Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)
Module FOUN0477: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 1
Department: Foundation Year
FOUN0477: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 1
| Type | Open | Level | 0 | Credits | 10 | Availability | Available in 2011/12 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham and Queen's Campus Stockton |
|---|
Prerequisites
- None.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- Introduction to Chemistry and Core Foundation Chemistry.
Aims
- To develop awareness and knowledge of key environmental issues and the science behind them.
- To introduce a basic bank of chemical knowledge through an environmental science application.
- To develop awareness and knowledge of key environmental issues and the science behind them.
- To encourage students to develop confidence in their own abilities in a science subject
- To develop confidence in a laboratory situation.
Content
- Fossil fuels formation, photosynthesis, carbon cycle, alternative sources of carbon.
- Burning of fossil fuels, acid rain, formation and preventative measures.
- Atmosphere, structure (troposphere, stratosphere, etc), composition of stratosphere, ozone and chemical interactions.
- Water cycle, water properties.
- Chemistry fundamentals, atoms, molecules, elements, compounds, Periodic Table, bonding, chemical formulae and nomenclature, balancing of simple chemical equations, acids, bases, alkalis, indicators.
- Atomic structure and electronic configurations.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- By the end of this module the student will have acquired the knowledge to be able to:
- describe the basic concepts involved in: fossil fuel formation and burning, carbon cycle, Acid rain, formation and preventative measures, and constituents of the stratosphere.
- identify the differences between atoms. molecules, elements and compounds and bonding.
- identify characteristics of acids of acids and alkalis.
Subject-specific Skills:
- By the end of this module the student will have acquired the skills to be able to:
- use the periodic table.
- use simple chemical formulae and equations.
Key Skills:
- By the end of the module students will be able to:
- communicate effectively in writing.
- be able to apply number both in the tackling of numerical problems and in the collecting, recording, interpreting and presenting of data.
- be able to demonstrate problem solving skills.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Theory, initial concepts and techniques will be introduced during lectures and demonstrations.
- Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of structured activities during tutorials and students' own time.
- Knowledge, understanding and ability to use the periodic table and formulae will be assessed by a portfolio of set tasks and exercises and an end of module test.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 11 | Weekly | 2 | 22 | ■ |
| Tutorials | 11 | Weekly | 1 | 11 | ■ |
| Preparation and Reading | 77 | ||||
| Total | 100 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Portfolio | Component Weighting: 40% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Portfolio of assessed work | 100% | Resubmission | |
| Component: End of module invigilated test | Component Weighting: 60% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| End of module invigilated test | 2 hours | 100% | Resit |
Formative Assessment:
Students will be given self testing units on a weekly basis.
■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University