ASU Leverages Innovation and Creativity to Build Academic Profile

LetsGoDU readers may be stunned to learn that the University of Denver and Arizona State University (ASU), the latter known for parties rather than academic pursuits, are tied in the most recent US News University Rankings at #121. However, the elevation of the Sun Devils’ academic profile is largely due to the innovation and creativity in designing their curriculum.

Here are five groundbreaking courses that have been reconfigured to bring relevance, practicality, and accelerated learning to the Tempe campus:

Chemistry: Pre-med candidates take a deep dive into the differences between avobenzone and zinc oxide as UV inhibitors to reduce radiation and prevent molecular damage.

Students participate in the 3.0 credit hour lab

Aerodynamics & Flight: Undergraduates collaborate on a group project to generate lift, utilizing speed and force, to propel an object using a man-made propulsion system.

This class project received special recognition from University President Michael Crow.

Social Services: Scholars receive social service course credits by integrating into campus life while keeping a keen eye on the health and safety of the surrounding University community.

Second-year Social Service students earned extra course credit monitoring a grueling 2-day block party

Environmental Studies – Passionate conservationists act as human scarecrows to stop the Cactus Wren, Gila Woodpecker, and Curve Bill Thrasher from damaging native Saguaro Cacti.

ASU student completes an 8-hour shift at Camelback Mountain.

Statistical Application – Eager students apply advanced math to beer pong. Eliminating cups in multiple games builds quick calculation skills as the selection of partners and CH3CH2OH consumption influences causation, probability, and outcome.

Business Majors learn the intricacies of statistics while playing Beer Pong.

ASU Media Study students can watch their hockey Sun Devils on NCHC.tv. The weekend hockey series between DU and the Arizona State Sun Devils – the first-ever in-conference matchup between the programs – begins Friday at 7:00 pm MT at Magness Arena.

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