University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: USSJP6-20-1 Title: Principles in Science Version: 1

Level: 1 UWE credit rating: 20 ECTS credit rating: 10

Module type: STANDARD

Owning Faculty: Applied Sciences Field: Natural & Life Sciences

Valid from: September 2007 continued from:

Pre-requisites: NONE

Co-requisites: NONE

Excluded combinations: NONE

Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to:

    • Demonstrate an appreciation that a scientific investigation is a decision-making process that requires a coherent methodology from initial objectives to the final conclusion.

    • Show an appreciation of, and use, the standard methods of communicating scientific ideas and concepts – oral, written, IT, scientific journals and libraries.

    • Analyse and present scientific data

    • Demonstrate mathematical and statistical rules and understand the uncertainties of statistics in science.

    • Use a range of software to analyse and display scientific data: drawing graphs, using formulae, using functions.

Syllabus Outline:

The core syllabus will further this study with:

Scientific investigation techniques; hypotheses and testing with t-test and chi-squared, decisions, use of standards.

Modelling mathematical systems; relationships using equations and formulae, mathematics in science, linear relationships, exponential functions.

Science variability; experimental uncertainty, normal distributions, Binomial and Poisson distributions.

Presentation and Analysis; Using IT and a range of programmes to record, present, analyse and interpret data.

Teaching and Learning Methods:

All students embarking on the foundation degree will have their mathematical skills assessed and an individual programme of study built to allow the development of skills that some mature entrants may not possess. These should include all areas covered by the GCSE Mathematics syllabus; use of standard form, fractions and percentages, powers and roots, graphical interpretation, basic algebra, substitution into formula and solving simple equations.

This module will begin with a series of topics designed to allow all students to begin the core syllabus with confidence. The structure will allow students to access the relevant sections on a personal timetable prior to embarking on the core syllabus. A high level of tutorial support will be put in place for this unit and distinct assessments for each area of the unit tracked to ensure a steady progress through increasing levels.

The resources include tutorial material, and references to published material, software, internet and UWE online resources. All topics are presented in a scientific context and students are given clear guidelines for the presentation of assignment material.

This module will include a weekly computer-based workshop to allow the use of appropriate software under the guidance of an IT/Mathematics lecturer.

Small group teaching and consideration of individual learning needs is provided.

Reading Strategy

All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.

This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWE online or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.

Indicative Sources

Core text: Currell, G. & Dowman, A. A., Mathematics and Statistics for Science, John Wiley & Son. 2005

Foundation Maths (4th Ed.) by Anthony Croft and Robert Davison, 2006 (published in May 2006 by Prentice Hall), ISBN 0-131-97921-3

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 40% B: 60%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A Element weighting

EX2 Examination (2 hours) 1

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

CW1 Learning record and data Analysis exercise 1

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes) No

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

EX2 Examination (2 hours) 1

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

CW1 Learning record and data Analysis exercise 1

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes. Yes

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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