Explain the importance of modelling in science by demonstrating the skills required to produce and analyse such models, including the ability to model more complex phenomena; Apply fundamental and more advanced mathematical techniques that are important to problems across a range of scientific discipline areas; Explain key concepts in computer science, design and write computer programs in the language Python, and interpret the output of these programs; Communicate responses to quantitative and science-based problems in a correct, logical, mature and scientifically appropriate style.
Details
- CLASS SIZE
- 500+
- CLASS LEVEL
- First year
- TIME REQUIREMENTS
- High
- DELIVERY
- Python
- CATEGORIES
- Online teaching mode, Authentic assessment, Problem based learning
- TAGS
- Project, Simulation/role play
Advantages
The interdisciplinary nature of the project and the ability to make creative choices while designing their program allows students to see the connections between various skills they have developed. Many students report being proud of the exhibits they create, and that the assessment positively changed their views of computer programming
Challenges
Students need support when fixing errors in their code, so it is important to have prepared course staff on hand to assist with technical difficulties.
Tips for implementation
Use a context that is interesting for students; for example, we have used understanding echolocation and the detection of exo-planets as the contexts for the museum exhibits. Ensure that the rubric for grading allows a submission to achieve competence or excellence in a variety of ways (the rubric is not too prescriptive).
Authentic learning characteristics
Attached are two different versions of such an assessment item (for SCIE1000 and SCIE1100), with different contexts, and different rubric styles. Both achieve the objectives described here.
Dr Adam Piggott
School of Mathematics and Physics
adam.piggott@uq.edu.au
Adam's research is in combinatorial and geometric group theory, with a particular focus on the automorphism groups of groups, and the groups which can be defined by nice rewriting systems. Find out more