The aim of the introductory science course is to revise basic scientific facts and concepts so as to prepare students for science-based courses, and to help understand the science that underpins environmental issues. The course is non-mathematical, and avoids unnecessary scientific jargon. Students in the Resources Environment and Development program (READ) are required to take the science-based course EMDV8026 Introduction to Environmental Science (unless they have already studied Environmental Science), and this science module helps prepare them for it. The Masters of Climate Change also requires that students take some science-based courses.
Students arrive in our program with many different backgrounds and levels of competence in science. Some students may already be familiar with the concepts in the science prep course, while others may be embarking for the first time on scientific study. The course ensures that all students are brought to the same level.
Environmental management is based on a scientific, evidence-based understanding of the natural environment and human interactions with it. For environmental problems, part of the solution always lies in objective and reliable knowledge about the way in which different management plans will affect the biophysical world. Understanding any environmental issues in the modern world requires some appreciation of science.
Science for the environment is primarily biological and chemical, with some contribution from simple physics and earth sciences. In addition, this module helps prepare students for the use of scientific language, and touches upon the nature and limitations
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
At the conclusion of this preparatory course, students will:1. Understand the basic concepts of matter and energy
2. Understand the definitions of element, compound, atoms and molecules, and feel comfortable working with basic chemical formulae and equations.
3. Understand the electromagnetic spectrum and radiation
4. Appreciate the uniqueness of water, its planetary significance, and understand the derivation and use of pH
5. Learn the composition of the atmosphere, and develop a basic understanding of the carbon cycle
6. Be familiar with the basic scientific conventions
7. Start to appreciate the scientific method as a way of gaining knowledge of the biophysical universe.
8. Be aware of what constitutes science and how science advances.
9. Start to acquire a better understanding of scientific English.
Indicative Assessment
A range of formative and summative assessment tasks will be used to aid student learning. Feedback will be provided on all tasks. Completion of all tasks is required.The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Approximately 15 hours class, with an equivalent number of hours in self studyRequisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Crawford School of Public Policy to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Preliminary Reading
The lecturer will provide detailed notes as well as some selected book chapters. Students will also be encouraged to use the libraries and will be directed to some useful, carefully judged internet sites, including videos.
Assumed Knowledge
Basic mathematics – graphs, equations, simple algebra, exponential notation, some high school science.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 0 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 0.00 | 0.00000 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $00 per unit |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Summer Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1390 | 04 Jan 2016 | 05 Feb 2016 | 05 Feb 2016 | 12 Feb 2016 | In Person | N/A |
Winter Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6589 | 09 Jun 2016 | 08 Jul 2016 | 08 Jul 2016 | 15 Jul 2016 | In Person | N/A |
