Courses & Units

Introductory Scientific Principles XAB084

Introduction

XAB084 Introductory Scientific Principles is designed to give you the fundamental 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, relevant scientific theory, and concepts in multiple science disciplines (streams), through practical skills that will support your further studies. The major concepts covered in this unit are scientific thinking, properties and structures of matter, briefly elements, ions and compounds, lab skills, and written communication skills to report on experimental outcomes. In the Psychology stream, you will review sensation, perception, consciousness, sleep, brain anatomy, injury and plasticity. In the Biology stream, you will review key principles in biology, maintenance and regulation of life processes, continuity of life, and organisms and their environment. In the Chemistry stream, you will review stoichiometric principles, chemistry of life, and neurochemistry. This unit is a part of the Diploma of Pharmacy Studies, and Diploma of University Studies (Science, Paramedicine, and Psychology specialisations). For completion of this unit, you are required to choose two streams as appropriate for your specialisation.

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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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

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

The 2024 Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) rates are still being finalised by the Government and we will update the domestic fee information as soon as we have more details.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

1 x Tutorial (2 hrs) per fortnight (Synchronous On-campus or asynchronous Off-campus activities)

1 x Online Workshop (3 hrs) per fortnight (Synchronous On-campus/Off-campus or asynchronous Off-campus recording)

4 x Experiments (3 hrs) per semester (Synchronous On-campus or asynchronous Off-campus activities)

AssessmentSafety|Anatomy of a Science Report (10%)|Learning Log (20%)|Report (30%)|Lab Books (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

None

Recommended

None

LinksBooktopia textbook finder

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