This course explores the modern practice of science. The course focuses on the use of the scientific method; the history of science; how, why and where research is conducted; the ethical protocol in the scientific process; how peer review works; and how to formulate scientifically testable hypotheses and design/perform experiments to test the hypotheses. Students will apply the scientific method in inquiry-based laboratory projects and will communicate research design, data collection, and data interpretation in conventional scientific formats.