FOUN 1210: SCIENCE, MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY

SEMESTER II, 2022-2023

UWI ST. AUGUSTINE CAMPUS

FOUN 1210: SCIENCE,

MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY
IN SOCIETY
Faculty of Science &
Technology
UWI, St. Augustine Campus
STUDENT COURSE GUIDE
SEMESTER II, 2022 – 2023

Dr. Gideon Ramtahal

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES, ST. AUGUSTINE
CAMPUS | ST AUGUSTINE,
REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

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FOUN 1210: SCIENCE, MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY
SEMESTER II, 2022-2023
UWI ST. AUGUSTINE CAMPUS

Welcome to the Semester II of the 2022/2023 academic year of teaching and

learning in FOUN 1210 SCIENCE, MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY IN
SOCIETY.
I am Dr. Gideon Ramtahal your course coordinator at the St Augustine Campus
and I look forward to your participation during this semester.

The overall goal of this three-credit, foundation course is to promote scientific

literacy. Scientific literacy encompasses not only knowledge and understanding
of the nature of science, including the tenets of scientific inquiry, but also, the
ability to apply these ideas and processes. Therefore, a scientifically literate
individual will have a richer, more exciting view of the universe because of his/her
science education and will continue to extend this education throughout his/her
university life.

My contact information is as follows:

Dr. Gideon Ramtahal, Course Coordinator
Office Address: Office of the Dean of the Faculty of Science & Technology,
Chemistry Building 2.

Phone: 662-2002 Ext 84497

E-mail Address: gideon.ramtahal@sta.uwi.edu
Office Hours Semester I: Virtual Session – Tuesday 10 am - 12 pm
Thursday 10 am - 12 pm

Communication Policy: UWI e-mail address, Student Forum

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FOUN 1210: SCIENCE, MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY
SEMESTER II, 2022-2023
UWI ST. AUGUSTINE CAMPUS

Table of Contents
GENERAL INFORMATION ......................................................................................................... 3
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 3
Purpose of Student Guide ..................................................................................................... 3
Course Coordinator’s Role ................................................................................................................ 3
Course Tutor’s Role ............................................................................................................................. 3
Course Coordinator Expectations ........................................................................................ 4
Plagiarism Policy ................................................................................................................... 4
Netiquette and Course Behaviour ......................................................................................... 4
Course Orientation ................................................................................................................. 4
COURSE OUTLINE .................................................................................................................... 4
Course Description ................................................................................................................ 4
Key Learning Outcomes ......................................................................................................... 5
Content ................................................................................................................................... 5
COURSE DELIVERY .................................................................................................................. 6
COURSE CALENDAR .............................................................................................................. 10
TIMETABLE.............................................................................................................................. 11
RUBRICS FOR ASSIGNMENTS............................................................................................... 12
Reflective Journal Assignment ............................................................................................ 12
Instructions....................................................................................................................... 12
Grading Rubrics Reflective Journal Assignment ............................................................ 12
Group Seminar Assignment ................................................................................................ 15
Instructions & Ground Rules ........................................................................................... 15
Grading Rubrics for Seminar Presentation ..................................................................... 18
Seminar Topics ................................................................................................................ 20

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FOUN 1210: SCIENCE, MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY
SEMESTER II, 2022-2023
UWI ST. AUGUSTINE CAMPUS

GENERAL INFORMATION

COURSE CODE: FOUN 1210

COURSE TITLE: SCIENCE, MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY

PROGRAMME: UNDERGRADUATE

CREDITS: 3

PRE-REQUISITE: None

ACADEMIC YEAR: 2022-2023

INTRODUCTION

FOUN 1210 is a three-credit course, which prepares you to be more scientifically literate and
therefore, to be able to engage in meaningful discourse on contemporary science-related issues.
The course is also intended to develop your skills in problem solving and critical thinking. For this
semester the course will be delivered face-to-face.

Purpose of Student Guide

Consider this student guide as your road map of the course. It is intended to guide you
through your study by providing you with all the information on how your course will be delivered
and requirements. Therefore, you should read it carefully and ensure that you maintain open,
regular communication with me as well as the support staff.

Course Coordinator’s Role

The Course Coordinator provides academic leadership for a course. As the academic leader the
Course Coordinator is accountable for maintaining the quality assurance and academic standards
in the course according to University guidelines. Working with the respective specialists available
in the Faculty of Science & Technology, the Course Coordinator is responsible for interpreting
and implementing the curriculum of a course as determined by an approved Course Outline.
During the academic term, the Course Coordinator supervises the Tutors during the
implementation of the course delivery and serves as the First Examiner of the course.

Course Tutor’s Role

Tutors support the Course Coordinator in delivering the course to students. Each Tutor is assigned
a group of students within a course and is supervised by the Course Coordinator. Tutors assist the
Coordinator to ensure that a student is aware of the requirements of the course and must be
responsive to student queries for clarification. A tutor approaches the responsibility with a learner
centred attitude, openly engaging participation in course activities and promoting engagement with
the group to create a community of learning. The Tutor is not a lecturer, but rather someone who
collaboratively builds learning, inspires curiosity, respects student input, fairly evaluates learners
and provides meaningful feedback that leads to growth.

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FOUN 1210: SCIENCE, MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY
SEMESTER II, 2022-2023
UWI ST. AUGUSTINE CAMPUS

Course Coordinator Expectations

We have found that one sure way to fail this course is by not regularly participating in classes and
essentially dropping out. We encourage you to stick to it throughout the entire course, to reap the
full rewards of your efforts. Therefore, I expect that you will engage fully both in all online class
activities. You will learn through collaboration and interaction. You must endeavour to read all
instructions and to follow them very carefully so please make every effort to complete the assigned
activities and to submit all your assignments at the appropriate times, because too early may be
just as bad as too late. You also need to avoid plagiarism and to adhere to the correct norms of
interaction.

Plagiarism Policy

The practice of plagiarism is prohibited and attracts a penalty. The University of the West Indies
(UWI) has a stated policy related to plagiarism which it expects students to understand and comply
with. UWI utilizes the Turn-It-In software capability to recognize potential abuses of plagiarism.
Please view the details concerning plagiarism using the link to the Plagiarism policy on
myeLearning course platform. You must submit your Assignments to Turn-It-In to be checked for
originality before submitting it for grading.

Netiquette and Course Behaviour

The usual courtesies that we expect in face to face encounters will be the norm for this course.
We must honour the feelings of others and the differences in opinions that will emerge. In this
course we will, to the best of our abilities, model the best kinds of interpersonal behaviour that we
would like to see displayed by our peers. As you interact within the teaching staff and your peers
there are university standards to which you must adhere when you communicate with lecturers,
tutors, other staff and peers. You are expected to become familiar with these standards to maintain
respectful and cordial environment.
Course Orientation

Please make sure you spend sufficient time during the orientation week updating yourself with
important course information on myeLearning. In the first week, lecture sessions will be devoted
to an introduction to the course and its requirements. If you are not familiar with myeLearning
platform, take this time to learn to navigate within it and use the various tools available to you.
Most of all, take this time to get to know your peers, Tutor and Course Coordinator.

COURSE OUTLINE

Course Description

This foundation course introduces students to the nature of science and its importance for society.
The course material is organized into two Modules: Module 1 focuses on The Nature, Importance
and Methodology of Science and highlights the fundamental ways in which scientists approach
problems, pose questions, formulate hypotheses for testing, gather data and make logical
conclusions. The module begins with a brief exploration of the differences between science and
technology as well as the nature of the relationship. The module ends with an overview of the key
concepts in science which are essential to an understanding of the applications of scientific
knowledge. Module 2 focuses on The Impact of Science on Caribbean Society. It begins with a
brief treatment of current issues in science, medicine and technology. With reference to major
areas of application, this module examines how science, medicine and technology have impacted
society in general and Caribbean society. Ethical and cultural implications of scientific research
and its applications will be highlighted throughout this module. The course will be assessed by a
series of in-course assignments, accounting for 40% of the course grade, as well as a final
assignment. These assignments are designed to evaluate not only a student’s knowledge and
understanding of course material, but to support development of knowledge management skills
such as critical thinking, creative collaboration and communication.

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FOUN 1210: SCIENCE, MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY
SEMESTER II, 2022-2023
UWI ST. AUGUSTINE CAMPUS

Key Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. discuss why scientific literacy is important to society.

2. describe and apply the tenets of scientific inquiry.
3. describe the ways in which science, medicine and technology have contributed to the
development of society through the use of selected examples, including contributions from
Caribbean scientists.
4. discuss the implications of these contributions for society including ethical issues.
5. make presentations from an informed perspective on selected current and/or controversial
issues in science, medicine & technology.

Content

The course comprises two main modules with nine units:

MODULE 1: The Nature, Importance and Methodology of Science
Duration: 6 weeks, including one introductory section. This module is intended to highlight
the importance (to everyone) of gaining increased understanding and insight into the
processes, strengths and weaknesses of science.

UNIT 1: Science and Technology

 Session 1.1: The Relationship between Science & Technology
 Session 1.2: The Use of Technology & the Scientist’s Responsibility
 Session 1.4: Why Should I care?
UNIT 2: Scientific Methods and the Nature of Science
 Session 2.1: Is Science Objective
 Session 2.2: Deduction
 Session 2.3: The Hypothetico-Deductive Approach
 Session 2.5: Scientific methods
 Session 2.5: Scientific Theories & Models
 Session 2.6: How Science Progresses

UNIT 3: Some Current Issues in Science, Medicine & Technology

 Session 1.1: Climate Change
 Session 1.2: Emerging Diseases
 Session 1.3: Resource Security & Safety in the Caribbean

MODULE 2: Impact of Science on Society in General and on Caribbean Societies in

Particular
Duration 6 weeks. In this module issues will be explored that exemplify the ways in which
science, medicine and technology have influenced and continue to influence Caribbean
and world societies. This module is intended to show the student that the fundamental
issues relating to science, medicine and technology are interlaced into the fabric of our
society – local as well as international, and that a good understanding of some of these
issues is essential for appreciating the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to
Caribbean and world societies

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FOUN 1210: SCIENCE, MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY
SEMESTER II, 2022-2023
UWI ST. AUGUSTINE CAMPUS

UNIT 1: Basic Concepts: A very brief Introduction

UNIT 2: Energy production and use
 Session 2.1: What is Energy
 Session 2.2: Energy production
 Session 2.3: Meeting our Energy Needs: Alternative Sources
 Session 2.4: Industries in the Caribbean

UNTI 3: Health and Disease in the Caribbean

 Session 3.1: Some Diseases common in the Region
 Session 3.2: Nutrition 7 Associated Problems
 Session 3.3: Genetic Diseases
UNIT 4: Biotechnology and Society
 Session 4.1: Biotechnology and Medicine
 Session 4.2: Biotechnology and Agriculture
 Session 4.3: Biotechnology and Industry
UNIT 5: Computer Science & Information Technology and Society
 Session 5.1: Computer Science and information Technology
UNIT 6: Some Ethical and Gender Issues

COURSE DELIVERY

This course is delivered over the period January 16 to April 08, 2023 using the following strategies:
Course manual with course materials in the form of Course Units, Face-to-Face sessions (lectures
& tutorials) and online activities/resources through myeLearning; course manual Units will be
available through myeLearning.
For each session you will be provided with guidance on specific topics via myeLearning. You must
be prepared to work independently as well as with your peers. In addition to the general lecture
sessions, you will be required to work in small groups with a tutor. Your tutor will facilitate
discussions, guided by tutorial sheets, and conduct an in-course assignments. You will be expected
to fully participate in these tutorial activities where you will have the opportunity to clarify issues
as the content is reviewed and guidelines provided.

Each student is expected to attend ONE, two-hour lecture session and ONE tutorial per week.

Students will be expected to sign an attendance register for all classes.

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FOUN 1210: SCIENCE, MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY
SEMESTER II, 2022-2023
UWI ST. AUGUSTINE CAMPUS

ASSESSMENT
The course will be assessed by THREE in-course assignments and a Final examination
paper. You are expected to participate fully in these activities. The in-course assignments
aim to help you develop your knowledge and competence in various topics of the course
through the use of a reflective journal activity, a mid-term online examination and a mini
seminar presentation on a selected topic. The individual reflective journal entries represent
a continuous thread of thinking and reflection on the course content and the impact it is
having on your course planning. Writing your journal entries aims at helping you develop
the reflective habit. The in-course examination will be based on Module 1 topics and will
assist in reviewing your knowledge and understanding of core concepts. The mini-seminar
is intended to foster collaborative skills, to encourage active participation by students and to
provide a forum both for debate and feedback. It is expected that these activities will promote
higher levels of interest, motivation and ownership of the students’ learning.

NOTE 1: Late submissions of in-course assignments, for reasons other than extenuating
circumstances, will incur a penalty of a 10% deduction from the total marks awarded.
NOTE 2: A make-up test, for the online, mid-semester examination, may be granted
ONLY to those students who were unable to attempt the examination due to extenuating
circumstances e.g. an approved medical condition.
ALL requests, for consideration of a make-up, must be made to the Course
Coordinator within seven (7) days of the scheduled mid-semester examination and
must be accompanied by supporting documentation justifying extenuating
circumstances. In cases where the reasons do not constitute ‘extenuating
circumstances’ approval to do a make-up examination may be granted but a penalty,
of 10% deduction from the total marks awarded, will be applied.

The final assessment will be based on the entire course. Additional details concerning these
assessments are given in the Table below:

Assessment Source No. of Questions Mark Independent

Duration
Type Material (%) Pass

Module 1 Online quiz consisting

Online,
Units 1, 2 of 50 Multiple Choice
Mid-semester 100 mins 20 NO
&3 Questions in Sequential
Examination
Order
Journal Entries based
on 2 sessions with a
1500-word limit. 4 weeks
Module 1
Reflective Journal Individual assignments 10 NO
Unit 2 [From week 2 -
to be submitted and week 5]
graded, using rubrics,
online.
PowerPoint
Presentations by student
Seminar Assignment Unlimited 10 mins 10 NO
groups on selected
topics
Module 2 60 mins 30
10 short answer questions
- answer 6
Final Examination 2-
NO
hour written paper Module 1 5 structured essays 60 mins 30
&2 - answer 2

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FOUN 1210: SCIENCE, MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY
SEMESTER II, 2022-2023
UWI ST. AUGUSTINE CAMPUS

READINGS

Required/Essential
1. The University of the West Indies Distance Education Centre (2003). Course Manual
for FOUN 1210 Science, Medicine & Technology in Society. McKenzie, C. Editor
Recommended
1. Kuhn, T. S. (1996). The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Chicago, IL: University
of Chicago Press
2. Chalmers, A. (2013). What is this thing called Science (4th Ed.)? Hackett New York
3. Reay, J. and Steward, J. (Eds.) (1988). Science Applied in the Caribbean. Macmillan,
London
4. Bryson, B. (2005). A short history of nearly everything. Broadway Books, NY

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 FOUN 1210: SCIENCE, MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY
SEMESTER II, 2022-2023
UWI ST. AUGUSTINE CAMPUS

COURSE CALENDAR

Tutorial
Remarks/ Seminar
WEEK DATES TOPIC CHAPTER Topic/ LECTURER
Activities
Worksheet

1.Introduction to
Registration for tutorial
1 Science & Mod 1
Jan GR classes
Technology Units 1 & 3
16-21

TUTORIALS BEGIN
2. Methods –
Jan Mod 1 Clarification of seminar topics
2 Scientific 1 GR
23-28 Units 2.1 - 2.3 and procedures
Reasoning

3. Methodology -
Jan 30- Observations, Mod 1 Registration of groups and
3 2 GR
Feb 04 Experiments, Unit 2.5 – 2.6 seminar topics
Theories, Models
Feb Completion of Selection of
4 4. Progress Mod 1 3 GR
06-11 Seminar Topics
Units 2.4

Submission of Reflective
5 Feb 5. Issues Mod 1 4 GR Journal
13-18 Unit 1 Monday February 13, 2023
6. Energy & PUBLIC HOLIDAY
6 Feb Mod 2 5 SP
20-25 Society Units 1 & 2 FEBRUARY 20 & 21
NO CLASSES
Make-up classes TBC
7. Some Ethical & Online MCQ Examination
7 Feb 27- Mod 2 6 GR
Mar 04 Gender issues Unit 6 Saturday March 4, 2023

8a. Biotechnology
& Society- Intro + Mod 2
8 Mar 7 GR
06-11 Agri +Indus + Unit 4
Marine

8b. Biotechnology Submission of Seminar

9 Mar & Society- Medical Mod 2 8 GR PowerPoints
13-18 + Issues Unit 4 Monday March 13, 2023
Seminar Presentations

9a. Health &

Mar Disease – Mod 2
10 9 GR Seminar Presentations
20-25 Communicable Unit 3.1
Diseases

Mar 27- 9b. Health &

11 Mod 2 10 GR
Apr 01 Disease - NCDs Unit 3.2 Seminar Presentations
10.Information
Completion of Seminar
12 Apr Technology & Mod 2 11 DM
03-08 Unit 5 Presentations
Society

FINAL EXAMINATION

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 FOUN 1210: SCIENCE, MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY
SEMESTER II, 2022-2023
UWI ST. AUGUSTINE CAMPUS

TIMETABLE

FOUN 1210 TIMETABLE Semester II, 2022-23

Weeks 1-12 16/01/2023- 08/04/2023 (Tutorials start in Week 2)

Day Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

Time
8.00-8.50
9.00-9.50 T1 NM T9 SP T22 FA T25 T30

10.00- T2 NM T10 SP T18 AR T23 FA T26 AR T31

10.50
11.00- T3 NM T11 SP ALJ AR T24 FA T27 AR T32
11.50
12.00- T4 FA T12 SP ALJ AR T28 AR
12.50
1.00-1.50 T5 FA T13 SP T19 T29

2.00-2.50 T14 SP
Lecture Group Lecture Group
3.00-3.50 2 2
WK 1-13 WK 1-13

4.00-4.50 T6 DM T15 CR T20 DM

5.00-5.50 T7 DM T16 CR T21 DM

6.00-6.50 T8 DM T17 CR
Lecture Group
7.00- 3 WKs 1-13
7.50 (PT
Day/Evening)
Rooms Tutors

TLC- Teaching and Learning Centre AR – Mrs. A. Amstrong-Richardson Althea.Richardson@sta.uwi.edu

FFA- Faculty of Food & Agriculture CR - Ms. C. Renwick Camille.Renwick@sta.uwi.edu

LT- Lecture Theatre DM- Dr. D. Maharaj Davatee.Maharaj@sta.uwi.edu

TR- Tutorial Room SP - Mr. S. Pilgrim Sheldon.Pilgrim@sta.uwi.edu

ALJ- Arthur Lok Jack FA- Ms. Famida Ali Famida.Ali@sta.uwi.edu

NM- Mr. N Mohammed Nicholas.Mohammed@sta.uwi.edu

Timetable Coding
T1 NM
Green – Lectures

Blue – Tutorials Within each box there are three bits of information:-

Orange- ALJ Tutorials 1. The tutorial identification number- in this case T1

2. The tutor’s initials – in this case Mr. Nicholas Mohammed
Yellow - Not available initially

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 FOUN 1210: SCIENCE, MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY
SEMESTER II, 2022-2023
UWI ST. AUGUSTINE CAMPUS

RUBRICS FOR ASSIGNMENTS

Reflective Journal Assignment
Instructions

INSTRUCTIONS FOR REFLECTIVE JOURNAL ASSIGNMENT

1. You are required to maintain a reflective journal of your journey through Module 1, Unit 2
material on the TWO Scientific Methodology topics below
i. Scientific Methods – Inductive & Deductive reasoning, Hypothetico-Deductive
Approach (LECTURE WEEK 2)
ii. Observations, Experimentation, Theories, Model (LECTURE WEEK 3)
2. You should write ONE JOURNAL ENTRY PER SESSION TOPIC STATED ABOVE
3. Each journal entry should contain the following:
I. Your name
II. UWI ID Number
III. Name of tutor & tutorial class e.g. Mrs. Althea Amstrong-Richardson: Mondays 9 – 10 am
IV. Session date
V. Session number
VI. Session topic
VII. Reading/Video reference
VIII. Using the session content and the related readings/videos reflect on:
a. The main concepts/ideas you learned (provide a summary of each concept/idea)
b. Ideas /concepts you did not understand
c. Action you will take to improve your appreciation of the ideas/concepts you did not
understand
d. Misconceptions: what you previously thought was true, but now know to be wrong
e. What was new or surprising to you
f. What you changed your mind about
g. One thing you learned that you may be able to use in the future
h. Issues that interested you a lot and that you would like to study in more detail
i. How Scientific Methodology relates to current events and issues
j. Vocabulary: meaning of at least two key scientific terms
4. The assignment will necessitate the following:
o The preparation of a no more than 1500-word document [750 words per journal entry]
o Inclusion of a signed Individual Plagiarism Declaration Form
o Submission of this document, as a PDF file, to myeLearning by the stipulated deadline.
5. You are expected to follow APA guidelines for academic papers.
6. Grading rubrics for this assignment are given in the table below:

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Grading Rubrics Reflective Journal Assignment

Grading rubrics are scoring schemes consisting of weighted, descriptive criteria clearly spelt out along a continuum. These criteria define what is expected of a student to get a particular grade on
an assignment. Rubrics are designed to improve the effectiveness and the efficiency of grading since instructors to communicate the specific requirements and acceptable performance standards of
an assignment. By making our grading criteria more transparent, we hope to not only make the criteria and standards clear, but to reduce your anxiety about the subjectivity of grading and to save
time. Your tutors will review and discuss these criteria using sample entries.
FOUN 1210: SCIENCE, MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY Faculty of Science & Te chnology
CRITERIA Outstanding (5 points)
Summary is concise but goes
beyond description of main
SUMMARY OF CONTENT (2 sessions); points of original content to
include further exploration of
Student provides a concise, descriptive summary of topic(s) with supporting details
the material upon which he or she is reflecting
Incudes explanations of more
than two key scientific terms
VOCABULARY
per session and with
– Scientific terms explanations from a personal
perspective for all selected
terms
ANALYSIS OF TOPIC Reflection is a detailed and
comprehensive evaluation of
Critical evaluation of the learning experience, the learning experience; value
(questioning, examining more closely student’s of derived learning to self and,
personal assumptions, making inferences), value of enhancement of student’s
derived learning to personal growth and appreciation for the topic are
enhancement of student’s appreciation for the topic clear
The reflection
comprehensively articulates
connections to all course
CONNECTIONS TO READING/RESEARCH material for both sessions,
includes efforts to learn more
Use of course manual, selected articles and/or about aspects of the experience
videos, independent research to advance reflection (additional research); describes
as appropriate specific insights or extensions
of reflections gained from
reading and research
Above Expectations
(4 points)
Summary demonstrates a strong
focus, and concisely
summarizes the main points of
the original content of the
sessions. The main idea(s) is/are
clear, sustained and supporting
details presented in the same
order as original content
Incudes at least two scientific
terms for each session and from
a personal perspective.
Reflection is a general analysis
of the learning experience;
value of derived learning to self
and, enhancement of student’s
appreciation for the topic not
always clear
The reflection articulates some
connections to learning
experience for both sessions,
includes some effort to learn
more about aspects of the
experience (additional
research); describes specific
insights or extensions of
reflections gained from reading
and research
Meets Basic Expectations
UWI, St. Augustine Campus
(3 points)
Main idea(s) clearly stated with
sufficient and relevant supporting
details within summary, gives
reader a basic but adequate
understanding of original content
of the sessions
Includes explanations of at least
two key scientific terms overall
but with some attempt to provide
explanation from personal
perspective
Reflection attempts to analyse the
learning experience but value of
derived learning to self and,
enhancement of student’s
appreciation for the topic are
vague/unclear
Reflection refers to outside
readings or research for both
sessions, with little effort to learn
more about aspects of the
experience; descriptions of
specific insights or extensions of
reflections gained from reading
and research vague or unclear
Minimal (2 points)
Main idea(s) presented in
summary is/are evident but
supporting details are
minimal or not relevant,
leaving reader with a
vague/unclear understanding
of the original content of the
sessions
Includes explanation of only
two key scientific terms
overall but with little or no
attempt to give explanation
from personal perspective
Reflection is a minimal
analysis of learning
experience with limited or no
evaluation of the learning
experience and/or student’s
appreciation for the topic is
unclear
Reflection refers to outside
readings or research for only
one session and with minimal
effort to learn more about
aspects of the experience;
little or no descriptions of
specific insights or extensions
of reflections gained from
reading and research
Unacceptable (1
point)
Main idea(s) not
summarized or
incomplete with no
supporting details,
leaving reader with an
unclear or no
understanding of the
original content of the
sessions
Includes explanation of
only one scientific term
and/or limited to one
session; explanation
simply re-stating an
established definition
Reflection is limited to
description of learning
experience with no
attempt to evaluate the
learning experience
and/or no indication of
student’s appreciation for
the topics
Reflection refers to only
one outside reading or
research and with no
effort to learn more about
aspects of the experience;
no descriptions of specific
insights or extensions of
reflections gained from
readings and research
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FOUN 1210: SCIENCE, MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY Faculty of Science & Technology
CRITERIA Outstanding
(5 points)
EXEMPLARY REFLECTION:
Response demonstrates an in-
depth reflection on, and
personalization of, the theories
DEPTH OF OVERALL GENERAL REFLECTION/ & concepts presented in the
Growth in Critical Analysis of Sessions as journal course materials for both
progresses sessions; viewpoints and
interpretations are insightful
and well supported; clear,
detailed examples are
provided, as applicable
NO VIOLATION of the
following APA requirements,
and conventions of academic
Technical Requirement & Use of Academic English English:
-Cover page
-Within-text citation
http://www.apastyle.org/ -Reference list
-Correct use of grammar
https://libguides.tru.ca/c.php?g=194005&p=1418543 -Correct use of punctuation
- Sentences that are well
structured, and effectively
communicate the writer’s ideas
as intended
Above Expectations
(4 points)
GOOD REFLECTION:
Response demonstrates a
general reflection on, and
personalization of, the theories
& concepts, presented in the
course materials for both
sessions; viewpoints and
interpretations are insightful but
not always fully supported;
clear, detailed examples are
provided, as applicable
CONSISTENTLY violates TWO
of the following APA
requirements, and conventions
of academic English:
-Cover page
-Within-text citation
-Reference list
-Correct use of grammar
-Correct use of punctuation
- Sentences that are well
structured, and effectively
communicate the writer’s ideas
as intended
UWI, St. Augustine Campus
Meets Basic Expectations
(3 points)
FAIR REFLECTION:
Response demonstrates a general
reflection on, and personalization
of, the theories & concepts for
two sessions; viewpoints and
interpretations not always
insightful and/or not supported;
examples not always clear,
detailed or applicable
CONSISTENTLY violates
THREE of the following APA
requirements, and conventions of
academic English:
-Cover page
-Within-text citation
-Reference list
-Correct use of grammar
-Correct use of punctuation
-Sentences that are well
structured, and generally
communicate the writer’s ideas
as intended
Minimal
(2 points)
MINIMAL REFLECTION
Response demonstrates a
minimal reflection on, and
personalization of, the
theories & concepts,
presented in the course
materials for two sessions; no
viewpoints/ interpretations
given or if given, are not
insightful and/or not
supported; no clear or
detailed examples given
CONSISTENTLY violates
FOUR of the following APA
requirements, and
conventions of academic
English:
-Cover page
-Within-text citation
-Reference list
-Correct use of grammar
-Correct use of punctuation
-Sentences that are not always
well structured, but generally
communicate the writer’s
ideas as intended
Unacceptable
(1 point)
INADEQUATE
REFLECTION
Response limited to a
reflection on, and
personalization of, the
theories & concepts,
presented in the course
materials for only one
session; no viewpoints/
interpretations given or, if
given, are not insightful
and not by supported; no
examples.
CONSISTENTLY
violates FIVE of the
following APA
requirements, and
conventions of academic
English:
-Cover page
-Within-text citation
-Reference list
-Correct use of grammar
-Correct use of
punctuation
-Sentences that are poorly
structured, and do not
clearly communicate the
writer’s ideas as intended
14
Group Seminar Assignment
Instructions & Ground Rules

GUIDE FOR STUDENT SEMINARS

Rationale:

Mini seminars are intended to encourage active participation of students and provide a forum both
for debate and feedback. It is also expected that these seminars will promote higher levels of
interest, motivation and ownership of the students’ learning. You are advised to adhere to the
ground rules for the seminar presentation

Organization:
1. The tutor retains full control of the running of the seminar.
2. Students organize themselves into groups of three.
3. Each group chooses a topic, either from the list provided, or otherwise.
4. The tutor must approve each choice and prepare a roster for the presentations.
5. The tutor may suggest amendments to the presentation.
6. At the appointed time during a tutorial session, the group makes its oral presentation supported
by multimedia. The maximum time permitted for the presentation is ten minutes, including at
least one-minute question time.
7. A soft copy of each presentation summary must be submitted to TURN-IT-IN facility, through
myelearning, by the stipulated deadline by ONE member of the group. Should NOT be larger
than 50 MB in file size.
8. Indicate on the following on the title slide:
• names of members of the group as well as respective UWI ID numbers.
• the tutors name and identification of the session e.g. T5
9. All groups are required to submit the Seminar Assignment: Group Contribution Statement
to their respective Tutors by ONE member of the team.
10. Include a UWI Accountability Statement at the end of their PowerPoint submission. ONE
member can sign on behalf of the group.
11. The tutor will ensure that all presentations are completed within the period available for
tutorials but no later than Week 12.
12. Video clips, if included, should not be longer than about 50 seconds in total.

A word of advice:
(i) Do not try to compress too much information into your presentation. It is better to have
a little too little than a little too much.
(ii) Reading your presentation is not recommended.

Assessment

The tutors will be responsible for assessing the presentations, using the rubrics provided below.

Plagiarism

Students are reminded of the University’s Regulations on Plagiarism (see Appendix 3 – FST
Faculty Booklet) and relevant penalties. Students will be required to submit their power point
presentations for electronic vetting via Turn-it-in and will be required to sign and submit the group
plagiarism declaration form at the time of their presentations.
FOUN 1210: SCIENCE, MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY Faculty of Science & Technology
UWI, St. Augustine Campus

Ground Rules for Conduct of Seminar Activity

The seminar activity is a structured way for students to get together and think through a topic and
to share that information with peers. Your tutor will assist you in your preparation and is
responsible for the final assessment. In addition, you can use the seminar as an opportunity to ask
questions about points that you did not understand in lectures or through your own reading. The
following guidelines are designed to clarify the roles and responsibilities of all participants.
A. STUDENTS’ ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Individual Student Responsibility

Have respect for each other.
- Respect each other’s ideas
- Respect the other group member
- Don’t interrupt each other
- Each opinion should count
- Be honest with each other
- You do not have to like a person to work with them

2. All group members should do an equal amount of work.

- Each should share the responsibility of the tasks
- Don’t take over and don’t let you partners take over

3. You should have a common understanding of goals that need to be achieved.

- Help each one another to understand all concepts
4. Be open to compromise.
- Be willing to cooperate with one another and work on ideas
- Keep an open mind

5. Effective communication.
- Make sure that you are all able to be vocal about their ideas and problems
- Give ideas no matter how “off” you may think they are
- Listen effectively
- Don’t be critical

6. Time management.
- Attend and arrive on time to all group meetings
- Be flexible about meeting times
- Keep on task (limit talk about non-related events)
- Group deadlines are sacrosanct

7. Honesty
- Dishonest for partners to 'put up with' something they do not agree about, or cannot
live with e.g. plagiarism
- Need to temper honesty with tact

8. Keeping Records
- This can take the form of planning notes, minutes or other kinds of evidence of the
progress of the work of the group.
- Rotate the responsibility for summing up the position of the group regarding the tasks in
hand and recording this.

Please note Records will be very useful in determining penalties where there is a conflict
among partners.

16
FOUN 1210: SCIENCE, MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY Faculty of Science & Technology
UWI, St. Augustine Campus

B. TUTOR’S ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitates selection of topics for student groups*
• Advises student groups in preparation of presentation especially with respect to issue of
plagiarism
• Sets clear agenda and boundaries
• Highlights University’s Regulations on Plagiarism
• Ensures that students submit completed plagiarism declaration forms
• Reviews progress of groups
• Schedules presentations
• Manages delivery of presentations including timekeeping (10 minutes in total)
• Reviews and evaluates group presentation using rubrics and specific questions.

*Please note that students will be expected to form a group of three. If there is an uneven
number of students in the tutorial class, the tutor will determine the one person who will work
alone.

C. CONDUCT OF SEMINAR PRESENTATION

• Submit hard copy of completed plagiarism declaration form with original signatures of all
members of a group
• Attend presentation at scheduled time - we won’t wait for latecomers
• Everyone is expected to do their share of preparation and bring the required material/ copies
to the class
• If you cannot attend, please inform your tutor – in advance if possible
• Impoliteness and personal comments are unacceptable
• Adhere to specified timeframe for delivery of presentation - i.e. 9 minutes + 1 minute for
questions

D. CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATING GROUND RULES.

• Student groups with 100% plagiarism will be awarded a mark of zero and the matter
will be reported officially following the procedure outlined in the University
Regulations.
• Non-submission of presentation summary to Turn-it-In will incur a penalty of 5 marks
being deducted from the awarded final total mark for all partners.
• Late submission to Turn-it-In can only be approved by the Course Coordinator and will
incur a penalty of a 10% deduction of the final total mark for all partners.
• In the event that a conflict situation, arising out of a violation of the ground rules, cannot
be resolved then members will be allowed to prepare the same topic and present
individually but will incur a penalty of 10% deduction of their final total mark.
• A student will only be allowed to miss the seminar presentation under extenuating
circumstances. In such a situation the other partners will be expected to deliver the
presentation and the absent partner will incur a penalty of 50% of the final mark.
• If all members of the team are not present to deliver their presentations at the scheduled
time, a mark of zero will be recorded for each member of the team.
• Each group will be required to submit a statement confirming that all members
contributed to the presentation. Where there is a conflict with respect to the quantum of
work done by any member, a penalty will be applied. The degree of the penalty will be
determined based on the evaluation by the tutor and in consultation with the course
coordinator.
• The penalty for not keeping to time would be having the presentation terminated
prematurely with the possibility that marks would be lost as a consequence.
• Any student repeating the course will not be permitted to use a previous presentation as
part of the current seminar presentation assignment.

17
Grading Rubrics for Seminar Presentation
EXCELLENT
4 pts.
Content Presentation content shows
a thorough understanding of
the topic;
substantive research effort
is evident in locating
relevant information and
facts;
content is accurate;
major points presented and
fully supported with
convincing arguments,
ideas, and data.
Organization Information presented in
logical & interesting
sequence which audience can
clearly follow; with specific & conclusion.
introduction & conclusion.
Presentation (oral Highly effective in
delivering a well-
delivery) polished oral
presentation (articulate
& with proper
grammar);
within the time limit (10
minutes total);
presenters very confident
and with full group
participation(equally);
all members use text on
slides as prompts for
original narration;
effective, smooth transitions like;
that indicated transitions in preparation for delivery evident fillers is distracting;
presentation points;
preparation for delivery
strongly evident.
GOOD
3 pts.
Presentation content shows an
adequate understanding of the
topic;
some research effort evident in
locating relevant information
and facts;
content is mostly accurate may
contain some inconsistencies;
major points presented and
partially supported with
convincing arguments, ideas,
and data.
Information presented in logical Presentation of sequenced
sequence which audience can
follow; with specific introduction audience has difficulty
Effective in delivering the oral
presentation demonstrating good the oral presentation
communication skills;
generally close to the time limit
(less than 1 minute beyond total
time);
presenters fairly confident and
with almost full group
participation (nearly equally);
presenters read text on slides but (between 1 -2 minutes);
elaborate comfortably;
included transitions to connect
key points but speakers often
used fillers such as um, ah, or
for the most part;
AVERAGE
2 pts.
Presentation content shows a
basic understanding of the topic;
limited evidence of research in
locating relevant information and
facts and/or supporting
statements made;
content contains some
inaccuracies, inconsistencies,
misinterpretations, and/or
somewhat unclear;
major points presented but not
supported with convincing
arguments, ideas, and data.
information is inconsistent;
following; with no introduction
and/or conclusion.
Somewhat effective in delivering
demonstrating basic
communication skills;
presenters not consistent with
the level of confidence and with
two members being the main
speakers;
a little over the time limit
presenters mainly read text on
slides, adding a few comments;
included some transitions to
connect key points but most
speakers’ over reliance on
need for more preparation
evident.
BELOW AVERAGE UNACCEPTABLE TOTAL
1 pt. 0 pts.
Presentation content shows a Presentation content not related to Multiply
lack of understanding of the topic, no evidence of research effort mark by
topic;
2
little or no evidence of research
….. /8
and/or insufficient relevant
information;
content is confusing and/or
contains numerous
inaccuracies;
oversimplified, fails to present
major points, minimal details.
Presentation with minimal signs Information NOT presented in /4
of logical organization, audience logical sequence; audience cannot
has difficulty following; with no understand presentation; no
introduction and conclusion. introduction and conclusion
Ineffective in delivering the oral Ineffective in delivering the oral /4
presentation demonstrating presentation demonstrating poor
below average communication communication skills;
skills; presenters lack confidence, with
presenters not confident, only only one person presenting;
one member as primary substantially over the time limit to
speaker; present (more than 5 minutes);
substantially over the time limit presenters just read text on slides,
to present (between 2 – 5 no elaboration;
minutes); lack of preparation evident.
presenters just read text on
slides, no elaboration;
presentation was choppy and
disjointed with a lack of effective
transitions;
lack of preparation evident.
FOUN 1210: SCIENCE, MEDICINE & TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY
Subject All questions answered
clearly and completely
Knowledge
by group members.
Presentation All slides present one
idea with a few
Design supporting facts;
(Text, Font, Images) font on all slides is
comfortable to read;
visual aids are powerful,
of high-quality & help
audience understand
content;
layout/design is unique
and creative
Citations
Contribution to group All group members
contributed fully to the
development of presentation,
and shared the workload
fairly and equally; assisted in
editing others’ work to
produce a polished
presentation; collectively met
deadlines
Faculty of Science & Technology
Almost all questions answered At least one group member has
clearly and completely by group difficulty answering questions.
members.
Most slides present one idea with Most slides present one idea but
a few supporting facts; font on too many facts/words;
most slides is comfortable to font on most slides is too
read; small/difficult to read;
visual aids are powerful, of visual aids are too large/small in
high-quality & help audience size, or of poor quality (fuzzy,
understand content; typos); do not contribute to
layout/design is well thought understanding of content;
out & neatly presented unique layout/design is average.
Bibliography/works cited in text;
list is properly formatted and
complete (like a research paper).
All group members contributed All group members participated
to the development of the in the development of the
presentation, shared the presentation but for one or two
workload but not all fairly or members, emphasis was in
equally. Some members did not completing own work. may have
always assist in editing others’ not shared workload fairly or
work; collectively met the equally; did not assist with
deadlines. meeting the deadlines.
UWI, St. Augustine Campus
Group members attempt to No group member was able to answer /4
answer questions but are any questions.
unable to do so satisfactorily
Most slides present multiple All slides present multiple ideas /4
ideas and too many facts/words. and too many facts/words.
font on all slides is too font on all slides is too
small/difficult to read; small/difficult to read;
visual aids are distracting visual aids are distracting
decorations that create a busy decorations that create a busy
feeling and detract from the feeling and detract from the
content; content;
poor layout/design. poor layout/design
Not all bibliography/works cited No listing of sources used for /2
in text; research.
list is incomplete (e.g. no
citations for images) or
improperly formatted)
One or two group members Only ONE group member contributed /4
rarely participated or to the development of the
presentation.
contributed to the development
of the presentation; did not
share workload fairly and/or
equally, one or two group
members was a disruptive
influence; did not assist in
meeting deadlines.
Total / 30 /30
Total /10 /10
19
Seminar Topics

No ABBREVIATION FULL TITLE

1 Climate Change The Paris Protocol and implications for the Caribbean
2 Climate Change Strategies for reducing carbon emissions in the Caribbean
3 Climate Change New Technological Innovations that could mitigate the impacts of Climate Change
4 Climate Change Is Gender Equality critical to Climate Change?
5 Climate Change How has the COVID pandemic impacted climate change?
6 Carbon FP Is my carbon footprint getting smaller?
7 Food security Is carbon sequestration a strategy to achieve food security in the Caribbean?
8 Energy Security Shaping the Caribbean’s Energy Future
9 Food Security Feeding a global population of 9 billion
10 Food Security How is climate change impacting food security in T&T (or the Caribbean)?
11 Water Security Global Challenges
12 Water Security Perspectives on water security in Caribbean Small Island States
13 Science Science’s contribution to human civilization – historical review
14 Science Is science a driver of innovation?
15 Sci Reasoning Inductive reasoning – a necessity for survival.
16 Science What drives science forward?
17 Sci Literacy Scientific literacy and active citizenship
18 Sci Literacy Is Scientific literacy a crucial skill for the future?
19 Scientific Models Using scientific models to make predictions
20 Science & Society Attitudes of Society to Science
21 Science & Society Challenges for Science in the 21st century
22 Energy Which energy sources will power the 21st century?
23 Energy Energy efficiency programs and policies in the Caribbean
24 Medicine Vaccines and Ethical Issues
25 Medicine Legalization of marijuana – is this realistic for the Caribbean?
26 Medicine Is Gene Therapy a new hope for combating HIV?
27 Medicine Caribbean folk medicine – is there good scientific evidence?
28 Medicine Youth and HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean
29 Health & Nutrition Could science improve the nutrition of millions?
30 Health & IT Towards healthier lifestyles: the role of information technology
31 Health & Tech How technology is helping to shape the future of health
32 Health Obesity in the Caribbean
33 Comp. Science Artificial Intelligence & Society
34 Comp. Science Have computers changed society for the better or for the worse?
35 Inform. Tech Cybersecurity – challenges for society
36 Biotechnology GMOs: the Caribbean reality
37 Technology Drones and Global Security Issues
38 Technology Impact of new technological innovations in crime prevention in the Caribbean
39 Technology The Digital Divide and the COVID Pandemic
40 Technology Impact of Digital Revolution on Caribbean Societies
41 Technology Emerging technologies that will re-shape the future
42 Technology New technologies and challenges for the Caribbean
43 Ethics & Tech Ethical implications of emerging technologies for society
44 Gender How has COVID pandemic issues impacted gender equality?
45 Ethics Ethics in Science & Technology: a Caribbean perspective
46 Health & Disease Mosquito-borne diseases in the Caribbean- challenges and solutions
47 Biotechnology Designer babies- the way forward or not?
48 Energy Energy challenges among Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean
and potential solutions
49 Energy Waste management- a viable source of energy in the Caribbean?
50 Resource Security Russia vs. Ukraine war: are our essential resources at risk in the Caribbean?