Members of the Tucson community can now audit University of Arizona science classes for reduced tuition, and enrollment for the fall semester has begun.
The new program, called Community Science Scholars, offers about 24 sections each semester through more than 10 different departments in the College of Science including astronomy, atmospheric sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, computer science, ecology, geosciences, math, planetary sciences, neuroscience, molecular and cellular biology, and hydrology and water sciences.
The push for a more formal classroom experience is what drove this initiative, said Chris Impey, associate dean of the College of Science.
“The demand came from the same people who go to the College of Science Lecture Series, the Galileo Circle, the college’s supporters and the people taking Osher Lifelong Learning Institute classes and want something more substantial.”
“I’ve always wanted to learn,” said John McCauley, a retired electrical engineer and computer programmer for IBM. McCauley is a member of the lifelong learning institute and also attends the humanities seminars.
“A lot has happened since we went to school,” McCauley said, which is why he wants to return.
For example, when he was last in school, plate tectonics was not yet an established theory and the existence of planets around other stars was science fiction.
McCauley is not alone. Many others are looking for a way to direct their curiosity.
“We have no trouble filling Centennial Hall for the College of Science Lecture Series, which always surprises me.” Impey said. “Especially last year which was on quantum mechanics, which is not trivial.”
Often times, these lectures overflow into another auditorium where they are live streamed to the audience.
This is the anticipated market for these classes, but anyone can enroll.
And while the demand seems high, no UA undergraduate will be denied a seat because of an auditor, Impey said.
A non-degree-seeking auditor enrolls in Community Campus and can only take 7 units a year, meaning only one class a semester at most.
An estimated three to five auditor seats for an average class will be available for the more than 2 dozen sections available in the fall.
“It could grow from there,” Impey said. “It will be governed by demand basically.”
One credit hour costs $150.
“It’s a non-trivial amount for a 3 unit class — $450 — but the demand seems to be there,” Impey said, “And (it’s) a fraction of full tuition or even UA online.”
Auditors will also have access to the recreation center and libraries, a UA email account and a CatCard for $25.
Auditors have a few options for parking. They can buy a permit, pay at a parking garage every day, obtain a “Park and Ride” permit or carpool with another auditor.
The semester starts Monday, August 21.
