Module Details

Module Code: ZSCI C1101
Module Title: Current Concepts in Science
Title: Current Concepts in Science
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Paula Rankin
Module Author:: Rosemary O'Hara
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to introduce students to forensic, pharmaceutical and environmental science issues, ethics and philosophy of science as well as practical applications which form a basis for other modules.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe key concepts in Pharmaceutical science, forensic science, environmental science issues and ethics and philosophy of science.
LO2 Expand on the key concepts of Pharmaceutical concepts, forensic science, environmental science issues as well as ethics and philosophy of science.
LO3 Communicate with peers and academic staff effectively through written projects, oral presentations and powerpoint presentations.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
None.
 
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. 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.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment50.00%
Project50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 50
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
The CA will be a combination of short answer questions, and/or Multiple choice questions and/or presentation (where applicable).
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Student will do a project on any aspect of the course.
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.

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

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 4.00 48
Estimated Learner Hours Non Contact Independent learning 15 Weeks per Stage 5.13 77
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Terrence F. Kiely. (2006), Forensic evidence, 2nd. CRC Press/Taylor & Francis, Boca Raton, FL, p.536, [ISBN: 9780849328589].
  • Stuart H. James, Jon J. Nordby, Suzanne Bell. (2014), Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques, 4th. CRC Press, p.614, [ISBN: 9781439853832].
  • Arthur J. Winfield BPharm PhD MRPharmS (Editor), Judith Rees BPharm MSc PhD MRPharmS (Editor), Ian Smith BSc(Hons) MRPharmS ClinDip ILTM (Editor). (2009), Pharmaceutical Practice, 3rd. Churchill Livingstone, p.652, [ISBN: 9780443069062].
  • Peter H. Raven, Linda R. Berg, David M. Hassenzahl. (2012), Environment, 8th. Wiley, p.536, [ISBN: 9781118092378].
  • Lewis Vaughn. Bioethics: Principles, Issues and Cases, 2nd. Oxford, [ISBN: 0199796238].
  • Michael L. McKinney, Robert Schoch, Logan Yonavjak, Grant Mincy. (2019), Environmental Science: Systems and Solutions, 6th. 20, Jones and Bartlett, p.576, [ISBN: 978128409170].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: