This FIG is designed for students who do not intend to major in a science discipline but who are still interested in becoming "scientifically literate." This FIG will help develop critical thinking skills and scientific literacy, especially with respect to how scientific issues are reported in the media. We are faced with apparent contradiction: as science learns more and more about the world around us, a smaller and smaller fraction of the general population can actually comprehend primary scientific reports. If we are to be informed citizens, we must be able to critically evaluate scientific issues that relate to public policy and to our increasingly technological world. The "synthesizing course" of this FIG will help bridge the gap between professional scientists and the public at large. If you are not a science major, you will benefit from an enhanced ability to consider complex issues without bias. Zoology 101 will provide you with a basic understanding of animal biology as well as an introduction to scientific methodology, while Philosophy 210 will formally introduce you to critical thinking strategies. In this FIG, you will examine real-world examples with which to test your analytical skills.

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