MNS 122: Introduction to Biology. This course is an introduction to the science of biology. Topics covered will include: the structure of experiments, both field and lab, hypothesis testing, basic statistics, DNA and Mendelian genetics. Special emphasis will be placed on hypothesis testing, and the role of adaptation in understanding biological systems. (3 Credits, Fall. Pre-requisite: none. Beresford.)

MNS 125: Principles of Natural Science (3 Credits. This course has been replaced by MNS 225: Principles of Natural Science.)

MNS 130: Introduction to Environmental Science. This is an environmental science course based on historical and philosophical considerations, and relevant scientific theory. The modern world has brought with it the threat of environmental disaster in many forms: invasive species, chemical pollution, extinctions, genetically modified food, climate change, air and water contamination, and the threat of overpopulation. The complexity of these issues often produces an information overload that can induce us to seek for simplistic solutions. Yet it is this complexity that demands from us clear reasoning. An important part of this process is to understand the scientific evidence surrounding these issues. In addition, we have the benefit of the rich history and experience of Christianity. Indeed, the Christian underpinnings of the environmentalist movement in the modern world are not always understood.  In this course we will examine the Christian origins of modern environmentalism and use a scientific metric to assess the validity of the ideas under study. The course is lecture and seminar based, with a workshop. (3 Credits, Winter. Recommended: either MNS 122: Introduction to Biology or MNS 125/MNS 225: Principles of Natural Science.) [NB:  This course is offered only in alternate years.  After this academic year, it will next be offered in 2013-2014.] 

MNS 140: Fundamentals of Mathematics.   Designed for students who need to fulfill the core requirement in mathematics, the course focuses on quantitative reasoning, mathematical literacy, and the role of mathematics in the Western intellectual tradition and in today’s society.  (Not open to students with Grade 12 U- or M-level mathematics or equivalent with a minimum grade of 60%, part-time students, first-year students, students taking another mathematics course at OLSWA, or students who have taken an OLSWA mathematics course with a passing grade.)  Students who have passed this course may take another OLSWA mathematics course, with permission of the instructor. (3 Credits. Full-Year.  Pre-requisite: none. Probert.) [NB:  This course is offered only in alternate years. After this year, it will next be offered 2013-2014.]

MNS 145: Euclidean Geometry. This course studies selected books from Euclid’s Elements. Topics covered include plane geometry, the theory of proportions and classical mathematicsarithmetic. Students will also examine how mathematics is related to philosophical issues. (3 Credits, Full-Year. Pre-requisite: none. Probert /Beresford. Next offered in 2012-2013.)

MNS 146: Statistics. An introduction to descriptive statistics and the logic of statistical inference.  Basic statistical techniques common to the behavioural sciences are covered. (3 credits, Full-Year.  Probert.) [NB:  This course is offered only in alternate years. After this year, it will next be offered 2013-2014.]

MNS 148: Calculus: A Liberal Art. An introduction to the basic concepts and methods of calculus for students in a liberal arts program at the university level. The intended student will have had no previous experience or training in calculus. Topics include: functions, limits, continuity, inequalities, graphs, optimization, derivatives, instantaneous change, differentiation rules, antiderivatives, integrals, integration methods, and the nature of mathematical thought and discovery. (3 Credits, Full-year. Pre-requisite: none. Probert. Next offered in 2012-2013.)

MNS 222: Behaviour and Distribution. This course builds on topics covered in either the summer field course or fall introductory course. Topics covered will include systematics, competition and facilitation, individuals and populations, spatial distributions, and biology of invasive species. (3 Credits. Pre-requisite: MNS 122: Introduction to Biology, or MNS 123: Introduction to Field Biology, or permission of the instructor. Not offered 2011-2012.)

MNS 225: Principles of Natural Science. The nature of scientific knowledge, knowledge gained through reason and verified by experimentation and experience, is the subject of this course. Drawing upon the sciences of astronomy, biology, and physics, for example, fundamental scientific principles, concepts, theories and hypotheses put forward by various thinkers to describe the natural world will be examined. The course will include an examination of the implications of these principles with regards to the harmony that should exist between science and revelation, and between faith and reason. (3 Credits, Full-Year. Pre-requisite: none. Meenan.)