The classes that UNE allows students to take implements the liberal arts model well. In BIO 105 Lab students need to work together in order to figure out labs and find an outcome. Students in the class need to use applications that will help them in the real world. Some of the learning outcomes of laboratory sciences include: “a functional understanding of the scientific method,” “conceptual and practical knowledge of course topics and describe ethical implications of human interactions with the natural world,” and,” scientific literacy and the ability to communicate” (CAS Core Handbook 14). The scientific method is applied in labs, discussion on how organisms and climate change impacts the environment and therefore its people is had, and students are required to discuss their results and how it impacts us. Another real life application skill used in the class is using Excel. Excel is a widely popular tool that many people use, however, can be difficult to use. It’s important for students to learn how to use Excel for future applications, but also to learn how to overcome challenges. Another class, is statistics, where the preferred outcomes are, “mathematical reasoning,” “interpret mathematical information and draw conclusions,” and, “communicate mathematically” (CAS Core Handbook 16). However, this class isn’t as challenging due to the fact that it provides tools that does work for the students like “StatCrunch” that calculates everything for students just by putting in numbers. There is problem solving, but with the tools provided, decision making and problem is easy. Students do learn mathematical symbols and are able to apply mathematical reasoning. Statistics is an important course because it can help students calculate probabilities of possible outcomes and help with applications later on in life. Overall the courses provided by UNE do a good job with using the liberal arts model.
Ungar, Sanford J. “7 Major Misperceptions About the Liberal Arts.” The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Chronicle of Higher Education, 28 Feb. 2010, www.chronicle.com/article/7-Major-Misperceptions-About/64363.
