jake Hayden, USP Coordinator.