UNAS 1120 New Scientific Visions I/Perspectives IV
A two-semester sequence (Fall PHIL1119-UNAS1120 and Spring PHIL1121-UNAS1122) Total of 6 credits each term Can the study of modern mathematics and the natural sciences prove to be a genuine liberation of the human spirit? This unusual question will form the central theme of this course. The course will explore major developments in the fields of mathematics, biology, physics, chemistry, and the earth and space sciences from ancient Greece, through the modern scientific revolutions of the seventeenth century, and into the twentieth century achievements and paradoxes of modern number theory, the discovery of DNA, relativity theories, quantum mechanics, and contemporary cosmologies.
Course overview
- Department
- University
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Every Fall
Catalog details
- Corequisites
- PHIL1119
- Satisfies core
- Natural Science
Requirements fulfilled
- University Core: Natural Science (All undergraduates)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.60 / 5 · Excellent
- Instructor rating
- 4.72 / 5 · Excellent
- Terms evaluated
- 4
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Daniel Mckaughan | 4.6 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 4–6 hrs/week | 23 of 25 |
| Fall 2025 | Holly Vandewall | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4–6 hrs/week | 22 of 25 |
| Fall 2024 | Holly Vandewall | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4–6 hrs/week | 26 of 38 |
| Fall 2023 | Daniel Mckaughan | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 9 of 15 |
| Fall 2023 | Holly Vandewall | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 21 of 24 |
| Fall 2021 | Holly Vandewall | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4–6 hrs/week | 16 of 34 |