Units
Experimental Science
Unit code: SEB114
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
Science is concerned with developing testable, quantifiable models of the world around us for the purpose of creating a sustainable, safe future for humankind. To this end scientists employ a unique methodology termed the Scientific Method. SEB114 'Experimental Science' focuses on the applied principles and concepts embodied by the Scientific Method. You will do experimental science, via inquiry-led practice, working both individually and collaboratively. Through field and/or laboratory experiences, you will focus in-depth on real world applications in two disciplines of your choice.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Offered in these courses
- ST01
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
The Inquiry-Based Learning Modules are intended to develop an appreciation for the methods of scientific inquiry through engagement with one or a number of topical problems or scenarios. Each module will apply the Scientific Method from a disciplinary perspective, aligned with the associated majors. Experimental work is at the heart of this unit. Activities will include data collection and recording in the field and/or laboratory, analysis, modelling and simulation using appropriate quantitative methods, and the presentation of findings in written and graphical form. Within each module, one or a number of small-scale scientific problems will be addressed. You will enjoy the opportunity to direct your own lines of inquiry with the help and guidance of the teaching team. Together with the SEB113 Quantitative Methods, 'Experimental Science' provides the fundamental skills required for scientific research in any discipline. Completing two experimental modules in different scientific disciplines will facilitate your choice of science major in second semester.
Aims
The aim of this unit is to introduce you to the scientific method in a practical fashion. You will learn how scientific principles are applied and communicated in theory, field, and laboratory settings in different disciplines. You will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with a team on a project in two chosen fields.
Objectives
In this unit, you will provide evidence that you can:
1. Identify, demonstrate and articulate scientific principles and concepts emerging from investigation, formulation and evaluation of data, models and systems in theory, field and laboratory settings.
2. Conduct a simple experiment to test a scientific hypothesis in accordance with the scientific method and safety practices.
3. Represent, communicate and evaluate scientific concepts and numeric data both verbally and graphically in a poster presentation.
4. Effectively participate in, contribute to and review team-based activities and outcomes.
Content
This unit is all about experimental work. You will go on a journey of scientific discovery involving field trips and practical laboratory work. The field data and laboratory results will guide your quest to finding the solution to intriguing research problems in two disciplines of your choice from the core disciplines of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, and Physics.
You will learn how to apply qualitative and quantitative methods for data analysis, modelling, and predictive simulation. In this way, this unit will introduce the process of inquiry called the Scientific Method. This unique methodology is the cornerstone of Science.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Learning and teaching (T&L) across the first year science units is based on inquiry-based (student exploration and questioning) investigation of real world phenomena (field trips, real examples, laboratory practicals). There is an emphasis on collaborative learning, ranging from small groups conducting laboratory experiments to larger workshops of up to 80 students. All learning activities will benefit from the use of the collaborative learning spaces in the new Science and Engineering Centre or similar QUT spaces. In addition, you will be provided with a range of online technologies on and off campus to support collaborative teamwork.
The unit will start with a general introduction to the Scientific Method as the common denominator of the five core science disciplines. You will embark on experimental investigations in two discipline topics (modules) of your choice. You will develop your experimental programme. This entails a critical review of existing theories and approaches to the research problem, a reflective application of basic scientific principles, and the collection and analysis of real data via field trips or local industry/science excursions and hands-on activities in the laboratory. In the second half of semester, you will use collaborative team inquiry to collate, interpret, and critically discuss your findings in the light of the Scientific Method. You will present your results as:
Active inquiry and practical student engagement in a real-world context form the base of the teaching approach of this unit. These methods are most successful in affording deep learning to a broad range of students. Moreover, our this approach promotes critical reflection and explicit opportunities for peer review. It thus develops collaborative teamwork as an important element in the practice of science. The unit has several important aims: (a) it provides a platform for the evaluation of your work with peer and industry/faculty review; (b) it will give you the opportunity to employ state-of-the-art visualisation technology to communicate your findings effectively; (c) via the aligned assessment, it will highlight and integrate the paramount contribution of the companion unit SEB113 Quantitative Science; (d) it will enable you to share your first-year experience and passion about science with a large and diverse group of peers: students, lecturers, professors, deans, CEOs, etc.; (e) it will deepen a sense of belonging and community.
Assessment
Portfolio (individual) including formative field/workplace health and safety assessment, field and laboratory reports, critical reflection and peer review of poster and teamwork for learning and feedback across the semester.
Poster/Report (group) with oral, textual and graphic representation of scientific investigation. The poster will be constructed and presented in electronic form, and also submitted as a pdf document. The report will be submitted as either a Word document or as a pdf.Assessment is designed progressively across the semester to provide multiple opportunities for feedback and improvement. This includes a mix of oral and written feedback from peers and teachers on portfolio reports and reflections as well as oral and written feedback on key stages of poster preparation with industry and academic feedback on final group projects.
Assessment name:
Portfolio
Description:
Throughout the semester, you will conduct scientific investigations in the field and laboratory and prepare reports of findings and conclusions. You will also conduct and write a critical review of your own and another team's poster including scientific and individual/teamwork criteria.
Relates to objectives:
1,2,3,4
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Continuous
Assessment name:
Poster or Group Report
Description:
Poster & Report created in groups, with text and graphic representation of data, scientific abstract and presentation.
Relates to objectives:
1,2,3,4
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
External
Group or individual:
Group
Due date:
Late Semester
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Depending on your choice of experimental topics you will undertake field and/or laboratory based work. The laboratory and field setting chosen for use in this unit are deemed to be appropriate for students at this level of the course. Where relevant to the experimental topics chosen, you will be provided with a Laboratory and/or Field Health and Safety Manual. Health and Safety information and precautions relevant to the particular experiments will be clearly explained in the unit materials. Having been provided with this information, it is your responsibility to read and comply with these instructions for the safety of yourself, your fellow students and staff.
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 will be given a safety induction before the commencement of field trips or commencement of laboratory work. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times whilst on campus or in the field.
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: 19-Feb-2013
