Module Title:Current Concepts in Science.
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In 1 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: This module will be taught in two theory classes of one hour duration. Course lecture summaries, course calendar, announcements and other course-related material will be available on Blackboard, a virtual learning environment. Students can contact lecturer outside of class hours to discuss formative feedback.
Module Aim: The aim of this module is to introduce students to forensic, pharmaceutical and environmental theory and practical applications which form a basis for other modules. to scientific thinking and appreciation of science, with emphasis on forensic,
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Describe various principles in forensics, pharmaceutical and environmental science.
LO2 Demonstrate knowledge, skills and competencies in the principles of Pharmaceutical concepts, forensic analysis, environmental science issues and ethics and philosophy of science.
LO3 Analyse raw data in a variety of units and evaluate the reliability of that data using simple statistical analysis.
LO4 Have an understanding of the ethical issues that arise in Bioscience.
LO5 Recognise the impact of science towards human and environmental wellbeing.
LO6 Communicate with peers and academic staff effectively through written projects, oral presentations and powerpoint presentations.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.

No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Pharmaceutical Science:Measurement Units, Calculations, Concentrations
Introduction to the Pharmaceutical Industry. Measurements and weights. Density. Dosage & Percentage calculations. Ratio strength (parts). Proof strength. Dilutions. Solubility. Chemical calculations. Molarity, %w/v, %v/v, %w/w, Osmolarity. Isotonicity. Accuracy and precision of results.
Pharmaceutical Science:Topical, oral, liquid &transdermal preparations
The structure and function of the skin. Preparation of creams, emulsions and lotions etc. Gels and Shampoos. Oral Syrups, elixirs and linctuses. Advantages of Delivery, Stability and Shelf-life. Transdermal drug absorption and delivery. Types of patches available.
Analysis a crime scene: Methods and techniques.
Introduction to the techniques and practice of evidence collection, criminal evidence and the crime scene preservation.
Forensic Analysis
Fingerprint, ballistics and tool mark analysis. Glass, paint, blood and blood spatter analysis. Toxicology analysis. Techniques used in the analysis of the above samples.
DNA Analysis
An introduction to DNA fingerprinting and the techniques involved.
Environmental Science: Water.
The role of water in the environment. Techniques involved in the measurement and monitoring of water quality. Water pollutants and their effects on ecosystems. Basic EU and National legislation relating to water quality.
Environmental Science: Soil and waste.
Polluted soil remediation technologies including traditional technologies and more recent sustainable/ green bioremediation technologies. Techniques of waste removal from soil, water and other environmental issues. Basic EU and National legislation relating to soil quality.
Philosophy of Science and Ethics.
Introduction to foundations, methods and implications of science; defining science, scientific explanation, justifying science, scientific observation and theory, the purpose of science, values and science. The place of ethics and bioethics in Science. Fundamental issues of ethics - genetic engineering, GMOs to name a few.
Case studies.
Case study examples will include: Caenorhabditis elegans and its three Nobel prizes; nanotechnology in life sciences and the environment; science and wildlife conservation. Case studies may be substituted as appropriate.
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment30.00%
Project30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination40.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Short Answer Questions n/a 1,2,3,4 30.00 n/a
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Student will do a project on any aspect of the course. 1,2,4,5,6 30.00 n/a
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam End of year exam. 1,2,3,4,5 40.00 End-of-Semester

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture 30 Weeks per Stage 2.00
Estimated Learner Hours 30 Weeks per Stage 1.33
Total Hours 100.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_SASES_B Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science 1 Mandatory