QCF258 Science 2

Unit Outline: College 1 2025, 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 explore scientific theories that are fundamental to the understanding of many common observable phenomena. You will further develop your ability to work scientifically which includes 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 build on earlier learning in QCF158 to further develop your science inquiry skills through actively engaging in activities that involve processing, analysing and interpreting scientific evidence; evaluating conclusions, processes and claims; and communicating findings. 

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 three summative assessments: a mis-semester examination, an applied project and a final examination.  Formative assessment will support your learning through the opportunity to practice tasks and learn from feedback before completing it for marking purposes. 

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Mid-semester examination

This assessment will test your knowledge, understanding and application of scientific concepts taught in this unit from weeks 1-5 (inclusive). You will be asked to respond to a series of short answer questions that assess your knowledge, understanding and ability to apply fundamental concepts and principles.

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 assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Final Examination

This assessment will test your knowledge, understanding and application of scientific concepts taught in this unit mainly from weeks 6-13 (inclusive) Your responses to a series of short answer questions will enable you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding, critical thinking and problem solving in relation to fundamental concepts and principles.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

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.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, 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: Mid-semester examination, Applied Research Project, Final Examination
2. Apply critical, creative and analytical thinking and effective problem solving in a range of contexts
   Relates to: Mid-semester examination, Applied Research Project, Final Examination
3. Use academic language to suit the intended purpose and audience in written, oral and multimodal genres
   Relates to: Applied Research Project
4. Apply academic, information and digital literacy skills appropriate to undergraduate study
   Relates to: Applied Research Project