Overview
This unit will enable students with no recent formal education in science to gain the necessary understanding of the basic principles of the major branches of science that will serve as a foundation for entry into relevant courses, such as nursing/health, and related areas. Students will develop study skills in selecting and evaluating scientific information. They will also enhance their knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of biology, chemistry, physics and related mathematical concepts, and their applications in real-world contexts.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2018
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Non-award unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Unit evaluation
Mixed reviews on assessment feedback.
Provide more details on assessments and link to feedback sheets.
Feedback from Unit evaluation
Positive feedback on assessment format.
Continue to provide interesting and relevant assessment tasks.
Feedback from Unit evaluation
Mixed feedback on style of podcasts.
Trial new lecture recordings with a student audience to better gauge students understanding and engagement.
Feedback from Staff feedback
Content relevance.
Review content and schedule, and make adjustments as required, to ensure unit provides a good introduction to Science for the mixed cohort of students.
- Apply a range of study skills to the selection and evaluation of scientific information
- Demonstrate understanding of fundamental principles of biology, chemistry and physics and their application in real-world contexts
- Demonstrate understanding of basic mathematical concepts as applied to scientific calculations and data
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20% | |||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 30% | |||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 30% | |||
| 4 - Written Assessment - 20% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Self Management | |||
| 2 - Communication | |||
| 3 - Information Literacy | |||
| 4 - Information Technology Competence | |||
| 5 - Problem Solving | |||
| 6 - Critical Thinking | |||
| 7 - Cross-Cultural Competence | |||
| 8 - Ethical Practice | |||
| 9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20% | |||||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 30% | |||||||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 30% | |||||||||
| 4 - Written Assessment - 20% | |||||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
Additional Textbook Information
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
l.barnett@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Topic 1: Understanding numbers - tools of science
Chapter
The number line; Ways to express numbers; Evaluating measurements and results; Units and conversions; Graphing; Simple algebraic equations
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 2: Understanding matter - atoms and molecules
Chapter
Building blocks of matter; Bonding
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 2: Understanding matter - atoms and molecules
Chapter
Chemical reactions; Measuring atoms and molecules; Solutions
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 2: Understanding matter - atoms and molecules
Chapter
Electrolytes; Acids and bases; Organic compounds; Biomolecules
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 3: Understanding living things - cells the basis of life
Chapter
Levels of organisation in living systems; Homeostasis; A closer look at the human body
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Study Break
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 3: Understanding living things - cells the basis of life
Chapter
Cell structure and function
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 3: Understanding living things - cells the basis of life
Chapter
Cell structure and function continued.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 3: Understanding living things - cells the basis of life
Chapter
Types of cells; The digestive system
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 3: Understanding living things - cells the basis of life
Chapter
The nervous system
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 3: Understanding living things - cells the basis of life
Chapter
Microbes; Genetics and Heredity
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 4: Working with matter - energy and change
Chapter
Density; Force; Mass and weight; Pressure; Work
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 4: Working with matter - energy and change
Chapter
Waves; the electromagnetic spectrum; Nuclear radiation
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Unit contact: Dr Tania van den Ancker, email: t.vandenancker@cqu.edu.au, phone: (07) 4940 7511
1 Online Quiz(zes)
Assessment 1 is available on the SCIE40018 Moodle site. It is a compulsory quiz that covers the material presented in Topic 1: Understanding numbers - tools of science.
The assessment comprises a series of multiple choice questions relating to numbers and number formats, including: fractions, decimals, percentages, scientific notation and significant figures. You are also required to perform calculations involving ratios and unit conversions.
The quiz is not timed and you are allowed two attempts. The highest score of the two attempts will be recorded. Note that questions are generated randomly, and you will receive different questions on the second attempt.
The resources provided on the SCIE40018 Moodle site contain all the relevant material (content, examples and practice quizzes) required to complete this assessment.
1
Week 2 Wednesday (14 Mar 2018) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 4 Wednesday (28 Mar 2018)
One mark will be awarded for each correct answer. No marks will be deducted for incorrect answers.
- Apply a range of study skills to the selection and evaluation of scientific information
- Demonstrate understanding of basic mathematical concepts as applied to scientific calculations and data
- Self Management
- Communication
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
2 Written Assessment
Assessment 2 is available on the SCIE40018 Moodle site. It is a compulsory written assessment that covers material presented in Topic 2: Understanding matter - atoms and molecules.
The assessment comprises various question types that require you to type responses directly into the task sheets. Depending on the question, you may be required to do one or more of the following:
- provide short written answers
- choose the correct response from a multiple choice format
- perform simple calculations.
The resources provided on the SCIE40018 Moodle site contain all the relevant material (content, examples and practice quizzes) required to complete the assessment. All working and development of answers must be shown.
Week 5 Wednesday (4 Apr 2018) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 7 Wednesday (25 Apr 2018)
Marks are allocated for the following:
- presenting accurate information
- setting the solution out correctly
- writing and using units and formula correctly.
The number of marks allocated for each question is detailed on the assessment task.
Answers to all questions must be typed directly on the assessment task sheets. Any handwritten or drawn responses need to be scanned and pasted into the Word file.
- Apply a range of study skills to the selection and evaluation of scientific information
- Demonstrate understanding of fundamental principles of biology, chemistry and physics and their application in real-world contexts
- Self Management
- Communication
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
3 Written Assessment
Assessment 3 is available on the SCIE40018 Moodle site. It is a compulsory written assessment that covers material presented in Topic 3: Understanding living things - cells the basis of life.
The assessment comprises various question types that require you to type responses directly into the task sheets. Depending on the question, you may be required to do one or more of the following:
- provide short or extended written responses, providing and using examples and diagrams to support your answer
- choose the correct response from a multiple choice format.
The resources provided on the SCIE40018 Moodle site contain all the relevant material (content, examples and practice quizzes) required to complete the assessment.
Week 10 Friday (18 May 2018) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 12 Friday (1 June 2018)
Marks are allocated for the following:
- presenting accurate information
- using appropriate examples and diagrams.
The number of marks allocated for each question is detailed on the assessment task.
Answers to all questions must be typed directly on the assessment task sheets. Any handwritten or drawn responses need to be scanned and pasted into the Word file.
- Apply a range of study skills to the selection and evaluation of scientific information
- Demonstrate understanding of fundamental principles of biology, chemistry and physics and their application in real-world contexts
- Self Management
- Communication
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
4 Written Assessment
Assessment 4 is available on the SCIE40018 Moodle site. It is a compulsory written assessment that covers material presented in Topic 4: Working with matter - energy and change.
The assessment comprises various question types that require you to type responses directly in the task sheets. Depending on the question, you may be required to do one or more of the following:
- provide short written answers
- choose the correct response from a multiple choice format
- perform simple calculations.
The resources provided on the SCIE40018 Moodle site contain all the relevant material (content, examples and practice quizzes) required to complete the assessment. All working and development of answers must be shown.
Week 12 Friday (1 June 2018) 11:55 pm AEST
Exam Week Friday (15 June 2018)
Marks are allocated for the following:
- presenting accurate information
- setting the solution out correctly
- writing and using units and formula correctly.
The number of marks allocated for each question is detailed on the assessment task.
Answers to all questions must be typed directly on the assessment task sheets. Any handwritten or drawn responses need to be scanned and pasted into the Word file.
- Apply a range of study skills to the selection and evaluation of scientific information
- Demonstrate understanding of fundamental principles of biology, chemistry and physics and their application in real-world contexts
- Self Management
- Communication
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
