Course coordinator
Dr Mel Robertson-Dean
For course enquiries, please email scie1000staff@uq.edu.au.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mathematics & Physics School
This foundation course in science introduces students to the broad range of mathematical, analytical, conceptual and computational tools employed by scientists to develop, analyse and interpret models of scientific processes. To emphasize the importance and generality of these tools, a number of key contemporary topics in science will be studied, including climate change, population dynamics, drugs and pharmacokinetics, and epidemics. The course will demonstrate how and why mathematical models underpin modern science, and students will learn how to develop and analyse such models. The course also introduces computer programming (using the language Python) as a vital tool in modern scientific modelling. Students will be introduced to some fundamental philosophical issues in science, gaining an appreciation of some of the assumptions that underlie science and the supposed scientific method, reinforcing the importance of critical thinking, creativity and quantitative scientific skills.
Science is increasingly interdisciplinary, requiring a breadth of understanding, an appreciation of some of the key challenges in different disciplines, and the ability to apply mathematical, quantitative and computing skills. SCIE1000 will help you to develop these abilities, thus giving you the general skills and knowledge you will need to study and practise science successfully.
All the material covered in SCIE1000 will be in the context of some of the big issues in science today, ranging from climate change and species diversity to epidemics and catastrophes. We will cover areas such as the philosophy of science and what scientific thinking means, how to model complex scientific phenomena, how mathematics is used as a formal language to develop models that describe such phenomena, and how to use computer programming to analyse the models.
SCIE1000 (or the advanced version, SCIE1100) is taken by most science students at UQ. It is one of the few courses (STAT1201 is the other) in which students from all branches of science will come together, letting you see some of the breadth and rich diversity of science. We believe strongly that SCIE1000 will be very useful, interesting, challenging and fun!
In the School of Mathematics and Physics we are committed to creating an inclusive and empowering learning environment for all students. We value and respect the diverse range of experiences our students bring to their education, and we believe that this diversity is crucial for fostering a rich culture of knowledge sharing and meaningful exploration. We hold both students and staff accountable for actively contributing to the establishment of a respectful and supportive learning environment.
Bullying, harassment, and discrimination in any form are strictly against our principles and against UQ Policy, and will not be tolerated. We have developed a suite of resources to assist you in recognising, reporting, and addressing such behaviour. If you have any concerns about your experience in this course, we encourage you to tell a member of the course teaching team, or alternatively contact an SMP Classroom Inclusivity Champion (see Blackboard for contact details). Our Inclusivity Champions are here to listen, to understand your concerns, and to explore potential actions that can be taken to resolve them. Your well-being and a positive learning atmosphere are of utmost importance to us.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Any student accepted into any science-based course at UQ will have the necessary background to take SCIE1000. Specifically, the assumed background is:
- Years 11 and 12 English from the Queensland Secondary Education system (or equivalent).
- Years 11 and 12 Mathematical Methods (previously called Maths B) from the Queensland Secondary Education system (or equivalent, such as the UQ course MATH1040).
- General science sophistication, equivalent to having studied a branch of science in Years 11 and 12.
Note that we do not assume you have completed Specialist Mathematics (previously called Maths C), Physics, Chemistry or Biology: all you need is English, Mathematical Methods (previously calledﾠMaths B), and any one science.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
SCIE1100
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Mel Robertson-Dean
Professor Tim McIntyre
Dr Effie Kartsonaki
Dr Sara Davies
Dr Benjamin Roberts
Associate Professor Marcus Gallagher
Dr Peter Evans
Associate Professor Joel Katzav
Dr Coen Hird
Associate Professor Steven Salisbury
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
All learning activities are in-person.ﾠRecordings of workshops will be made available on Blackboard shortly after each class. Practicals are not recorded.
No classes are held on public holidays. Alternative arrangements will be advised via Blackboard.
Aims and outcomes
SCIE1000 aims to:
- introduce students to the interdisciplinary nature of modern science;
- instil an appreciation of the quantitative skills required for the practice of modern science, regardless of discipline;
- improve students’ mathematical and computer programming skills in the context of scientific problems and issues;
- demonstrate the importance of formulating and applying quantitative models of various phenomena in science;
- introduce students to philosophical issues in science, including core activities which comprise science and some fundamental aspects of scientific reasoning;
- improve students’ skills in scientific communication and quantitative reasoning;
- involve students in analysis of some “big picture” issues in science; and
- engage students in the UQ “science community”.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Recognise the interdisciplinary nature of modern science, including some of the similarities and differences across a range of discipline areas.
LO2.
Explain the importance of modelling in science by demonstrating the skills required to produce and analyse such models.
LO3.
Apply fundamental mathematical techniques that are important to problems across a range of scientific discipline areas.
LO4.
Explain key introductory concepts in computer science, design and write simple computer programs in the language Python, and interpret the output of these programs.
LO5.
Describe and discuss some philosophical accounts of scientific reasoning.
LO6.
Communicate responses to quantitative and science-based problems in a correct, logical and scientifically appropriate style.
LO7.
Develop an awareness of the importance of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and global Indigenous Peoples’ values, cultures and knowledges and how this relates to being a contemporary scientist.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Practical exercises
|
10% |
Each week at the time of your practical |
| Essay/ Critique | Philosophy assignment | 15% |
11/04/2025 1:00 pm |
| Computer Code, Presentation | Python & communication assignment | 15% |
23/05/2025 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
60% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Practical exercises
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
Each week at the time of your practical
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
You must attend your practicals in-person. For each practical, you will be provided with a task sheet containing relevant tasks, many of which are in the style of SCIE1000 exam questions. Some tasks will involve writing Python code. You will be encouraged to engage in discussion with your fellow classmates during practicals.
Each practical will be marked out of 1. To earn 1 point for the practical you must participate fully in the practical by:
- Arriving on-time and staying on task throughout the practical.
- Writing solutions to the problems you are working so that the tutors can note your progress.
- Participating in peer-to-peer discussions when asked.
- Explaining your working on problems to demonstrate your understanding.
- Any other relevant task as directed by the tutors (for example, the philosophy practical may have different participation requirements than the other practicals).
Your score for the practical component will be the sum of your marks from the 12 graded practicals, or 10, whichever is smaller. This means your maximum practical score is 10 and you may achieve this by earning 10, 11 or 12 marks in the 12 graded practicals.
Practical scores will be uploaded to Blackboard the week after the practical runs. It is your responsibility to check these marks and contact the practical supervisor via the procedure outlined on Blackboard if you have any concerns or think that a mark has been missed.
If you are unwell then DO NOT attend your in-person practical. Please email scie1000supertutor@uq.edu.au to arrange to attend a different practical that week.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Practical activities are conducted in class and hence extensions are not possible.
If you are too unwell to attend a practical, then note that you can miss up to two assessed practicals without penalty. If you are unable to attend more than two assessed practicals please email the course coordinator on scie1000staff@uq.edu.au to explain your circumstances and request a re-weighting of your remaining practicals. Students unable to complete sufficient practicals during the semester should consider withdrawing and re-enrolling in a forthcoming semester.
Late submission
Late submission is not possible as practicals are completed in class.
Philosophy assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
11/04/2025 1:00 pm
Task description
This assignment will assess the degree to which students have reached the learning objectives in the philosophy component of SCIE1000, by requiring them to write an essay discussing aspects of the scientific method.
Submission guidelines
All assignments must be submitted electronically through Blackboard by the due date and time. The plagiarism detection software TurnItIn will be used to check submissions.
Whilst AI use is not prohibited, we strongly recommend that it not be used to write essays as the essay task will require students to critically engage in specific contexts for which AI provides only limited support and guidance. Where AI is used, its use should be acknowledged in the same way as one would acknowledge the use of an article or encyclopaedia entry.
A failure to reference generative AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
AI-like essays will score poorly (irrespective of whether the work is generated with the help of AI) as such work does not reflect reasoning and understanding at the level required of the essay task.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred information relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Python & communication assignment
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Computer Code, Presentation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
23/05/2025 1:00 pm
Task description
Students will develop and demonstrate their skills in writing a Python program, as well as demonstrating their ability to communicate science in a way that is appropriate for a prescribed target audience. Along with the Python program, students will prepare and submit a short screen capture video explaining their work. The assignment will be given within a specific scientific context, and students will use scientific information and mathematical models within their Python program. The assignment will assess the degree to which students have reached the learning outcomes in the programming and scientific communication components of SCIE1000.
Submission guidelines
Your computer program must be submitted electronically in .py format along with your screen capture video through Blackboard by the due date and time (please check the task sheet for guidance in preparing your submission). Plagiarism detection software will be used to check the originality of your code.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of this assessment will require students to critically engage in the specific context and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
The examination will be invigilated on-campus.
The final examination is closed-book. However, you may bring in a single, double-sided sheet of A4 paper containing any information you may find useful for the exam.
This information can be hand-written or computer generated (or a mixture of both). You will be allowed to bring a UQ approved calculator to the exam. For more information and UQ policy click here. The exam will focus on conceptual questions and problem-solving. It will not require you to write computer programs, but may require you to read, modify and interpret computer programs. The exam will be cumulative and may cover topics across the entire course, including the philosophy of science component.
Hurdle requirements
Hurdle: You cannot earn above a 3 unless you earn at least 40% on the Final Exam.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten or typed notes, double sided, is permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students will receive this grade if their final mark is less than 20%. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students will receive this grade if their final mark is at least 20% and less than 45%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Students will receive this grade if EITHER of the following occurs: (a) their final mark is at least 45% and less than 50% OR (b) their final mark is at least 50% BUT they do not receive at least 40% of the marks on the Final Exam. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students will receive this grade if their final mark is at least 50% and less than 65% AND they receive at least 40% of the marks on the Final Exam. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students will receive this grade if their final mark is at least 65% and less than 75% AND they receive at least 40% of the marks on the Final Exam. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students will receive this grade if their final mark is at least 75% and less than 85% AND they receive at least 40% of the marks on the Final Exam. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students will receive this grade if their final mark is at least 85%ﾠAND they receive at least 40% of the marks on the Final Exam. |
Additional course grading information
Hurdle: You cannot earn above a 3 unless you earn at least 40% on the Final Exam.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment in this course will be a 2-hour examination similar in style to the end-of-semester examination. To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Pay careful attention to the general university guidelines on plagiarism. You are encouraged to work in small groups while studying and in practicals. However, unless otherwise indicated, assessments must be completed individually, so everything you submit must be your own work. We will regard copying, collaboration or any other form of academic misconduct very seriously; all cases will be actioned.
Requesting re-grading:
If you have a query about a practical grade please speak to your tutor in the first instance.
If you have a query about a grade you received on any other assessment item, you must first seek further feedback from the lecturing staff, and then you may complete an online request: (https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/academic-progress-and-final-results/querying-result). Instructions for how to seek further feedback on the assessment items will be provided on Blackboard at the time of grade release for that item. Note that a re-grade involves the entire assessment item being re-marked by an independent grader, and the new overall score overrides the old score.
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
- Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
- If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
- If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
- If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
- For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum date applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for details. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
- Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
- If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
- There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.
Applications to defer an exam
In certain circumstances you can apply to take a deferred examination for in-semester and end-of-semester exams. You'll need to demonstrate through supporting documentation how unavoidable circumstances prevented you from sitting your exam. If you can’t, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam.
Deferred Exam requests are submitted online via mySi-net. Requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with deferred examinations, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Applications can be submitted no later than 5 calendar days after the date of the original exam.
- There are no provisions to defer a deferred exam. You need to be available to sit your deferred examination.
- Your deferred examination request(s) must have a status of "submitted" in mySI-net to be assessed.
- All applications for deferred in-semester examinations are assessed by the relevant school. Applications for deferred end-of-semester examinations are assessed by the Academic Services Division.
- You’ll receive an email to your student email account when the status of your application is updated.
- If you have a medical condition, mental health condition or disability and require alternative arrangements for your deferred exam you’ll need to complete the online alternative exam arrangements through my.UQ. This is in addition to your deferred examinations request. You need to submit this request on the same day as your request for a deferred exam or supplementary assessment. Contact Student Services if you need assistance completing your alternative exam arrangements request.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
The key learning resource is the SCIE1000 Course Workbook, which covers the course material (there is no textbook for the course). Each workshop, we will work through the notes in the workbook, discussing questions and issues raised and then writing down solutions and comments. There are two ways to obtain a copy of the notes. A bound black-and-white version is on sale at the POD centre (Print On Demand). Alternatively, a full set of notes is available in electronic form on the course website.
There are a variety of additional resources to assist learning in this course:
- The SCIE1000 Blackboard page is the primary portal for communication of announcements and documents. You should form the habit of checking Blackboard, especially the announcements, regularly.
- Practical tasks and their solutions are a great resource for you to practice and gain confidence on assessment-style questions. Make a regular habit of checking practical solutions!
- SOMSE (SCIE1000/1100 Online Modules for Support and Enrichment) is available for you here. These modules include videos, simulations and quiz questions to check your understanding of the main quantitative skills we use in the course.
- We encourage you to use the course online discussion board site (link provided on the course website) for general questions about the course content.
- You may wish to look up the scientific papers referenced in the workbook and you can do so from the UQ library website (https://www.library.uq.edu.au/). Click on advanced search for detailed searching options, and make sure you are logged in with your student account.
- You are encouraged to attend lecturer office hours (schedule provided on the course website), to ask questions about anything SCIE1000 related - we are always happy to help with your learning!
At times we will direct you to additional material which will be available in the library or on the internet. If you are interested in finding out extra information about any of the topics we cover, there are plenty of resources available on the internet (but remember that not everything you find there is true).
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Workshop |
Weekly workshops A 2-hour interactive workshop each week with your lecturers from mathematics, science and philosophy disciplines. Workshops will be spent working through the course workbook, answering questions and discussing content. |
Practical |
Weekly practicals A 2-hour practical each week, held in bring-your-own-device (BYOD) labs with tutors. Practicals focus on applying skills developed in the workshops. |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 8 |
Workshop |
Python workshops A 1-hour workshop each week with your computer science lecturer; covers the key Python programming requirements for this course. |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.