Waikato Home
FOUND012-22C (HAM)
Foundations of Science
15 Points
Staff
Convenor(s)
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Teresa Fernandez
6004
EAS.G.03
teresa.fernandez@waikato.ac.nz
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Administrator(s)
You can contact staff by:
- Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
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Extensions starting with 4, 5, 9 or 3 can also be direct dialled:
- For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
- For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
- For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
- For extensions starting with 3: dial +64 7 2620 + the last 3 digits of the extension e.g. 3123 = +64 7 262 0123.
Paper Description
This pre-degree course is designed to introduce fundamental scientific conceptual frameworks for viewing the world. 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 in Earth Science, Environmental Science, Health, Nursing, and Primary Teaching. This paper is designed to give students an opportunity to explore the nature of science and scientific inquiry, cultural ways of doing science as in Mātauranga Māori, gathering of empirical data and analysis. 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, online activities, and laboratory/tutorial sessions. There is a textbook for some of the basic science topics taught in the lectures, and the opportunity 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 LiveScience). MAHARA ePortfolio will be used to journal the learning through the Science Learning Hub. The laboratory and tutorial sessions alternate on Thursdays. The details for these sessions will be provided each week through the Science Moodle page. Students are expected to view the online material on Moodle, and complete the online quizzes.
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper should be able to:
Assessment
There are Tutorial Quizzes to complete online.
MAHARA ePortfolio will be used for the Science Learning Hub assignment.
Requirements for the laboratory reports will vary for each experiment.
Note: Instructions and notifications about assessments will be given during the contact time-slots and posted online through Moodle. There are no compulsory assessments but each assessment will contribute marks towards the final grade.
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., and Roberts. A. (latest edition). Level 1 Science (ESA Study Guide), ESA Publications (NZ) Ltd., NZ
Recommended Readings
Science Learning Hub: https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/
Live science: https://www.livescience.com/
The Conversation (Science + Technology): https://theconversation.com/us/technology
Hannay, B., Howison, P., & Sayes, M. (2002, out of print). NCEA Level 1 Science. ESA Publications (NZ) Ltd. NZ.
Other Resources
Online Support
Moodle:
Moodle is the online space for students to connect with each other as well as with teaching staff outside of the face-to-face classes. Students will use the site to ask teachers questions, participate in online discussions, and complete selected learning activities. You can also find assessment instructions, submit your completed assessments, access feedback, and keep track of your grades there.
To access Moodle, sign into your university login and click on the “Moodle” link. Moodle will be your main source of information for the course.
Zoom and Panopto:
Lectures will be recorded on Panopto and Zoom, and the links to these recordings will be available on the Moodle page for this paper. The aim of recording classes is to aid in the further study and understanding of content, and as a revision tool. These class recordings do not replace attendance at the classes.
Studiosity:
Studiosity is an online tutoring service for students at the University of Waikato. It is accessible via Moodle and offers personalised, live, online help from trained experts in two ways:
Writing Feedback: upload your work to get help with academic writing and literacy (such as structure, grammar and referencing). Available 24/7, you will receive your feedback in less than 24 hours.
Workload
This is a 15-point paper. This means you are expected to dedicate 150 learning hours in total to this paper (10 hours per point). Learning hours are a combination of direct contact hours with teachers in lectures, tutorials and labs, and self-directed hours spent studying, doing assignments and preparing for tests.
Linkages to Other Papers
Restriction(s)
Restricted papers: CUPR025