| Unit name | Big Ideas in Science |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CHEM10001 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Jeans |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Chemistry |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
This unit provides a broad introduction to some of the fundamental ideas in science. It looks at the original ideas and concepts behind the discipline, the history and the people involved in the main discoveries and inventions. The implications or consequences of the scientific method are explored as well as philosophical and ethical issues. You will investigate different important approaches that have been built upon and explore how they are interconnected. The remaining answered questions and ongoing research into fundamental issues, with a particular focus on research ongoing at the University, will also be covered.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
The topics cover a broad range and draw upon expertise from across the entire Faculty of Science providing a wider understanding of how scientific principles are applied to not just your own, but other disciplines as well.
An overview of content
Big Ideas in Science will introduce a variety of scientific concepts from across the faculty providing knowledge, understanding, and ultimately inspiration, towards important scientific concepts tackled by researchers today.
More specifically, the unit aims to introduce broad ideas which may include such topics as – quantisation, imaginary numbers, climate change, relativity, sustainability, and evolution.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
The unit aims to provide insight into some of the most significant scientific concepts and explore how these ideas have changed the way we think about the world. It aims to encourage students to be critical about the ideas presented – to think for themselves and discuss between themselves the scientific implications and ethical questions with an overall aim of broadening the students' way of thinking.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this unit students will be able to:
The unit will be taught through a combination of:
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Guided asynchronous independent activities and reading will help prepare you for submission of summative coursework. Peer review in group discussions will provide feedback to support subsequent submissions.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Students will be assessed by coursework throughout the year (100%) whch will address all the ILOs. Coursework will be centred around the discussion workshops. There is no examination for this unit.
To receive credit for this unit, students must make a reasonable attempt at every aspect of the teaching and assessment. Participation in the discussion workshops is an essential way of achieving and demonstrating the intended learning outcomes for the unit, and students must therefore also engage in these groups. Failure to do so may result in credit being withheld, even if the overall mark is above the pass mark for the unit.
When assessment does not go to plan
Supplementary or resit assessment of this unit is only possible through engagement in the following academic year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. CHEM10001).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
