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2022/23 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LLLC0192 Nature of Science and Scientific Thinking

15 creditsClass Size: 95

Module manager: Juliana Manso de Oliveira Silva
Email: J.MansoDeOliveiraSilva@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2022/23

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module aims to develop your understanding of the nature of science to further develop your academic study skills. The module will examine for you some of the interdisciplinary connections which exist between biology, chemistry, geosciences, mathematics, and physics. In the module you will learn how to develop your academic and reflective writing practices whilst evaluating your personal academic capabilities (strengths and weaknesses) using metacognitive (thinking about your thinking) approaches.

Objectives

The aim of this module is to enable students to develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the nature of science using contemporary science topics, to recognise their own experience of learning and participate in metacognitive practices to inform future learning, further develop academic study & research skills, and design & execute an independent scientific investigation.

This module will complement, support, and build on the knowledge and skills gained in the other 'Interdisciplinary Science Programme' modules.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Communicate using appropriate language to support academic & reflective writing and presentations
2. Apply key concepts and skills associated with science and mathematics modules in order to design and execute an independent research project.
3. Acquire and apply relevant practical and scientific academic skills including critical thinking, investigative and communication skills, statistical analysis and scientific discovery.
4. Evaluate and develop personal academic capabilities (strengths and weaknesses) using metacognitive approaches to participate in reflective practice.
5. Understand the university procedures and higher education environment through such practices as attendance, resources, examinations, and academic writing/referencing conventions.

Skills outcomes
Students will be able to:
- write using correct and appropriate scientific and mathematical language to communicate information, understanding, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms
- as part of this module students will develop a range of digital literacy skills. Further details are provided in the module handbook
- know where to find relevant and appropriate sources to apply critical thinking to popular press materials and academic literature


Syllabus

The content will cover areas such as academic study skills, scientific data, essay/report writing, and reflective practices. The module will be taught using different teaching styles and methods allowing students an opportunity to develop independent and group working skills.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Workshop202.0040.00
Independent online learning hours40.00
Private study hours70.00
Total Contact hours40.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)150.00

Private study

Independent on-line learning:
Using VLE resources 40
Private study: Reading 10 Researching 20 Preparing coursework 15 Writing Reports 15 Preparation for presentations 10

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

General feedback on assignment performance will be posted on Minerva, while individual feedback will also be provided upon marking of assignments. Students will also participate in self and peer review across the foundation year.
Reflective essays and action plan (4x300 words), academic writing (peer/self feedback), guidance in workshop sessions on scientific report (1X3000 words) (peer/self feedback)

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Presentation10 min poster or padlet30.00
Portfolio3,000 words70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

If a student fails the module coursework the resit opportunity will be an equivalent problem based learning assessment in July. Students who miss any of these learning opportunities can apply for mitigating circumstances and potentially could be given consideration at the exam board.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 09/05/2022 16:33:42

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