Courses & Units

Introductory Scientific Principles XAB084

Introduction

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).

Summary

Unit name Introductory Scientific Principles
Unit code XAB084
Credit points 12.5
College/School College of Business & Economics
University College
Discipline Pre-Degree
Coordinator Mrs Catherine Tyson
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 On-Campus International Domestic
Hobart Semester 2 On-Campus International Domestic
Launceston Semester 1 On-Campus International Domestic
Launceston Semester 2 On-Campus International Domestic
Cradle Coast Semester 1 On-Campus International Domestic
Cradle Coast Semester 2 On-Campus International Domestic
Online Semester 1 Off-Campus International Domestic Domestic
Online Semester 2 Off-Campus International Domestic Domestic

Key

On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 26/2/2024 22/3/2024 15/4/2024 2/6/2024
Semester 2 22/7/2024 16/8/2024 9/9/2024 27/10/2024

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

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

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
019900 $1,118.00 $1,118.00 not applicable $2,596.00

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

On-campus Students : 1 x Workshop (2 hrs) per week; 4 x 3 hr Laboratory Sessions during semester 

On-line Students: 1x Workshop (2 hrs) per week (asynchronous activities); 1 x On-line Zoom Tutorial (1 hr) per week (synchronous); 4 x 3 hr Experiments during semester (asynchronous activities)

AssessmentSafety|Learning Log (30%)|Report (30%)|Lab Book 1 & Lab Book 2 (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

All required readings are provided by your Unit Coordinator within MyLO Module content. 

Recommended

None

LinksBooktopia textbook finder

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.