SSC12. Principles and Processes in Biology
9 credit points.
This course is designed to explore underlying principles and
processes in biology. It will explore the unity and diversity in
form and function of living things and their interactions with
the ecological systems that support them. Implicit in this is
the study of the intricate web of inter-dependence between
living and non-living things that are connected by the flow of
energy and the cycling of nutrients, gases, minerals and water.
Included is a critical look at issues and factors that impact on
the sustainability of these webs of life. Particular attention
will also be given to knowledge and principles underlying
processes in the human body, health, fitness, hygiene and
well-being that students can apply to their own lives. Finally,
careful consideration will be made to deal with situations
relevant to Vanuatu.
SSC21. Physics
9 credit points.
This course is designed to broaden and extend students'
knowledge base in classical physics. It aims to strengthen
knowledge of basic concepts in classical mechanics, work and
energy, pressure and density, electricity and electromagnetism,
and thermal properties of matter. Included also is a brief study
of the properties of waves as illustrated in the behavior of
light and sound, and an introduction to modern physics.
The course is calculus based so students will be dealing a lot
with mathematical physics problems. A lot of opportunity will be
given in lectures, tutorials and weekly assignments for students
to investigate mathematical problems in physics.
Emphasis in the course will also be given to the practical
application of science knowledge, as far as applicable, to the
local context. Towards the end of the course students will apply
their knowledge to the design of a science investigation.
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TSC12. Science Teaching Methods 1
9 credit points.
This course reflects on Teaching Practice 1 in order to examine
students' practical experiences from a theoretical perspective.
How do students learn? What is meaningful learning? What are the
aims of science education? How can students be engaged
meaningfully in science activities? How is science taught? These
are some questions to think about as students begin to
understand their roles as teachers of science.
Microteaching is the other major component of the course.
Students are required to plan and teach lessons that reflect the
aims and objectives of the Years 7 and 8 Vanuatu Basic Science
curriculum. Further, they engage in laboratory activities to
explore various content areas and processes in science.
TSC21. Science Teaching Methods 2
Semester 3. 9 credit points.
The major components of this course are planning, teaching,
assessment and a critical examination of the nature of science
teaching and learning. The course prepares students for their
second teaching practice as well as to become emergent science
teachers.
A focus is the application of the theories and principles of
teaching and learning and teaching skills developed in earlier
courses to plan and teach science lessons for microteaching.
Students also plan units of work based on the Years 9 and 10
science syllabuses. Assessment is introduced with a view to
familiarising students with assessment tools used in the Vanuatu
education system. It is expected that students will be able to
design, implement and analyse a science assessment task at Year
9 level. Current issues in science and science education are
also addressed.
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SC106. Earth Science
Semester 2. 9 credit points.
This course provides a broad introduction to the principles of
physical geology and their application in the exploration and
development of natural resources, especially within the tectonic
framework of the South Pacific region. Topics include the
internal structure of the earth; plate tectonics and continental
drift; igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic activity; the
geology of the marine environment; basic mineralogy and
petrology; introduction to geological mapping; deformation of
the crust; evolution of the South Pacific region; and the role
of the earth scientist in the South Pacific. The practical
course includes both laboratory and field work.
CH101. Principles of Chemistry
Semesters 3 and 4. 9 credit points.
The course provides students with a solid foundation of modern
chemistry through a broad coverage of the subject. It begins
with a brief revision of atomic theory, followed by a detailed
examination of modern theories of chemical bonding and their
application to a wide range of organic and inorganic molecules.
Other topics include thermodynamics, Hess's Law, enthalpy,
entropy, equilibria and electrochemistry, Nernst equation.
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