CENTRE FOR LIFELONG LEARNING - SCIENCE

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr S Middleton

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 2006/07 and will run in the first half session as KL 1072.

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.

Structure

Weekly evening tutorials in addition to private study with learning support materials.

Assessment

1 two-hour examination (40%), in-course assessment (60%) and 1 practical weekend (attendance certificate).

Resit: Examination (40%), in-course assessment (60%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr S Middleton

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

(i)This course is designed for students who have missed or wish to revise essential computing, physics and mathematical skills required for degrees in science. Advisers of Studies will give guidance on whether attendance is recommended/required. This course cannot be taken with CS 1011 or CS 1511 or TS 1001.

(ii) Use of a keyboard/mouse/computer monitor is an integral part of this course. For students who have difficulty in using a keyboard and a mouse or from seeing or being in close proximity to a computer monitor, alternative technologies (eg specialist input/output devices) may be available. Any student wishing to discuss this further should contact the School Disability Co-ordinator.

Overview

This is a multi-disciplinary course based on core skills in science. Introduction to word-processing, spreadsheets, WWW, email. Exploring the internet as a science resource. Introduction to maths and the fundamental laws and concepts of physics. Practical sessions will demonstrate how to use spreadsheets to manipulate and present data and practical physics skills.

Structure

Tutorials will be via the web, supplemented by private study.

Assessment

1 one and a half hour examination (65%) and in-course assessment (35%).

Resit: Examination (65%), in-course assessment (35%).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr S Middleton

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is available in session 2005/2006, 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.

Structure

Fortnightly evening tutorials in addition to private study with learning support materials.

Assessment

1 one-hour examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%).

Resit: Examination (100%).

Credit Points

Course Coordinator

Dr S Middleton

Pre-requisites

None

Overview

The course is intended to introduce students to the core aspects of chemistry, including formulae and equations, chemical calculations and the mole, atomic structure, the periodic table, and chemical bonding. The section on organic chemistry will concentrate on the idea of families of compounds, the simple functional groups, and on the shapes of molecules. In physical chemistry, aqueous solutions, solubility, acids and bases, elementary concepts of pH, and energy in chemistry will be covered.

Structure

The course will be delivered through WebCT, with the option of sharing video-conference tutorials with the assess cohort. A practical weekend will also be compulsory.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 one-and-a-half hour written examination (50%), incourses assessments and lab work (50%).

Resit: 1 one-and-a-half hour written examination (50%), incourses assessments and lab work (50%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr S Middleton

Pre-requisites

None

Overview

The course follows the syllabus of the European Computer Driving License (ECDL). The subject matter is grouped into 7 modules:

1. Basic Concepts of Information Technology

2. Using the Computer and Managing Files

3. Word Processing

4. Spreadsheets

5. Databases

6. Presentations

7. Information and Communication

Structure

The course will be delivered through WebCT, with 3 practicals also delivered by this mode.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 one-and-a-half hour multiple-choice examination (25%) and three 45-minute practical assessments.

Resit: Candidates only resit those components (Multiple Choice examination, practical assessments) which they failed (CAS <9)at first attempt. Multiple-choice examination at resit is one-and-a-half hours (25%); practical assessments are of 45 minutes duration each.

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr S Middleton

Pre-requisites

KL 107G or TS 1001 desirable

Overview

This course covers two subjects of global relevance, namely the view of the universe at large that is provided by modern astronomy, and the behaviour of our atmosphere and the weather it creates. The astronomy section of the course begins by showing how long held beliefs about the nature of the universe came to be changed in response to improved observations of the heavens. The revolution in our appreciation of the solar system through explored in the course and the power of science in action can be seen in the far reaching deductions that can be made about stars from modest observational evidence. The course also discusses topics current in astronomy, such as planned space missions, the formation of planets around other stars, and the origin of the moon. The other half of the course, "an introduction to weather, climate and the environment" aims to explain how the atmosphere system, driven by the sun, works. Special topics covered include ozone depletion, el Nino, and long-term climate change. The utility of meteorological resources available on the web is emphasised.

Structure

The course will be delivered on the web over a period of 12 weeks and via a course tutor. There will be a practical assignment activities to be undertaken at home and an optional course visit to Glasgow Planatarium.

Assessment

1 two hour multiple chioce examination (75%) and in course: essays/reports 12.5% Meteorological log 12.5%

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr S Middleton

Pre-requisites

KL 1072 or equivalent.

Notes

This course is available in session 2006/07 and will run in the second half-session as KL 1573.

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.

Structure

The course will be delivered through WebCT. A practical weekend will also be compulsory.

Assessment

1 two-hour examination (40%), in-course assessment (60%) and 1 practical weekend (attendance certificate).

Resit: Examination (40%), in-course assessment (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

To be advised

Pre-requisites

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

Notes

This course is available in session 2006/07, and will run in the second half-session as KL 2571.

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.

Structure

Tutorials will be via the web, supplemented by private study and a practical weekend.

Assessment

1 two-hour examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%).

Resit: Examination (100%).