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Welcome to Frontiers of Science

Frontiers of Science OnlineThis community-based Frontiers of Science (FOS) web site is a free resource for college science teachers who seek to access materials for undergraduate science instruction. The e-textbook, lectures, media, activities, problem sets, seminar guides, and other exemplary teaching materials on this site were generated for use in Columbia University's innovative core course, Frontiers of Science. Search for freely downloadable content based on discipline and/or resource type in the Navigation Toolbar above. Keyword-based and advanced search tools are also available.

Content highlights

Student Activities

Discover a wealth of student activities covering the primary scientific disciplines discussed in FOS. Activities include classroom seminar based work to individual student assignments.

Butterfly, bird, and plant declines.

Example: Wombats and Bees

In this assignment, students apply their understanding of samples, populations, and statistics to data from several different published studies of biodiversity.

Instructor Guides

Find teaching advice and tips ranging from effectively planning and leading discussions to developing successful exam questions.

Example: Discussing a Science Article from the Popular Press

This activity engages students as critical readers of popular science writing. Suggestions for an expanded assignment are given.

Video Lectures

Watch an extensive collection of full lecture videos from Columbia University's FOS faculty.

Example: The Human Brain at Work

In this first lecture video of three in the FOS neuroscience unit, Columbia University professor Darcy Kelley discusses how the nervous system takes in and interprets different types of signals from the outside world. Video transcripts and associated lecture files are also available.

Howard Hughes Medical InstituteSincere thanks to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) for granting an HHMI Professor award to Darcy B. Kelley, making it possible to develop Frontiers of Science and this community-based Frontiers of Science Web site.