FOUND012-23A (HAM)

Foundations of Science

15 Points

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External Organisations
Study Group

Staff

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Convenor(s)

Teresa Fernandez

Teresa Fernandez
See Moodle
teresa.fernandez@waikato.ac.nz

Lecturer(s)

Administrator(s)

: andrea.mercer@waikato.ac.nz

Placement/WIL Coordinator(s)

Tutor(s)

Student Representative(s)

Lab Technician(s)

Librarian(s)

You can contact staff by:

  • Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
  • 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.
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What this paper is about

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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.
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How this paper will be taught

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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 Fridays. 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.

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Required Readings

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Set Texts (to buy):

Andersen, J., Bendall. P., and Roberts. A. (2018 or latest edition). Level 1 Science (ESA Study Guide), ESA Publications (NZ) Ltd., NZ

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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:

  • Outline the fundamental principles in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science and Physics
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Apply the foundational concepts in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science and Physics to real-world situations
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Illustrate the nature of science in the relationships between science, technology, and society
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Carry out practical laboratory investigations in a safe and precise manner
    Linked to the following assessments:
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Assessments

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How you will be assessed

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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.

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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 0% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 0% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. STEM assignment
9 Mar 2023
11:30 PM
5
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
2. Experiment 1
17 Mar 2023
9:00 AM
5
  • Hand-in: In Lab
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
3. Experiment 2
24 Mar 2023
9:00 AM
5
  • Hand-in: In Lab
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
4. Experiment 3
31 Mar 2023
12:00 PM
5
  • Hand-in: In Lab
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
5. Test 1
28 Apr 2023
9:00 AM
20
  • In Class: In Lecture
6. Experiment 4
12 May 2023
12:00 PM
5
  • Hand-in: In Lab
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
7. Experiment 5
26 May 2023
12:00 PM
5
  • Hand-in: In Lab
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
8. Science Learning Hub
20
  • Online: EPortfolio System
9. Test 2
9 Jun 2023
10:00 AM
20
  • In Class: In Lecture
10. Tutorial Quizzes
10
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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