EDUC 1007 - Science for University B

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2015

This course offers students of both the University Preparatory Program (UPP) and The Wirltu Yarlu University Preparatory Program the opportunity to advance their science skills in preparation for future university study in a variety of science disciplines at the University of Adelaide. Along with Science for University A, it is compulsory for UPP students who wish to study a Bachelor of Science at the University of Adelaide. Science for University B focuses on Chemistry and Geology, and the application of theories and concepts to practical situations in the physical world. The purpose is not to provide Year 12-level content knowledge but to familiarise students with some of the basic concepts and processes in the study of Chemistry and Geology so that they can approach future studies in sciences at University with a sense of preparedness.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code EDUC 1007
    Course Science for University B
    Coordinating Unit School of Education
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact up to 36 hours
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Restrictions This class is only open for students in the University Preparatory Program or Wirltu Yarlu Preparatory Program.
    Assessment Participation in group work; Group Problem-solving; In-class tests; Laboratory Reports
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Chad Habel

    Lecturer and tutor: Lucy Andrew
    Email: lucy.andrew@adelaide.edu.au
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    Upon the successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

    1. Understand concepts in science (chemistry and geology) and apply these concepts to real-world observations;
    2. Research and communicate concepts in science (chemistry and geology);
    3. Demonstrate some familiarity with the Periodic Table and identify some trends across the table;
    4. Draw chemical diagrams and describe chemical properties and their behaviour;
    5. Conduct experiments, explain chemical reactions and write up reactants and products;
    6. Identify minerals and rocks and explain the geological processes that shape the Earth.
     
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1,2
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 2
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1,2
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 1,2,4,5,6
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 2
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1,3
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Readings will be distributed in class and on MyUni as required.
    Recommended Resources
    Links to online resources will be posted on MyUni.

    Chemistry and Geology Text

    Hewitt, P 2007, Conceptual Integrated Science, San Francisco, CA: Pearson.
    The BSL has multiple copies of this text. One copy of this text has been placed in the Reserve Collection of the Barr Smith Library for this semester. For information on borrowing from the Reserve Collection see;
    http://www.adelaide.edu.au/library/about/coll/reserve.html  

    Online Chemistry Text

    OpenStax College 2013, "Anatomy & Physiology." Connexions. http://cnx.org/content/col11496/1.6/.  
    Unit 1: Levels of Organization, The Chemical Level of Organization.
    Online Learning

    This course will use MyUni for the provision of course materials, the submission of student assignments, and the facilitation of discussions through discussion boards.

    MyUni will also be used for essential communication including via email, so please check your University email regularly (at least three times a week). If you have a smartphone it is strongly recommended that you set up your email on it for easy and regular access to your University email. For guidance on how to do this, visit:

    https://www.adelaide.edu.au/its/networks/mobile/support/config/#mobile

    Remember, the most useful portal for all University online activities is Unified:

    https://unified.adelaide.edu.au/web/mycampus/home  

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course will be comprised of a one-hour interactive lecture and a two-hour tutorial per week. The MyUni course website will be used for the provision of course materials, the submission of student assignments, and course announcements. It is the responsibility of students to check their email and MyUni for up-to-date course information.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    1 x 1 hour lecture per week (x12) 12 hours
    1 x 2 hour tutorial per week (x12) 24 hours
    9 hours of reading/private study per week (x12) 118 hours

    Total: 154 hours
    Learning Activities Summary
    Week      Topic
    1      Introduction/matter
    2      Atoms, elements and the Periodic Table
    3      Bonding
    4      Compounds
    5      Chemical reactions
    6      Organic molecules
    7      Nuclear chemistry
    8      Chemistry summary
         Mid-semester break
    9      Geology: crystals and minerals
    10      Rocks
    11      Earth Science
    12      Geology summary
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
       
    Assessment Task (word count) Task Type Due Weighting Submission
    Participation (n/a) Formative

    Ongoing

    10% N/A
    Chemistry assignment - water (700 words) Summative Friday, 5pm Week 6 20% MyUni
    Chemistry test (n/a) Summative In class, week 8 35% In class
    Geology test Summative In class, Week 12 20% In class
    Geology assignment (500 words) Formative/summative Friday 5pm, Week 13 15% MyUni
     
    Assessment Related Requirements
    To pass this course, students must attend at least 75% of face-to-face classes (including both attendance at tutorials and completion of online lecture questions) in cases of absence for medical or compassionate reasons, documentation must be provided and students must still attend at least 50% of classes in any case.

    Students must attempt all assessment tasks to pass this course. Since the University Preparatory Program is designed to prepare students for success at University, completing and submitting all assignments is central to the intended learning outcomes of the program and each course within it. Often, at least attempting and submitting assignments in the face of difficulty or adversity is enough for success at University and the UPP encourages this resilience by employing this policy in select courses. Penalties for lateness may apply.

    If a student fails to submit all assessment tasks and would otherwise have received a grade greater than 45, they will be given a nominal grade of 45 Fail for that course in that semester. This will permit them to undertake additional assessment (formerly called academic supplementary assessment) at the Course Coordinator’s discretion, as per policy at 9.1.3 at http://www.law.adelaide.edu.au/students/assessment/#supp  

    It is not necessary to apply for additional assessment; this assessment will usually consist of the missed pieces of assessment, but the course coordinator may require more. As per policy 9.1.3.3, if the student passes the additional assessment to the Course Coordinator’s satisfaction, the maximum grade they can get for the course is 50 Pass. If a student’s raw grade is below 45, regardless of whether all tasks have been attempted, this score will stand unless exceptional, documented circumstances apply as per the University’s Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/exams/mod_arrange.html  
    Assessment Detail
    Participation

    Your lecturer/tutor will mark you on your participation in group and class discussions during tutorials. This mark is not based on correct answers but a willingness to participate.

    Chemistry Assignment – Water
     
    Water is essential for life on Earth. Explain the structure and behaviour of water. Include diagrams in your assignment. Diagrams are used to help explain a concept and are different to pictures. More information on how to create and used diagrams will be given during tutorials.

    Please take care with choosing appropriate sources of information. A good reference should have an author and date. Online or printed textbooks are suitable references as well as university, government and scientific organisation websites (e.g. CSIRO and NASA). Your assignment must include in-text referencing, at least two references and a reference list in a recognised style i.e. Harvard referencing style.

    Your answer must include (but is not limited to) the following;
    · Explain the chemical bonding between oxygen and hydrogen atoms within each water molecule and between each water molecule. (Please note that intra-molecular bonding is the bonding within each molecule and inter-molecular bonding refers to polar or hydrogen bonding between molecules.)

    · Explain the different phases of water (ice, liquid and vapour) in terms of inter-molecular (polar or hydrogen) bonding. Why does ice float on water?

    · Describe the water cycle and indicate where energy (heat) is lost or gained.

    Chemistry Test
     
    A series of short answer questions will assess material covered during the course. There will be opportunities to practice test questions during tutorials. The test is designed to take one hour but students will have up to two hours to complete the test paper and hand it in at the end of the tutorial.

    Geology Test
     
    A series of short answer questions will assess material covered during the course. There will be opportunities to practice test questions during tutorials. The test is designed to take one hour but students will have up to two hours to complete the test paper and hand it in at the end of the tutorial.

    Geology Assignment
     
    Choose from one of the following;
    · The Ring of Fire is the location of more than 75% of the world’s volcanoes. Briefly describe the geographical location of the Ring of Fire and refer to plate tectonics to explain the high number of volcanoes and earthquakes in this location.

    · Explain the geological process of sea floor spreading. Describe some of the evidence that supports sea floor spreading.

    · Uluru is Australia’s iconic rock. Describe the geology (i.e. type of rock and composition) of Uluru and explain how it was formed.

    · A topic of your own choice that has been approved by your Lecturer. Confirm your topic with your Lecturer via email.

    Include diagrams in your assignment. Diagrams are used to help explain a concept and are different to pictures. More information on how to create and used diagrams will be given during tutorials.

    Please take care with choosing appropriate sources of information. A good reference should have an author and date. Online or printed textbooks are suitable references as well as university, government and scientific organisation websites (e.g. CSIRO and NASA). Your assignment must include in-text referencing, at least two references and a reference list in a recognised style i.e. Harvard referencing style.
    Submission
    All assignments will be electronically submitted via MyUni, except for in-class assessments.
    Students may be granted extensions to assignments on medical or compassionate grounds; documentation to support these grounds will be required. Requests for extension must be made before the due date; requests for extension submitted after the due date will not be considered. All extension requests must be submitted to the Course Coordinator (Chad Habel: chad.habel@adelaide.edu.au); any extensions granted by the lecturer or tutor will not be considered valid.

    All extension requests will be administered according to the Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/3303/  

    For a concise information sheet on this policy, please visit http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/exams/pdfs/maca_medical_compassionate_info.pdf  

    In-class tests

    Tests will be conducted during tutorials.

    A replacement test will be available to students on medical or compassionate grounds. Students seeking a replacement test need to apply through the correct MACA process and provide appropriate supporting documentation. If students do not attend the test and do not provide a documented reason (as soon as possible and no later than 5 days following the test date), they will receive a mark of zero for the test.

    Information on Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment (MACA) can be found at;
    https://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/exams/mod_arrange.html  

    An application form for Assessment Task Extension or Replacement Examination due to Medical or Compassionate Circumstances can be found at;
    https://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/exams/Medical_Compassionate_Application_Form_-_12_June_2013.pdf  
     
    Penalties for Late Submission

    Unless the Course Outline states otherwise when an assessment is submitted after the due date, and without an extension, 5% of the total mark possible will be deducted for every 24 hours or part thereof that it is late, including each day on a weekend. For example, an essay that is submitted after the due date and time but within the first 24 hour period, and that has been graded at 63%, will have 5% deducted, for a final grade of 58%. An essay that is more than 24 hours late will lose 10%, etc. Hard copy submissions made after 5.00pm on a Friday will be assumed to have been submitted on the next business day and will be penalised 5% per day for every day including weekend days and public holidays. This penalty may be increased where the assignment is to be completed ina period of less than a week.

    This course aims to return assessed work within 2 weeks of its submission, although this cannot be guaranteed. The resubmission of assignments is not possible for this course, except in exceptional circumstances as approved by the Course Coordinator.  

     
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.