SCI 300 - Special Topics

Gain practical experience that works for you!

SCI 300 courses offer a more practical learning experience while allowing you to choose your area of study and direct your own learning. These courses will help you develop and demonstrate skills to make the most of your learning journey. 

Getting started

  • Review the course information below and complete the SCI 300 course details form for either course.
  • Begin the planning process for SCI 300 - Community Engagement now to be prepared for September!
  • Note: SCI 300 - Capstone Project is a 2-part course. Both Fall and Winter enrolment are required to complete the course. 
CEE students in TC- students discussing and brainstorming in front of a white board in TC

SCI 300: Science Community Engagement

Earn credit for volunteer or paid work while defining the skills you wish to develop from the Waterloo’s future talent ready framework. Based on the student led individually created course (SLICC) framework, this course allows you to co-create your learning journey by intentionally planning for the development of key lifelong learning competencies. 

SCI 300: Science Community Engagement FAQs

What kind of placement is acceptable for this course?

  • The placement requires you to perform at least 100 hours during the term. Ideally, this will be completed in regular intervals throughout this period (10 hours per week). 
  • The placement can be in any area.

  • The placement must be confirmed and ready to start at the beginning of the Fall 2024 term. If you already have an ongoing position that will extend for the Fall 2024 term, that is acceptable, too.

  • The placement cannot be a co-op position, because you are already receiving a credit for your co-op degree from that placement.  

What documents do I have to submit?

You must have documented evidence of your placement. The documentation must briefly describe the position, scope of work, and number of hours per week/month/term (whichever is most appropriate). It should be signed by a supervisor.

What is required in addtion to my placement?

Students will be expected to complete weekly reflections, a written proposal, a midterm report and a final report.

Can the placement be paid?

The placement can be volunteer or paid, as long as it allows 100 hours minimum to be performed.

How do I enroll in this course?

  • Submit the web form at the bottom of the page.
  • Professor Robert Hill will review the submission and contact you.
  • Once approved, the registrar's office will add you into the course.

What are the responsibilites of the instructor?

  • The instructor is responsible for defining the broad learning outcomes around which the students will build their SLICCs. 
  • They provide extensive feedback on the proposal and midterm report.  
  • They help students to reflect on their learning process and their growth and development throughout the course. 
  • Instructors are not responsible for supervising the work performed during the placement. 

SCI 300: Capstone Project

Solve interdisciplinary problems and connect with students across all faculties. In this course, students work as a group to formulate an interdisciplinary problem, develop and design a project proposal and plan, and function effectively as a team to solve real world problems. 

SCI 300: Capstone project FAQs

Course Description

Students work together in small groups to solve an interdisciplinary problem related to the field of science. During the course, students will use research to identify root causes and communicate a real-world opportunity or problem. Students will create an attainable project proposal plan that addresses the communicated opportunity based on the needs identified for a preferred solution. Students will manage the project’s technical, non-technical, and/or regulatory risks using tools and techniques to deliver a report and presentation that summarizes the completed work (Fall). In the second part of the course, students will demonstrate their ability to apply the design cycle to their selected problem, including stakeholder validation, prototyping, and poster-style presentation with group members to discuss the project (Winter). Students will apply interpersonal skills and work effectively as a team member or team leader of an interdisciplinary team.

SCI 300 Course Details Form

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Which SCI 300 Special Topics course are you interested in?
Prerequisites

Select all that apply
Have you secured a placement?

Note: Students' placements must be confirmed by September 6th, 2024
Please let us know if you have any questions.