Natural Science 310: Science in Science Fiction

Approximate Schedule (please check web page regularly for updates)

Dates for quizzes and midterms may change.

Jan 22-Feb 18: Lectures on Introduction to science and science fiction

Jan 23, 25: Faculty furlough days (no class)

Feb 11: Quiz #1 Definition and history of science

Feb 18 : Quiz #2 Timescape

Feb 25 : Quiz #3 Definition, history, and genres of science fiction.

Mar 4: Quiz #4 The Dispossessed.

Mar 11: Quiz # 5: Quantum mechanics

Mar 18: Quiz #6 Special and general relativity

Mar 23 (note different date): MIDTERM. Will cover: science; science fiction; special and general relativity; quantum mechanics; Timescape; The Dispossessed.

Mar 25: Quiz # 7 Ringworld

SPRING BREAK

April 8: Quiz #8: Red Mars. Organize into small groups; distribute, discuss theses.

April 15: Quiz #9: Astronomy and cosmology

April 20 Quiz # 10 : evolution. Small groups distribute, discuss outlines.

April 22: Film: Sleep Dealers (extra credit question on final exam)

April 27: Film: Gattaca (extra credit question on final exam)

Apr 29: small groups hand out first drafts; Quiz #11 Brave New World

May 4: Small groups discuss first draft

May 6: Quiz # 12: Genetics and cloning.

May 11: Quiz # 13: Misc (extra credit). Term paper due.

May 18, 10:30-12:30: Final exam. Covers lectures + Red Mars, Ringworld, and Brave New World.