History of the Science College
Since its creation 45 years ago, the number of students at the College has grown nearly sevenfold. Here's some background about the Science College.
Why create a Science College?
The Science College was created at a time when Concordia University was encouraging the formation of small cross-disciplinary academic units to address key questions of the day from multiple perspectives.
That's why from day one the Science College provided any students with a strong interest in science a unique opportunity to prepare themselves for a life of research, teaching or other pursuits in the field based on two essential beliefs:
- Students should participate in a “real-world” research setting starting in their first year to help them master the concept of scientific methodology.
- A diverse curriculum that encourages students to collaborate with other students and faculty from across disciplines is key to building their critical thinking skills.
Guiding principles
Borne from these beliefs a group of Concordia professors, led by Dr. Elaine Newman, developed the guiding principles of the Science College to which it still adheres:
- Science is a system of thought and not a collection of facts.
- Students should be thoroughly introduced to that system of thought.
- Science does not exist in a void but forms part of the human tradition.
- Students should be taught to view it in that light.
- Science education is traditionally compartmentalized into departments.
- In reality, science often crosses those borders and students must be taught as such.
- Scientific research is a collaborative endeavour.
- To help students thrive the College must create an environment that is encouraging, supportive and non-competitive.
Committment
Leveraging these guiding principles, the College founders set out to ensure that students would:
- Get involved in hands-on research for the length of their stay at the College.
- Complete at least 6 credits in the history and philosophy of science.
- Be required to take interdisciplinary courses designed specifically for them.
A new College emerges
A document that embodied the principles and committment of the College founders was first presented to the Arts and Science faculty council; then subsequently to the Concordia University Senate. It was subsequently approved on April 27, 1979.
To publicize the new Science College the Public Lecture series was created, which to this day remains one of the major public events at the College.
Steady growth in demand
With the passing years the demand for this type of program and the College itself has grown. Compared to 1979 when only 12 students were enrolled, today over 80 students are in the program.
Although this number may seem small it's kept that way with good reason. Fewer students allow for a highly individualized, intense learning experience — one in which they:
- Get to know and work with each other.
- Are encouraged to question the status quo.
- Acquire an overview of science as a whole.
- Participate in cutting-edge research in three different areas during their tenure.
In addition, it allows Science College alumni to pursue a broader range of career opportunities in Canada and abroad than they would have had in a traditional learning milieu.
A look back at the Science College's 40th Anniversary Gala
To mark four decades of excellence in teaching and innovation, the Science College held a special gala on May 4, 2019. The event brought together students, College members, alumni and friends for an evening of food, entertainment, speeches, dancing under the stars, and more.
Tributes
We celebrate the visionaries whose contributions were pivotal to the creation and success of the Science College.
