| CODE | MSS2009 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Science in the Home | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Mathematics and Science Education | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit consolidates and extends scientific concepts normally studied separately in Biology, Chemistry or Physics through real-life contexts related to the home. Through this context-based approach involving discussion, problem solving, inquiry, case studies, problem-based learning and experiments that encourage reasoning, students will be engaging with scientific principles and concepts linked to everyday life materials and experiences. It is also planned to help students understand how science principles have been applied to the human habitat. Everyday exemplars found in the home are considered and students are encouraged to think about these exemplars and how these have impacted everyday life. Study-Unit Aims: The study-unit will enable students to: - develop an understanding of core scientific concepts and principles; - relate the core concepts and principles to everyday materials and experiences; - discuss the social impact of science; - experience real life contexts as the starting point of discussions and learning about science; - carry out practical work and investigations; and - apply physics principles to a typical Maltese house. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - discuss the concept of colligative properties; - describe the effects of solute concentration on the vapour pressure, boiling point, freezing point and osmotic pressure of a solution; - describe and explain the process of reverse osmosis in home or industrial desalination; - describe how carbon dioxide can be liberated by decomposition of sodium bicarbonate and its reaction with acid and extend this to reaction of other carbonates; - describe and explain the biochemical principles of the fermentation process; - explain the role of yeast in the fermentation process; - explain the application of fermentation in bread and wine-making; - explain properties of enzymes such as denaturing by heating or by adding chemicals; - use structure and bonding to explain how food such as protein containing food sticks to the material of the pan; - describe structure and properties of addition polymers; - compare and contrast the properties of metals with that of polymers such as Teflon; - describe and explain examples of applications of nano science and how nano science has been used to develop new materials; - measure pH and explain the significance of pH values; - explain the action of surfactants on grease; - explain the role of soaps and detergents in reducing surface tension and their interaction with both grease and water; - compare and contrast the characteristics of soaps and detergents; - describe and evaluate the characteristics of biological detergents; - explain the cleaning action of household bleaches; - describe the chemical and biological nature of hair; - describe structure and properties of condensation polymers; - discuss how various hair products and treatments work; - apply knowledge about hair to deal with hair-related problems; - use enthalpy change values to determine energy released on combustion of ethanol; - explain how ethanol affects the activity of the central nervous system; - describe ways of detecting alcohol and determining concentration; - list and explain uses of ethanol; - describe the manufacture of ethanol by fermentation of simple sugars; - describe and explain the oxidation of ethanol via chemical and biochemical reactions; - explain the physics principles underlying household matters such as thermal and light management and telecommunications; - describe the workings of different household utilities such as the refrigerator, the induction hob and the waste disposer; and - solve problems related to different types of household issues. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - perform basic qualitative analysis based on characteristic simple reactions; - use titrations for simple analytical tasks; - prepare and isolate select organic compounds; - devise and carry out experiments to test hypotheses, setting variables; - apply the knowledge they obtained from the study-unit to design appropriate resources to use in informal learning settings; and - plan and carry out demonstrations and experiments related to household physics. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Byers, A. [1981] Centenary of service – a history of electricity in the home. Camgate Litho Ltd. Emsley, J. (2015) Chemistry at Home: Exploring the Ingredients in Everyday Products Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-requisite Study-units: MSS1001, MSS1002, MSS1003 Students choosing this study-unit should be following a science course or have a background in science. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Practical | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Rodrick Cini Josette Farrugia |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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