COS 301: Great Ideas in Science

COS 301-K01: Great Ideas in Science
(Fall 2026)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R

Mason Korea (119 Songdomunhwa-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, Korea) TBA

View the schedule of classes

Section Information for Fall 2026

This course is part of the Mason Core curriculum and fulfills requirements for Natural Science Overview, which explores the importance of scientific discoveries and how they impact our everyday lives, from family and health to work and beyond. Understanding the basics of science is not just for academic purposes; it’s a practical tool that helps you make informed decisions about health, safety, and the environment. Our goal is to provide you with a solid foundation in science that you can apply to natural phenomena you encounter in daily life and in media reports. 

We'll cover key scientific concepts without getting bogged down in complex terms or math. Instead, we’ll focus on the core principles, the essence of scientific inquiry, the value of scientific facts, and the process of scientific discovery to acquire knowledge. This course is designed to be directly applicable to your everyday experiences, making it both relevant and practical. 


As a vital part of the Mason Core curriculum, this course is intended to develop your lifelong learning skills in science, helping you integrate scientific ideas into various aspects of your life. Whether or not you pursue a career in science, understanding scientific principles is crucial, as they influence every aspect of our lives. You don't need to be a scientist to appreciate the profound impact of science and to participate in the ongoing journey of scientific discovery. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to meet the following learning outcomes: 


1. Understand how scientific inquiry is based on the investigation of evidence from the natural world, and that scientific knowledge and understanding: 
• a) evolved based on new evidence 
• b) differs from personal and cultural beliefs 
2. Recognize the scope and limits of science. 
3. Recognize and articulate the relationship between the natural sciences and society, and the application of science to societal challenges (e.g., health, conservation, sustainability, energy, natural disasters, etc.). 
4. Evaluate scientific information (e.g., distinguish primary and secondary sources, assess credibility and validity of information). 
5. Participate in scientific inquiry and communicate the elements of the process, including: 
• a) Making careful and systematic observations 
• b) Developing and testing a hypothesis 
• c) Analyzing evidence 
• d) Interpreting results 

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Nontechnical introduction to ideas that have shaped the growth of science, from the building of Stonehenge to modern theories of the Big Bang. The idea behind each major advance is treated in its historical context, with special attention to its importance in mankind's understanding of the nature of the universe. Intended for nonscience majors; uses little mathematics. COS 301 is the new course number for PROV 301: Great Ideas in Science. Offered by College of Science. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Natural Science Overview
Recommended Prerequisite: Classification as a sophomore or higher.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.