OLET1652 Uo S Outline 2019 2 PDF

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Faculty of Science (SCIE)

OLET1652: How to Estimate Anything Semester 2, 2019 | 2 Credit points | Mode of delivery: Online | Unit type: OLE Coordinator: Michael Wheatland Faculty of Science (SCIE), Physics Academic Operations Unit description How many hairs are there on a human head? What is the probability of intelligent life elsewhere in the Universe? What is the GDP of a small nation? Remarkably, it is possible to answer these questions more-or-less accurately, with minimal information. The ability to do this - to estimate - is a valuable life skill. In this unit you will learn systematic approaches to estimation, which allow order-of-magnitude answers to be provided for any quantitative question. You will also learn to evaluate the uncertainties in your estimates. Examples will be drawn from across the sciences and the humanities. The unit connects theoretical knowledge with practical application, and seeks to develop the ability to critically evaluate quantitative information from a broad variety of sources. Prohibitions: None Pre-requisites : None Co-requisites : None Assumed knowledge: HSC Mathematics (2 unit) Unit aims The ability to be able to make an accurate estimate based on limited information is a valuable life skill. This unit will provide a systematic treatment of simple but powerful methods of estimation, and introduce students to modeling starting from dimensional analysis. The skills and knowledge gained will be of intrinsic value, and will also provide a foundation in modeling for students pursuing study in various fields in STEM and beyond. Learning outcomes At the completion of this unit, you should be able to: LO1. apply numerical estimation to solve a wide range of problems LO2. understand the role of units and dimensions in describing quantities LO3. understand and be able to apply dimensional analysis LO4. construct basic models. Graduate qualities The Graduate Qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world. Please see https://sydney.edu.au/students/graduate-qualities.html Study commitment Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 2 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 40-50 hours of student effort in total. Teaching staff and contact details Coordinator

:

Michael Wheatland, [email protected]

Teaching staff

:

Tristram Alexander, [email protected] Michael Wheatland, [email protected] Victor Demcsak, [email protected]

Administrative and professional staff: Physics Student Services ([email protected])

OLET1652, How to Estimate Anything, Semester 2, Page 1 of 4

Faculty of Science (SCIE)

Learning activities schedule Week

Topic

Learning activity type

Learning outcomes

Multiple weeks

Week 1: Introduction to estimation

Independent learning

LO1

Multiple weeks

Week 2: Introduction to dimensional analysis

Independent learning

LO2, LO3

Multiple weeks

Week 3: Estimation and life

Independent learning

LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Multiple weeks

Week 4: Estimation and the world

Independent learning

LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessments

Assessment title

Assessment Due date Assessment Assessment Individual Weight type or group category type & time description

Week 1 quiz

In-class assessment

Tutorial quiz, small test or Online quiz online task

Individual

10%

Week 3 23 August 2019

Learning Closing Length/duration date outcomes

N/A

LO1

N/A

LO2, LO3

N/A

LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

N/A

LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

60 minutes/ 1 hour

LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

11.59pm Week 5

Week 2 quiz

Week 3 quiz

In-class assessment

Tutorial quiz, small test or Online quiz online task

In-class assessment

Tutorial quiz, small test or Online quiz online task

Individual

Individual

10%

10%

06 September 2019 11.59pm Week 7 20 September 2019 11.59pm Week 9

Week 4 quiz

In-class assessment

Tutorial quiz, small test or Online quiz online task

Final exam

Exam

Final exam

Individual

10%

Individual

60%

11 October 2019 11.59pm Formal exam period

Assessment summary Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas. Prescribed readings All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas. Other resources Other resources can be found on Canvas. Late penalties The Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded. However, a unit of study may prohibit late submission or waive late penalties only if expressly stated below.

OLET1652, How to Estimate Anything, Semester 2, Page 2 of 4

Faculty of Science (SCIE)

Special consideration A special consideration application can be made for short-term circumstances beyond your control, such as illness, injury or misadventure, which affect your preparation or performance in an assessment. If you are eligible for special consideration, you must submit an online application and supporting documents within three working days of the assessment, unless exceptional circumstances apply. Assessment grading The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1). As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard. Result name

High distinction

Mark range

85 - 100

Distinction 75 - 84

Credit

65 - 74

Pass

50 - 64

Fail

0 - 49

Description At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts. At D level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts. At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts. At P level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge of the subject and can solve simple problems and can accurately identify key theoretical concepts. When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades. Educational integrity While the University is aware that the vast majority of students and staff act ethically and honestly, it is opposed to and will not tolerate academic dishonesty or plagiarism and will treat all allegations of dishonesty seriously. All written assignments submitted in this unit of study will be submitted to the similarity detection software known as Turnitin. Turnitin searches for matches between text in your written assessment task and text sourced from the Internet, published works and assignments previously submitted to Turnitin. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of dishonesty to your teacher, they are required to report your work for further investigation. Further information on academic honesty, academic dishonesty, and the resources available to all students can be found on the academic integrity pages on the current students website: https://sydney.edu.au/students/academic-integrity.html Work, health and safety requirements We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

OLET1652, How to Estimate Anything, Semester 2, Page 3 of 4

Faculty of Science (SCIE)

Other requirements Attendance: Unless otherwise indicated, students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean. For some units of study the minimum attendance requirement, as specified in the relevant table of units or the unit of study outline, may be greater than 80%. The Associate Dean may determine that a student has failed a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Site visit guidelines There are no site visit guidelines for this unit. Additional costs There are no additional costs for this unit. Closing the loop This unit ran for the first time in Semester 1. Students provided a range of helpful suggestions via the USS and a survey run specifically for this unit. We have made various changes including adding additional supporting pages on difficult topics. Links to policies and other information for students The following information and services are available to all students: Student administration: sydney.edu.au/study/student-administration.html Wellbeing and support: sydney.edu.au/students/health-wellbeing.html Study resources: sydney.edu.au/students/learning-services.html Expectations of student conduct: sydney.edu.au/students/student-responsibilities.html Learning and Teaching Policy: sydney.edu.au/policies/ Academic appeals: sydney.edu.au/students/academic-appeals.html Libraries: sydney.edu.au/students/libraries.html Financial support: sydney.edu.au/students/financial-support.html Other relevant information Tutorials: There will be optional drop-in tutorials running in weeks 2,4,6, and 8 of semester. Other links

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