JCU Logo

James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2022

For subject information from 2025 and onwards, please visit the new JCU Course and Subject Handbook website.

SC1022 - Essential Science

Credit points:03
Year:2022
Student Contribution Band:Band 2
Administered by:Division of Tropical Environments & Societies (pre 2023 PCS)

Available to Diploma of Higher Education and Bachelor of Nursing Science (IHCAP) students only.

Subject Description

    <i>Essential Science</i> is an interdisciplinary science subject wherein you will develop knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for active participation in the 21st century. You will examine the role and relevance of science in society by exploring relevant and important issues that integrate science disciplines and link with technology. In this subject, you will have the opportunity to develop investigative skills through devising and implementing investigations; inquire and determine answers about natural or scientific phenomena; express positions that are scientifically informed; evaluate the validity of conclusions drawn by others about scientific matters; and reflect on the factors that influence the development of scientific knowledge. This subject will supplement student learning in the recognised science disciplines of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Earth Science and prepare students for foundational science for study in the health disciplines.

Learning Outcomes

  • devise and implement investigations using appropriate methods, techniques and equipment; work responsibly and safely in scientific contexts
  • collect, accurately record, interpret and draw conclusions from primary and secondary data
  • communicate information and ideas using scientific convention and terminology
  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of foundational concepts and processes integral to the science disciplines of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Earth Science

Subject Assessment

  • Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (30%) - Individual
  • Written > Poster - (15%) - Individual
  • Written > Research report - (25%) - Individual
  • Performance/Practice/Product > Practical assessment/practical skills demonstration - (30%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Assumed Knowledge:  Some prior use of computers.

Availabilities

Cairns, Study Period 1, Internal

Census date:Thursday, 24 Mar 2022
Study Period Dates:Monday, 21 Feb 2022 to Friday, 17 Jun 2022
Coordinator(s):
DR Carol Conway
Lecturer(s):
DR Carol Conway
Workload expectations:The student workload for this 3 credit point subject is approximately 130 hours.
  • 26 Hours - Practicals - 1 x 2 hour practical in a laboratory
  • 26 Hours - Other - 1 x 2 hour lecture/tutorial (lectorial)

Cairns, Study Period 2, Internal

Census date:Thursday, 25 Aug 2022
Study Period Dates:Monday, 25 Jul 2022 to Friday, 18 Nov 2022
Coordinator(s):
DR Carol Conway
Lecturer(s):
DR Carol Conway
Workload expectations:The student workload for this 3 credit point subject is approximately 130 hours.
  • 26 Hours - Practicals - 1 x 2 hour practical in a laboratory
  • 26 Hours - Other - 1 x 2 hour lecture/tutorial (lectorial)

Townsville, Study Period 1, Internal

Census date:Thursday, 24 Mar 2022
Study Period Dates:Monday, 21 Feb 2022 to Friday, 17 Jun 2022
Coordinator(s):
DR Carol Conway
Workload expectations:The student workload for this 3 credit point subject is approximately 130 hours.
  • 26 Hours - Practicals - 1 x 2 hour practical in a laboratory
  • 26 Hours - Other - 1 x 2 hour lecture/tutorial (lectorial)

Townsville, Study Period 2, Internal

Census date:Thursday, 25 Aug 2022
Study Period Dates:Monday, 25 Jul 2022 to Friday, 18 Nov 2022
Coordinator(s):
DR Carol Conway
Lecturer(s):
MS Madalyn Casey
Workload expectations:The student workload for this 3 credit point subject is approximately 130 hours.
  • 26 Hours - Practicals - 1 x 2 hour practical in a laboratory
  • 26 Hours - Other - 1 x 2 hour lecture/tutorial (lectorial)

Study Period 1, External

Census date:Thursday, 24 Mar 2022
Study Period Dates:Monday, 21 Feb 2022 to Friday, 17 Jun 2022
Coordinator(s):
DR Carol Conway
Lecturer(s):
DR Carol Conway
Workload expectations:
  • 130 Hours - Online content - Online engagement
Method of delivery:WWW - LearnJCU

Study Period 2, External

Census date:Thursday, 25 Aug 2022
Study Period Dates:Monday, 25 Jul 2022 to Friday, 18 Nov 2022
Coordinator(s):
DR Carol Conway
Workload expectations:
  • 130 Hours - Online content - Online engagement
Method of delivery:WWW - LearnJCU