Unit Outline

XAB084 Introductory Scientific Principles is designed to give you the foundation knowledge in both theoretical and practical science. The unit will introduce you to the importance of engaging with scientific thinking and reasoning, methodology, precision and accuracy in measurement, written scientific communication, by developing practical skills and using relevant scientific theory and concepts in multiple science disciplines that will support your further studies. The major concepts covered in this unit are scientific thinking, properties and structures of matter, elements, ions and compounds, basic laboratory skills by collecting, analysing and representing data and finally written communication skills to report on experimental outcomes. In the Psychology focus, you will review sensation, perception, consciousness, sleep; and brain anatomy, injury and plasticity and disorders. In the Biology focus, you will review key principles in biology, cells, maintenance and regulation of life processes, continuity of life, and organisms and their environment. In the Chemistry focus, you will review chemical formulae, writing equations, stoichiometric principles, chemistry of life, and introductory carbon chemistry. You will use laboratory skills and content knowledge from both the general scientific concepts and from your two chosen focus areas, to conduct experiments to collect and analyse data, to be presented in a scientific report. This unit is a part of the Diploma of Pharmacy Studies, and Diploma of University Studies (Science, Paramedicine, and Psychology specialisations).

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

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


1	Describe major theories, concepts, and models related to various branches of science
2	Conduct scientific experiments using appropriate tools and techniques
3	Communicate background information, methods, results, arguments and reflection through scientific writing
4	Evaluate claims and scientific concepts to support conclusions by using academic sources

Alterations as a result of student feedback

As a result of student feedback, the lab book instructions will be more explicit the tables and graphs required and discussion questions rationalised, with rubrics adjusted accordingly. A self-marking quiz will be used to replace the 'prelab' questions in the Lab Books, with a minimum grade of 80% required for access to the Lab Book instructions. A more structured approach to focus group workshops will be trialled. Synchronous classes for online students i.e., a 2 hour workshop and 2 x 30 min tutorials will be visible to online students on the UTAS timetable.

Teaching arrangements


ATTENDANCE MODE	TEACHING TYPE	LEARNING ACTIVITY	CONTACT HOURS	FREQUENCY
On Campus	Workshop	1 x Workshop (2 hrs) per week	2	Weekly
	Science Laboratory	4 x 3-hr Laboratory Sessions during semester	3	Study Period 4 times
	Other	2 x 1-hr Zoom study/learning support (optional - to assist with independent study & assessment tasks)	2	Weekly
Online	Workshop (Online)	1 x Workshop (2hrs) per week as self-directed asynchronous activities OR join Online class (synchronous) - see the timetable for day/time	2	Weekly
	Tutorial (Online)	2 x 30 minutes on-line Zoom Tutorial (1 hr) per week (synchronous)	1	Weekly
	Project	4 x 3-hr Experiments during semester (asynchronous activities)	3	Study Period 4 times
	Online Class	2 x 1-hr Zoom study/learning support (optional - to assist with independent study & assessment tasks)	2	Weekly

Attendance / engagement expectations

If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	AT1: Safety	See the MyLO site for the due date	0 %
Assessment Task 2:	AT2: Learning Log	See the MyLO site for the due date	30 %	LO1, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	AT3: Lab Book Experiments 1- 4	See the MyLO site for the due date	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 4:	AT4: Report	Refer to Assessment Description	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: AT1: Safety

Task Description:

1. Completion of current Laboratory and Workshop Induction MyLO module appropriate for level required (see MyLO for details) and submission of required certificate to MyLO assessments.
AND
2. Completion of Laboratory Medical Disclosure Form and submission of required certificate to MyLO assessments.
Both aspects of this Hurdle Task must be submitted for access to experiment details for both on-campus and on-line students. On-campus students will not be permitted in a UTAS laboratory without successfully completing this task.

Task Length:

Relevant MyLO Laboratory Induction module (approximately 1-2 hours) & completion of form for Medical Declaration (approx. 5 mins).

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

0 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)

Assessment Task 2: AT2: Learning Log

Task Description:

The purpose of the learning log is to encourage engagement with the self-study content and Active Learning Activities (ALA). Each week, you will work through module content, and then complete entries into a learning log. You will be asked to review the content and complete online activities. Activity progress will be recorded and your responses will be assessed.

The learning log is assessed at the end of each module in weeks 1-12.

Task Length:

Various short answer or multiple-choice activities

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Describe the application of key concepts, theories, and methodologies in scientific contexts using correct terminology.	LO1, LO3, LO4
2	Summarise and communicate ideas from source material	LO1, LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 3: AT3: Lab Book Experiments 1- 4

Task Description:

You are required to complete four experiments either in a Laboratory (on-campus students) or at home (on-line students). Please see MyLO for details for timing and required experiments.

Once you have satisfactorily completed your Safety Hurdle Task, you will be provided with a copy of the experiment 1-4 Lab Books, that which
provide details and instructions to all experiments, including space for you to record data, calculations, graphs, and answer related questions.
Photographic evidence of you conducting the experiment is required.
Data from one of the Choice of Experiments will constitute the basis of your Assessment Task 4: Report.

You will need to submit:
Lab Book Experiment 1 by Week 4
Lab Book Experiment 2 by Week 6
Lab Book Experiment 3 by Week 8
Lab Book Experiment 4 by Week 10

Task Length:

Four experiments will be completed, with up to approximately 3 hours hands-on experimental time per experiment. Additional time may be needed to complete various short answer questions and activities.

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Communicate an understanding of key concepts and theories in scientific contexts	LO1, LO3, LO4
2	Present lab notes and analysis of data	LO2, LO3
3	Engage in reflection and self assessment	LO3
4	Interpret and discuss data to draw conclusions	LO1, LO4

Assessment Task 4: AT4: Report

Task Description:

You will complete a written scientific report based on experimental data you have recorded from one of the three specified experiments conducted within this unit. You will be required to research the topic and use a minimum of four relevant academic sources in-text to support your Report. Some academic sources will be provided and may like to use these in-text to support your writing but some additional research will be required. Please refer to the assessment information in MyLO for further details.

Task Length:

1200 - 1500 words

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Communicate an understanding of key concepts and theories in scientific contexts	LO1, LO3
2	Present lab notes and analysis data	LO2, LO3
3	Interpret and discuss data to draw conclusions	LO1, LO4
4	Uses academic sources to support writing	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.