Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2012

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

As scientists, it is paramount that we each develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of the workings of our world, and our place in it. To achieve this goal, we must first undertake a broad, system-based, interdisciplinary study of the physical, geological and biological concepts relating to the origins of life; from the creation of matter and planets, to the emergence of life in all its complexity, culminating in evolution of earth ecosystems.

How do we fit within this system? The answer to this question is critical; the future of our species depends on it. There are complexities and challenges here; human influences, overlaid upon earth's systems, need to be examined in detail as to their type, extent, and impact.

But, more fundamentally, how did we generate this knowledge of our world? In essence, how do we know what we know? Such questions run deep and concern our very existence and experience. To answer them, we must explore the breadth of philosophical developments underlying our search for knowledge; fascinating thoughts and ideas that span the last 2,500 years of human history. Ultimately, these concepts evolved through the development of a scientific method and we are charged to explore its workings in relation to the ongoing enterprise of human understanding.

Aims

To provide you with a broad, interdisciplinary understanding of your place in the universe: from life's origins right down to the structure of earth systems, their component parts, and the influence of human activities in understanding and interacting with them.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Discuss and explain theoretical and practical aspects of the physical, geological and biological aspects of the origins of life, earth systems, and the influence of human activities in understanding and interacting with them;

2. Solve natural science problems using the scientific method and critically interpret your findings;

3. Communicate effectively in a scientific manner;

4. Work and communicate effectively in small teams;

5. Search for, and critically evaluate, information from a variety of sources.

Content

You will explore the biological, geological and physical aspects of the origins of life, from the creation of matter, through solar system and planet formation, to the emergence of life in all its complexity. You will undertake study of physical phenomena, the forces that underpin them, and the scientific theories that relate them. Concurrently, philosophical developments in the pursuit of human understanding of fundamental principles underlying this knowledge will be explored. You will be introduced to the structure and evolution of earth's ecosystems. General features of earth's aquatic, atmospheric, and terrestrial systems will be described and related to the major biological, physical, and chemical processes that influence their development. The evolution of these systems and their interaction will be considered in relation to overlying human influences through use of modular case studies in sustainability, biodiversity, and global warming.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Unit content includes a series of lectures which will be team taught, with a range of QUT academic staff contributing their expertise in various facets of the physical, biological, and geological sciences, in context of exploring formation of the universe and understanding your place in it. The lecture material will be supplemented with both field and lab-based practicals and tutorials, together providing a background on broad issues and concerns underlying a study of the evolution of complex life, with a focus on human interactions within this panorama, both intellectual and physical. Specific problems will be explored in detail to develop critical thinking via a problem-solving approach to natural science issues.

Assessment

All assessment contributes to your grade.Feedback will be provided on your progress

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: (Formative and summative) - This assessment is delivered in two components. Progress theory examination. Material covered will be drawn from the first part of the semester and may be included in other assessments. The examination will assess both your surface and deep learning through the use of multiple choice questions. Final theory examination: Cumulative examination which assesses both your surface and deep learning through the use of multiple choice, short answer and problem-solving essay questions.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid & End Semester

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: (Formative and Summative) - There are two components: a 'virtual prac' problem-based learning assignment and a Practical log book. Problem-based Learning assignment: you will use web-based resources to investigate a hypothetical environmental incident and determine its likely cause. This project will enable you to develop skills associated with scientific investigation, problem-solving and information literacy. You will write a detailed scientific report on your findings. Practical log book: you will complete a range of laboratory and field practical exercises. You will submit a detailed write-up of these exercises in a practical log book.
Relates to objectives: 2, 3 and 5.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid to Late Semester

Assessment name: Discussion Forum
Description: (Formative and summative) - Tutorial participation . You will participate in a series of tutorials throughout the semester. These tutorials will draw and expand on material presented in the lectures. Your level of participation in tutorials will be assessed. A component of this assessment will involve your effective participation in on-line discussion forums within each module.
Relates to objectives: 4.
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Ongoing

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty means that you are expected to exhibit honesty and act responsibly when undertaking assessment. Any action or practice on your part which would defeat the purposes of assessment is regarded as academic dishonesty. The penalties for academic dishonesty are provided in the Student Rules. For more information you should consult the QUT Library resources for avoiding plagiarism.

Resource materials

Recommended:

A comprehensive custom-made text from Pearson Education Australia will be made available. This text presents material drawn from a range of published works.

References:

1. Chalmers A (1999) What is this thing called Science?, 3rd edition, Australia: University of Queensland Press

2. Enger ED & Smith BF (2006) Environmental Science: a Study of Interrelationships, 10th edition, New York: McGraw-Hill

3. Fowler HR & Aaron JE (2006) The Little, Brown Handbook, 10th edition, New York: Longman

4. Kirkman J (2005) Good Style: Writing for Style and Technology, 2nd edition, New York: Routledge

5. Kirkman J (2007) Punctuation Matters: Advice on Punctuation for Scientific and Technical Writing, New York: Routledge

6. Magee B (1985) Philosophy and the Real World: an Introduction to Karl Popper, Illinois: Open Court Publishing

7. Magee B (2001) The Story of Philosophy, London: Dorling Kindersley

8. Russell B (1945) A History of Western Philosophy, New York: Simon and Schuster.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first few lectures. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area which will be indicated to you. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times whilst on campus or in the field. More information on health and safety can be obtained from http://www.sci.qut.edu.au/study/current/health.jsp

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 12-Oct-2011