Course Title: Physical Sciences in Action
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Physical Sciences in Action
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
ONPS2701 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
171H School of Science |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2022, Sem 1 2023, Sem 1 2024, Sem 1 2025 |
ONPS2727 |
RMIT University Vietnam |
Undergraduate |
171H School of Science |
Face-to-Face |
Viet1 2023, Viet1 2024, Viet1 2025 |
Course Coordinator: Dr. Andrew Martin
Course Coordinator Phone: .
Course Coordinator Email: andrew.martin@rmit.edu.au
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
None
Course Description
This course introduces you to fundamental concepts and theories within the Physical Sciences, such as Physics, Chemistry and Geospatial Science. The course will present and discuss real-world examples of how Physical Sciences contribute to problem solving and decision-making processes in contemporary societal, industrial, technological and environmental challenges. These will highlight the value of analytical reasoning using data measurement (including practical/laboratory approaches) and analysis techniques. The course will enable you to bring understanding of Physical Sciences and the associated technical, transferable and communication skills into your studies in science and enhance your future career.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following program(s):
BP350 - Bachelor of Science
PLO 1 Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts and practice in one or more scientific disciplines.
PLO 2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence using methods, technical skills, tools and emerging technologies in a range of scientific activities.
PLO 3 Analyse and apply principles of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation to address real-world scientific challenges and inform evidence based decision making.
PLO 4 Communicate, report and reflect on scientific findings, to diverse audiences utilising a variety of formats employing integrity and culturally safe practices.
PLO 5 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for own learning and professional future.
PLO 6 Collaborate and contribute within diverse, multi-disciplinary teams, with commitment to diversity, equity and globally inclusive perspectives and practices including First Nations knowledges and input.
BH116P23 - Bachelor of Surveying (Honours)
PLO 1 Apply advanced and coherent knowledge of theories, principles, concepts, technologies and practices that underpin the significance of surveying in society.
PLO 3 Apply standard and advanced research principles and methodology to design and implement industrial and research projects to address complex real-world problems and make original contribution to the current body of knowledge
PLO 5 Critically evaluate and communicate research findings to diverse audiences utilising contemporary and traditional formats employing integrity and culturally safe practices.
PLO 7 Make use of professional practices to achieve learning excellence within multi-disciplinary teams and in adherence with the regulatory frameworks of a Surveyor and First Nations knowledges and input
BP192P23 - Bachelor of Environmental Science
PLO 1 Apply an interdisciplinary knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts, and practices in the environmental sciences
PLO 2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence through research with reflection on the role, relevance and significance of environmental science
PLO 3 Apply principles of scientific inquiry, tools, and techniques relevant to environmental science to solve problems informed by evidence-based decision making.
PLO 4 Critically evaluate and communicate concepts and practice relevant to the fields of environmental science to diverse audiences utilising a variety of modes employing integrity and culturally safe practices
BP199P23 - Bachelor of Food Technology and Nutrition
BP289FTNDD - Bachelor of Food Technology and Nutrition/Bachelor of Business
BP330P23 - Bachelor of Space Science
PLO 1 Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts and practices to your field.
PLO 2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence with reflection of the role, relevance and significance of your field in society.
PLO 3 Apply principles of scientific inquiry, tools and techniques relevant to your field's industries to solve problems and inform evidence-based decision making.
PLO 4 Critically evaluate and communicate concepts and practices relevant to your field to diverse audiences utilising contemporary and traditional formats employing professional integrity and culturally safe practices.
PLO 6 Collaborate and contribute within diverse, multi-disciplinary teams, with commitment to diversity, equity and globally inclusive perspectives and practices including First Nations knowledges and input.
BP330 - Bachelor of Space Science
PLO 1.1 Understanding science and engineering - You will demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and engineering fundamentals and an ability to apply them in practice.
PLO 1.3 Understanding science and engineering - You will demonstrate an understanding of the role and importance of evidence in the continuous evolution of scientific knowledge.
PLO 2.2 Knowledge capability - You will have knowledge in at least one discipline other than your primary discipline and some understanding of interdisciplinary linkages.
PLO 3.2 Inquiry and Problem Solving - You will be able to gather, critically review and synthesise information relevant to a scientific inquiry or research project.
PLO 3.3 Inquiry and Problem Solving - You will be able to choose appropriate tools and methods to solve scientific problems within your area of specialisation.
PLO 3.4 Inquiry and Problem Solving - You will demonstrate well-developed problem solving skills, applying your knowledge and using your ability to think analytically and creatively.
PLO 4.1 Communication - You will be able to communicate the solution to a problem or the results of a scientific investigation using effective oral, written and presentation skills.
PLO 4.2 Communication - You will be able to communicate the solution to a problem or the results of a scientific investigation using appropriate methods for different audiences.
PLO 5.1 Personal and professional responsibility - You will develop a capacity for independent and self-directed work.
PLO 5.2 Personal and professional responsibility - You will work responsibly, safely, legally and ethically.
PLO 5.3 Personal and professional responsibility - You will develop an ability to work collaboratively.
BH096ESDD - Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours)
PLO 1.1 Understanding science - You will demonstrate a coherent understanding of environmental science by articulating the methods of science and explaining why current environmental knowledge is both contestable and testable through further inquiry
PLO 1.2 Understanding science - You will demonstrate a coherent understanding of environmental science by explaining the role and relevance of environmental science in society
PLO 2.2 Scientific knowledge - You will be able to exhibit depth and breadth of environmental science knowledge by demonstrating knowledge that environmental science has interdisciplinary connections with other sciences.
PLO 3.2 Inquiry and problem solving - You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in environmental science by designing and planning an investigation, including developing a testable hypothesis
PLO 3.3 Inquiry and problem solving - You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in environmental science by selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques with technical competence in conducting field, laboratory-based, or virtual experiments
PLO 3.4 Inquiry and problem solving - You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in environmental science by collecting, accurately recording, interpreting, and drawing conclusions from scientific data
PLO 4.1 Communication - You will be an effective communicator of environmental sciences by effectively communicating environmental results, information, or arguments using a range of modes (oral, written, visual) for a variety of purposes and audiences
PLO 5.1 Personal and professional responsibility - You will be accountable for individual learning and scientific work in environmental science by being an independent and self-directed learner
PLO 5.2 Personal and professional responsibility - You will be accountable for your individual learning and scientific work in environmental science by working effectively, responsibly, ethically, and safely in an individual or team context
PLO 5.3 Personal and professional responsibility - You will be accountable for your individual learning and scientific work in environmental science by demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks and ethical principles relevant to environmental science.
BH098SACDD - Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry)/Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours)
PLO 1.1 Understanding the Culture of Chemistry - Graduates will be able to understand the ways of scientific thinking by recognising the creative endeavour involved in acquiring knowledge and the testable and contestable nature of the principles of chemistry
PLO 1.2 Understanding the Culture of Chemistry - Graduates will be able to recognise that chemistry plays an essential role in society and underpins many industrial, technological and medical advances.
PLO 1.3 Understanding the Culture of Chemistry - Graduates will understand and be able to articulate aspects of the place and importance of chemistry in the local and global community.
PLO 2.2 Scientific knowledge - Graduates have also demonstrated depth of chemistry knowledge by recognising chemistry is abroad discipline that impacts on, and is influenced by, other scientific fields.
PLO 3.2 Inquiry, Problem Solving and Critical Thinking - The graduate will be able to formulate hypotheses, proposals and predictions and design and undertake experiments and projects in a safe and responsible manner
PLO 3.3 Inquiry, Problem Solving and Critical Thinking - The graduate will be able to apply recognised methods and appropriate practical techniques and tools to their investigations, and be able to adapt these techniques when necessary
PLO 3.4 Inquiry, Problem Solving and Critical Thinking - The graduate will be able to implement correct methods of collecting, recording and interpreting data when carrying out experiments and incorporate qualitative and quantitative evidence into scientifically defensible arguments
PLO 4.1 Communication - The graduate will be able to communicate chemical knowledge by presenting information, articulate arguments and conclusions, in a variety of modes, to diverse audiences, and for a range of purposes
PLO 4.2 Communication - The graduate will be able to communicate the solution to a problem or the results of a scientific investigation using appropriate terminology for the intended audience.
PLO 5.1 Personal and professional responsibility - The graduate will be able to take personal, professional and social responsibility by demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning will demonstrate accountability for your own learning and professional conduct.
PLO 5.2 Personal and professional responsibility - The graduate will be able to take personal, professional and social responsibility by demonstrating a capacity for working responsibly and safely
PLO 5.3 Personal and professional responsibility - The graduate will be able to recognise the relevant and required ethical conduct and behaviour within which chemistry is practiced.
BP083P23 - Bachelor of Applied Mathematics and Statistics
PLO 1 Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of mathematical and statistical theories, principles, concepts and practices with multi-disciplinary collaboration.
PLO 3 Formulate and model real world problems using principles of mathematical and statistical inquiry to inform evidence-based decision making.
PLO 4 Critically evaluate and communicate technical and non- technical mathematical and statistical knowledge to diverse audiences utilising a variety of formats employing culturally safe practices.
PLO 6 Collaborate and contribute within diverse, multi-disciplinary teams, with commitment to diversity, equity and globally inclusive perspectives and practices including First Nations knowledges.
BH117P23 - Bachelor of Geospatial Science (Honours)
PLO 1 Apply advanced and coherent knowledge of theories, principles, concepts, technologies, and specialist practices in the geospatial science.
PLO 2 Critically analyse and evaluate geospatial data from different sources, standards, and governance for supporting a range of applications, using methods, tools, and technologies in the geospatial discipline.
PLO 3 Apply research principles and methodology to design and implement industrial and research projects to address complex real-world problems, and make original contribution to current body of Knowledge
PLO 5 Critically evaluate and communicate geospatial scientific and research findings to diverse audiences utilising contemporary and traditional formats employing integrity and culturally safe practices.
PLO 7 Collaborate and contribute within diverse, multi-disciplinary teams, with commitment to diversity, equity and globally inclusive perspectives and practices including First Nations knowledges and input.
BP229P7 - Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences)
BP247ASCDD - Bachelor of Science (Nanotechnology)/Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences)
BP229PHYS - Bachelor of Science (Physics)
BP305ASDD - Bachelor of Science (Applied Science)/Bachelor of Business (Management)
PLO 1.1 Understanding science - You will demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and an ability to apply the scientific method in practice.
PLO 1.2 Understanding science - You will demonstrate an understanding of the role and relevance of science in society
PLO 1.3 Understanding science - You will demonstrate an understanding of the role and importance of evidence in the continuous evolution of scientific knowledge
PLO 2.2 Scientific knowledge - You will have knowledge in at least one discipline other than your primary discipline and some understanding of interdisciplinary linkages
PLO 3.2 Inquiry and Problem Solving - You will be able to gather, critically review and synthesise information relevant to a scientific inquiry or research project.
PLO 3.3 Inquiry and Problem Solving - You will be able to choose appropriate tools and methods to solve scientific problems within your area of specialization.
PLO 3.4 Inquiry and Problem Solving - You will demonstrate well developed problem solving skills, applying your knowledge and using your ability to think analytically and creatively
PLO 4.1 Communication - You will be able to communicate the solution to a problem or the results of a scientific investigation using effective oral, written and presentation skills.
PLO 4.2 Communication - You will be able to communicate the solution to a problem or the results of a scientific investigation using appropriate methods for different audiences
PLO 5.1 Personal and professional responsibility - You will develop a capacity for independent and self-directed work.
PLO 5.2 Personal and professional responsibility - You will work responsibly, safely, legally and ethically.
PLO 5.3 Personal and professional responsibility - You will develop an ability to work collaboratively.
BP229APCH - Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry)
PLO 1.1 Understanding the Culture of Chemistry - You will be able to understand the ways of scientific thinking by recoginising the creative endeavour involved in acquiring knowledge and the testable and contestable nature of the principles of chemistry
PLO 1.2 Understanding the Culture of Chemistry - You will be able to recognise that chemistry plays an essential role in society and underpins many industrial, technological and medical advances.
PLO 2.2 Scientific knowledge - You have also demonstrated depth of chemistry knowledge by recognising chemistry is abroad discipline that impacts on, and is influenced by, other scientific fields.
PLO 3.2 Inquiry, Problem Solving and Critical Thinking - You will be able to formulate hypotheses, proposals and predictions and design and undertake4 experiments and projects in a safe and responsible manner
PLO 3.3 Inquiry, Problem Solving and Critical Thinking - You will be able to apply recognised methods and appropriate practical techniques and tools to investigations, and be able to adapt these techniques when necessary
PLO 4.1 Communication - You will be able to communicate chemical knowledge by presenting information, articulate arguments and conclusions, in a variety of modes, to diverse audiences, and for a range of purposes
PLO 4.2 Communication - You will be able to communicate the solution to a problem or the results of a scientific investigation using appropriate terminology for the intended audience.
PLO 5.1 Personal and professional responsibility - You will be able to take personal, professional and social responsibility by demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning will demonstrate accountability for your own learning and professional conduct.
PLO 5.2 Personal and professional responsibility - You will be able to take personal, professional and social responsibility by demonstrating a capacity for working responsibly and safely
PLO 5.3 Personal and professional responsibility - You will be able to recognise the relevant and required ethical conduct and behavior within which chemistry is practiced.
BP229BISC - Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences)
PLO 1.1 Understanding science - You will demonstrate a coherent understanding of biological sciences by articulating the methods of science and explaining why current biological knowledge is both contestable and testable through further inquiry.
PLO 1.2 Understanding science - You will demonstrate a coherent understanding of biological sciences by explaining the role and relevance of biological sciences in society.
PLO 1.3 Understanding science - You will demonstrate an understanding of the role and importance of evidence in the continuous evolution of scientific knowledge
PLO 2.2 Scientific knowledge - You will exhibit depth and breadth of biological knowledge by demonstrating knowledge that biological sciences have interdisciplinary connections with other sciences.
PLO 3.1 Inquiry and problem solving - You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in biological sciences by gathering, synthesizing and critically evaluating information from a range of sources.
PLO 3.3 Inquiry and problem solving - You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in biological sciences by selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques with technical competence in conducting field, laboratory-based, or virtual experiments.
PLO 4.1 Communication - You will be an effective communicator of biological sciences by effectively communicating scientific results, information, or arguments using a range of modes (oral, written, visual) for a variety of purposes and audiences.
PLO 5.1 Personal and professional responsibility - You will be accountable for individual learning and scientific work in environmental science by being an independent and self-directed learner.
PLO 5.2 Personal and professional responsibility - You will be accountable for individual learning and scientific work by working effectively, responsibly, ethically, and safely in an individual or team context.
BP293SBDD – Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)/Bachelor of Biomedical Science
PLO 1.1 Demonstrate a coherent understanding of biotechnology and biomedical sciences by - Articulating the methods of biotechnology and biomedical science and explaining why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry
PLO 1.2 Demonstrate a coherent understanding of biotechnology and biomedical sciences by - Explaining the role and relevance of biotechnology and biomedical science in society
PLO 2.1 Exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge by - Demonstrating knowledge across disciplines contributing to biotechnology and biomedical science
PLO 3.1 Critically analyse and solve scientific problems by - Gathering, synthesising and critically evaluating information from a range of sources
PLO 3.2 Critically analyse and solve scientific problems by - Designing and planning an investigation, including developing a testable hypothesis.
PLO 3.3 Critically analyse and solve scientific problems by - Selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation
PLO 4.1 Demonstrate effective communication of biotechnology and biomedical science by - Communicating scientific results, information, or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, and using a variety of modes.
PLO 5.1 Demonstrate accountability for your own learning and scientific work by - Becoming an independent and self-directed learner
PLO 5.2 Demonstrate accountability for your own learning and scientific work by - Working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context
PLO 5.3 Demonstrate accountability for your own learning and scientific work by - Demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to their biotechnology and biomedical science and personally practising ethical conduct.
For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Apply scientific and foundational concepts and theories across the physical sciences to solve numerical problems.
- Identify and analyse physical sciences concepts and practices from real world challenges.
- Apply practical skills to investigate and measure physical systems using a scientific method to solve problems.
- Analyse and interpret data using scientific conventions and appropriate mathematical notation.
- Explain the role of the physical, chemical, and geospatial sciences in meeting global challenges and priorities.
- Communicate physical, chemical and/or geospatial science related global challenges in a diverse and multidisciplinary team.
Overview of Learning Activities
You will undertake an integrated series of immersive learning experiences and activities to develop fundamental conceptual and practical understanding and experience in physical sciences. A blended learning approach will be used involving face-to-face experiential learning activities complemented by online learning and team-based activities.
You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.
There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Task 1: In class tests
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 4
Assessment Task 2: Laboratory Assessments (3 practical tasks)
Weighting 45%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 4
Assessment Task 3: Showcase Oral Assessment
Weighting 25%
This assessment task supports CLOs 5 & 6
If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.