QCF258 Science 2

Unit Outline: College 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

Inquiry into the nature of the universe is at the core of all science disciplines. This unit develops an appreciation for a body of scientific knowledge and the process that is undertaken to acquire this knowledge. Studying Chemistry and Physics will help you to better understand the world around you and the impact these disciplines have on society. In Science 2 you will investigate scientific theories that are fundamental to the understanding of many common observable phenomena. You will further develop your ability to work scientifically which includes refining experiments, verifying scientific relationships, explaining phenomena with justification and evaluating claims by using evidence to support or refute these claims. This unit develops your critical skills to evaluate and make evidence-based decisions about scientific issues.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Describe, explain and apply understanding of scientific concepts, theories, models and systems and their limitations (CLO1)
2. Apply investigative skills to explore phenomena and verify known scientific relationships (CLO1, CLO6)
3. Analyse and interpret data to make and evaluate conclusions (CLO2)
4. Communicate scientific understanding, findings, arguments and conclusions using appropriate representations, language and genres (CLO3)

Content

Learning Approaches

QCF258 Science 2 engages you in learning through science inquiry. You will develop science inquiry skills while planning, conducting, recording information and reflecting on investigations; processing, analysing and interpreting evidence; evaluating conclusions, processes and claims; and communicating findings.

In this unit, activities will include conducting experimental investigations, exploring related scientific theory and working collaboratively in teams.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

• Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
• Formal: in writing, such as checklists, rubrics, written commentary
• Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
• Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment

Overview

In QCF258 Science 2 you will do four types of summative assessment: experimental investigations, online quizzes, a research project and an examination. Formative assessment will support your learning by giving you an opportunity to practice tasks and learn from feedback before completing it for marking purposes. Formative assessment will also be applied to classroom tasks to check for completion, understanding and learning progression.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Experimental Investigations

You will conduct one chemistry and one physics experiment and submit your analysis.
Your laboratory skills will continue to develop in this unit through a number of in-class experiments and simulations. These investigations will develop the scientific literacy skills needed to present results, analyse data and draw valid conclusions required in scientific report writing.
Instruction on laboratory safety and technique and guidelines for the assessment outcomes will be given during practical sessions.

Assessment: Online quizzes

Two online multiple choice quizzes will test your knowledge, understanding and application of scientific concepts from this unit. You will use higher order thinking skills to reflect on what you have learned and use complex reasoning to answer questions. You will do these quizzes out of class in your own time.

Assessment: Applied Research Project

This assessment asks you to undertake a research project and communicate the results in a scientific report. You will research a question through collection, analysis and synthesis of primary data. Your findings will be communicated in a scientific report that includes: introduction, results, analysis, conclusion, references

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension. 

Assessment: Final Examination

This examination will test your understanding of scientific concepts from the content topics in this unit.
Short response questions will allow you to show your knowledge of concepts, procedures, skills, critical thinking and problem solving.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

Some classes may be conducted in a laboratory. You are required to wear covered in shoes with long hair tied back when working in a laboratory to do experiments. You are also responsible for handling materials and equipment carefully and following the teacher's instructions.

Course Learning Outcomes

QC08 Standard Foundation Program

1. Demonstrate and apply theoretical, conceptual and/or technical knowledge based on the discipline of study
   Relates to: Experimental Investigations, Online quizzes, Final Examination
2. Apply critical, creative and analytical thinking and effective problem solving in a range of contexts
   Relates to: Online quizzes, Applied Research Project, Final Examination
3. Model ethical and culturally responsible behaviour and self-regulated academic practice
   Relates to: Experimental Investigations, Online quizzes, Applied Research Project
4. Apply academic, information and digital literacy skills appropriate to undergraduate study
   Relates to: Experimental Investigations, Applied Research Project

QC18 University Preparation Program

1. Demonstrate and apply theoretical, conceptual and/or technical knowledge based on the discipline of study
   Relates to: Experimental Investigations, Online quizzes, Final Examination
2. Apply critical, creative and analytical thinking and effective problem solving in a range of contexts
   Relates to: Online quizzes, Applied Research Project, Final Examination
3. Model ethical and culturally responsible behaviour and self-regulated academic practice
   Relates to: Experimental Investigations, Online quizzes, Applied Research Project
4. Apply academic, information and digital literacy skills appropriate to undergraduate study
   Relates to: Experimental Investigations, Applied Research Project