SCIENCE - KEY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Ruth Neiland

Pre-requisites

Standard Grade Maths at Credit Level is the minimum but Higher Maths, Access Maths 1 and 2 or the equivalent would be preferred.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

This course provides an introduction to Mathematics for those who wish to pursue a wide range of studies such as science, engineering and economics. It is designed for students who have not specialised in mathematics. Topics in Mathematics 1 include basic algebraic manipulation, trigonometry and an introduction to calculus.
Weekly evening tutorials in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (80%) and continuous assessment (20%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Ruth Neiland

Pre-requisites

H Grade Chemistry or equivalents, eg. Access Chemistry 1 and 2, A level Chemistry, SQA National Certificate (Higher Grade) or Open University Science foundation course. Also Standard Grade Credit level Mathematics or Access Mathematics 1.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

This course aims to build on your existing qualifications, to extend and deepen your knowledge and understanding of chemistry. Topics covered include basic chemical calculations, atomic structure, spectra and the Periodic Table, organic structures, aqueous solutions and pH.
Weekly evening tutorials in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (40%), continuous assessment (60%) and 1 practical weekend (attendance certificate).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Ruth Neiland

Pre-requisites

Standard Grade Physics and Mathematics at Credit level or equivalent.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

This course provides an introduction to fundamental concepts in Physics including mechanics, optics and waves.
Fortnightly evening tutorials in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (80%) and continuous assessment (20%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Ruth Neiland

Pre-requisites

Standard Grade Maths.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

This course introduces the concepts of computer programming. No prior knowledge of programming is assumed but some familiarity with using computers is highly desirable. Throughout the course structured design techniques for the production of programs are emphasised. These techniques can be applied to both large and small programming projects. In this course the programming language used is C++, although no attempt is made to cover the Object-oriented features of the language.

This course is conducted on the Internet. This is in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (70%) and coursework (30%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Ruth Neiland

Pre-requisites

KL 1077 or equivalent.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004, and will run in the second half-session as KL 1578.

Overview

This course continues the development of programming techniques started in Computing 1. More emphasis is placed on the construction of larger programs which re-use code previously written and thoroughly tested. The definition and design of more complex data structures is also covered. Common algorithms for searching and sorting lists are considered as an introduction to the topic of algorithm design and analysis. A simple introduction is given to Object-oriented Design and the features of C++ that facilitate Object-oriented Programming. Some consideration is also given to the topic of software engineering as relevant to the production, de-bugging and testing of software packages.
This course is conducted on the Internet. This is in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (70%) and coursework (30%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Ruth Neiland

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004, and will run in the first half-session as KL 107B.

Overview

This course has been designed for anybody who has an interest in studying geology in relation to topical environmental issues. It will focus on issues and discuss matters of specific concern in Scotland. The first tutorial sets out the broad geological framework of the world we live in, and the remaining tutorials fall into three groups –natural hazards, the exploration of natural resources and the human control of the environment.
Weekly evening tutorials in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (60%) continuous assessment (40%) and 1 practical weekend (attendance certificate).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Ruth Neiland

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004, and will run in the second half-session as KL 157C.

Overview

This course is designed for those with a general interest in the land-based subjects of agriculture, forestry or land economy. The course is complete in itself and is taught on a multi-departmental basis. It covers the historical development and current situation in relation to agriculture and forest management (mainly silviculture) with technical discussion of their main enterprises and commodities. The course focuses on the position in the UK but reference is also made to developments elsewhere in the world.
Fortnightly evening tutorials in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Ruth Neiland

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004, and will run in the second half-session a KL 157E.

Overview

This course gives an introduction to the Earth as a dynamic planet, and to the minerals and rocks of which it is composed. It covers the structure of the Earth and the theory of plate tectonics, before moving on to detailed study of minerals and rocks. The nature and origin of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks will be studied, using a petrological microscope where appropriate, and there will also be the opportunity to study geology in the field. It is designed for those who wish to pursue the subject further, but will also be of interest to all those who wish to know more about the world around them.
Fortnightly evening tutorials in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 one-hour examination (50%) and continuous assessment (50%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Ruth Neiland

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

This course is multi-disciplinary and aims to provide a foundation knowledge in Computing, Mathematics & Statistics and Physics.
Tutorials will be via the web, supplemented by private study.
1 one and a half hour examination (65%) and continuous assessment (35%).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr Ruth Neiland

Pre-requisites

None. A short introductory session presents the basic ideas of Biology for those with no previous biological training or for those needing a refresher course.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004, and will run in the first half-session as KL 107H.

Overview

This course gives an elementary introduction to Ecology, both as a scientific discipline on which further studies in Biology can be based and as a component of our everyday lives, providing a biological background to the understanding of environmental problems.
Fortnightly evening tutorials in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 one and a half hour examination paper (40%) continuous assessment (60%) and laboratory session (attendance certificate).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr Ruth Neiland

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004, and will run in the first half-session as KL 107J.

Overview

This course gives an elementary introduction to the living cell as the smallest unit of life.
Fortnightly evening seminars in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 one and a half hour examination (40%), continuous assessment (60%) and laboratory session (attendance certificate).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr Ruth Neiland

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004, and will run in the second half-session as KL 157K.

Overview

As a basic introduction to the science of molecular biology, this course focuses on (1) the structure and function of genetic material, DNA, (2) plant and animal defences against invasive micro-organisms, and (3) impact of disease at the molecular level. It provides a basis for more advanced molecular courses and an introduction to the applied uses of molecular biology through biotechnology.
Fortnightly evening tutorials in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 one-hour examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr Ruth Neiland

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004, and will run in the second half-session as KL 157L.

Overview

This course provides a basic knowledge of plant and animal diversity and introduces the study of their structure and function by examining plant and animal nutrition, growth, respiration and reproduction. It emphasises a comparative approach to demonstrate underlying mechanisms and adaptations and interaction with micro-organisms.
Fortnightly evening tutorials in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 one-hour examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Ruth Neiland

Pre-requisites

Access Mathematics 1 & 2, Higher Grade Mathematics, or the equivalent.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The development of calculus and its applications is considered in General Mathematics 2 together with an introduction to vectors, complex number and matrices.
Weekly evening seminars in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (80%) and continuous assessment (20%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Ruth Neiland

Pre-requisites

KL 1072 or equivalent.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

This course aims to build on your existing qualifications, to extend and deepen your knowledge and understanding of chemistry. Topics covered include properties of gases and solutions, energy in chemistry, organic chemical reactions, compounds of biological interest and chemistry of the environment, oxidation and reduction reactions, electronicgativity and spectroscopy.
Weekly evening tutorials in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (40%), continuous assessment (60%) and 1 practical weekend (attendance certificate).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Ruth Neiland

Pre-requisites

KL 1074. In addition it is also strongly recommended that General Mathematics 1 or an equivalent level course should have been studied.

Notes

Either this course or KL 1576 is available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

This course deals with basic concepts in electricity and magnetism including electronic devices and circuits.

Fortnightly evening tutorials in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (80%) and continuous assessment (20%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Ruth Neiland

Pre-requisites

KL 1074. In addition it is also strongly recommended that General Mathematics 1 or an equivalent level course should have been studied.

Notes

Either this course or KL1575 is available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

This course covers many different macroscopic properties of matter such as the mechanical and thermal behaviour of fluids and solids. Heat transfer is also dealt with as well as the basic laws of thermodynamics.
Fortnightly evening tutorials in addition to private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination (80%) and continuous assessment (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D Simonton

Pre-requisites

Permission of the Programme co-ordinator will be required.

Overview

Development of human societies: cultural evolution and environmental perception; the natural resource base for human development and the changing nature of resource use. Contemporary global environmental issues; climate change, pollution, biodiversity, water resource impacts, desertification. Alternative world views on human/environment relationship; aspects and interpretations of sustainable development; policy approaches to environmental management.
Tutorials will be conducted by distance learning.
1 two-hour examination (67%) and continuous assessment (33%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr Ruth Neiland

Pre-requisites

KL 107H / KL 157H and KL 107L / KL 157L or BI 1501 or equivalent.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004, and will run in the first half-session as KL 2071.

Overview

This course reviews the origins and extent of plant diversity and illustrates how molecular approaches give insights into its nature and causes. The major groups covered are bryophytes, ferns and their allies, gymnosperms and flowering plants. The distinguishing features of each group are explained and how their diversity may have arisen is discussed. The origin and domestication of food plants is outlined with special attention to the role of man in the breeding of wheat, barley and rice and to the more recent novel methods of generating plant diversity by genetic modification. The importance of fungi is revised, with emphasis on their nutritional strategies, both as important plant pathogens and symbionts and decomposers.
Tutorials will be via the web, supplemented by private study and a practical weekend.
1 two-hour examination (75%) and continuous assessment (25%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D Simonton

Pre-requisites

Permission of the Programme co-ordinator will be required.

Overview

This course focuses on the nature, condition and perception of natural resources at the beginning of the 21st century. Trends in major resource sectors (such as forests, agricultural land, energy and minerals) are considered against the background of the debate on adequacy and scarcity and of the evolution of the concept of sustainable development. The significance of the structural and institutional framework of resource management is examined, and recent trends and tendencies in it are reviewed. This course is set at the global level, with examples and case studies drawn as appropriate from national scales.
Tutorials will be conducted by distance learning.
1 two-hour examination (67%) and continuous assessment comprising either two project reports or one essay (33%).