
FOUND012-19B (HAM)
Bridging General Science
15 Points
Staff
Convenor(s)
Teresa Fernandez
6004
EAS.G.03
11 am to 12 noon on Fridays
teresa.fernandez@waikato.ac.nz
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Paper Description
The aim of this paper is to provide a science background for students wanting to study the various science disciplines further. It also aims to provide a platform for students wanting to explore the science field for their own interest and/or as a background for their degree study such as primary teaching.This paper is designed to give students an opportunity to explore the nature of science and scientific inquiry. It provides exposure to some basic topics in the four main science disciplines, that of biology, chemistry, earth science and physics. It is taught in the contexts of real world situations and is extended to incorporate socio-scientific issues. Students are encouraged to keep up with scientific discussions on recent discoveries and ideas, and the impact of science on society.
Paper Structure
The paper is taught through lectures, tutorials, computer and laboratory sessions. There is a textbook for most of the basic science topics taught in the lectures, and computer sessions to explore the topics further through the Science Learning Hub. Students will keep up to date with recent scientific discoveries and also with discussions around scientific issues impacting on society (for example, through SciBlogs). The Mahara ePortfolio will be used to journal your learning through the Science Learning Hub.The laboratory and tutorial sessions alternate on Fridays: labs are in the Chemistry Lab F.3.06 and tutorials are in I.1.01 from 9 am to 10 am. Computer sessions are in the Computer Lab TL.2.27C on Wednesdays from 9 am to 10 am. The Thursday lessons from 4 pm to 5 pm are held in the Physics lab LSL.1.02 only for weeks 2, 3 and 4; on ALL other Thursdays the class is in J.B.07. (Please note that you will need to wear covered shoes in all science labs.)
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:
Assessment
Requirements for the laboratory write-ups will vary for each experiment depending on the nature of the science subject being explored.
Note: Instructions and notifications will be given during the contact time-slots and posted on online using Moodle. Marks will be deducted for late assessments unless a medical certificate is provided. In general all assignment material will be returned for review during the contact time-slots.
Assessment Components
The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0. There is no final exam.
Required and Recommended Readings
Required Readings
Set Texts (to buy):
Andersen, J., Bendall. P., & Roberts, A. (2018). NCEA Level 1 Science, ESA Publications (NZ) Ltd., NZ
Recommended Readings
Science Learning Hub: https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/
Sci Blogs: http://sciblogs.co.nz/
Hannay, B., Howison, P., & Sayes, M. (2002, out of print). NCEA Level 1 Science. ESA Publications (NZ) Ltd. NZ.
Online Support
Moodle is used to support learning in this paper. Moodle will also be used as a resource providing links to additional reading and video clips to support the topics being studied on a weekly basis.
Important announcements (including information on tests and assignments) will be made on Moodle, and course participants are required to regularly access their relevant e-mail account to receive these messages.
A discussion forum is available on Moodle, allowing topics to be discussed by students and staff.
A “Getting started with Moodle” document is available at http://online.waikato.ac.nz/wcel/services/moodle/help/. The Moodle Orientation Video (on your Moodle home page) is ~12 minutes and covers the basics of using Moodle including logging in, navigating around a paper, participating in discussions and submitting assignments.
The MAHARA ePortfolio is used for submitting the Science Learning Hub assignment.
Workload
The total workload expected for this paper is 150 hours; students are required to manage their time to complete the course objectives accordingly.
Averaged over the course, students are expected to spend 4 hours per week in class/laboratory sessions and one hour on Tuesdays for the STEM Academy, and at least another 7 hours per week on preparation for lessons, summary notes, Science Learning Hub ePortfolio, other assignments, laboratory write-ups, and test revision. Students are also expected to attend all STEM Academy activities and participate in the STEM Science module which accrues 5% toward the final grade in this paper.
Linkages to Other Papers
Restriction(s)
Restricted papers: CUPR025