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UW System Competency Based Admissions - Mathematics

SCIENCE
UW System Competency Based Admissions - Science
WTCS
A. Science Inquiry: given a scientific problem to solve, the student will be able to complete a scientific investigation:
  • State a hypothesis that predicts an outcome of the investigation;
II.3. Apply scientific method for the solution of a given problem
  • Design an appropriate experiment to test the stated hypothesis;
II.3. Apply scientific method for the solution of a given problem
  • Collect, organize and analyze appropriate data;
II.3. Apply scientific method for the solution of a given problem
  • Draw conclusions based on interpretations of these data; and
II.3. Apply scientific method for the solution of a given problem

II.4. Utilize critical thinking skills
  • Clearly communicate and defend conclusions.
 

B. Science Knowledge Base: the student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts from at least two of the science disciplines that are included in high school curricula: earth science, environmental science, chemistry, biology and physics. Examples of such concepts are given below. Note: these lists of concepts are not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather to serve as a minimum model for secondary school science curriculum content.

Laws of conservation of energy and matter as they apply to living and non-living systems:

  1. Apply the concepts of force and energy as related to motion;
VII.2. Apply the laws of conservation of energy and mass to systems
  • 2. Describe the basic principles of wave motion; 
    		• VII.2. Apply the laws of conservation of energy and mass to systems
  • 3. Predict the movement of charge in an electrical field; 
    		• VII.3. Describe the relationships within and between systems
  • 4. Explain the relationship between matter and energy in physical and chemical changes; 
    		• V.2. Apply the laws of conservation of energy and mass to systems

    VI.1. Classify and describe matter
  • 5. Apply the concepts of stoichiometry (i.e., mole concept) to chemical reactions and to the preparation of solutions; 
    		• VI.2. Apply the laws of conservation of energy and mass to systems
  • 6. Describe the relationship between respiration and photosynthesis in the energy transfer process; 
    		• V.2. Apply the laws of conservation of energy and mass to systems
  • 7. Recognize that the total amount of matter and energy in the universe is constant; 
    		•  

    The atomic nature of matter:

  • 8. Express measurements from subatomic to astronomical, using the appropriate units; 
    		• III.1. Observe and measure objects/events such as length, volume, mass weight, time and temperature using the appropriate metric or English units
  • 9. Describe the structure of matter from subatomic to macromolecular levels; 
    		• V.I., VI.1., VII.1. Classify and describe matter
    10. Use the kinetic molecular theory to describe phases, solutions and changes in states of matter;  
    11. Identify the relationships among structures, shapes, functions and properties of molecules;  
    The nature of organisms: from cellular to macroscopic:
  • 12. Explain the interdependence of cell structure and function, and its relationships to chemical and physical principles; 
    		• V.I. Classify and describe matter
  • 13. Use or construct classification schemes to group various living things according to structure and/or function; 
    		• V.I. Classify and describe matter
  • 14. Show the relationship among structure, function and control mechanisms for a variety of living organisms; 
    		•  
    15. Use genetic principles to demonstrate an understanding of the role of heredity in controlling cell processes and the transmission of genetic information; V.3. Describe the relationships within and between systems
    Relationships within and between systems, e.g., atmosphere, hydrosphere and geosphere:
  • 16. Analyze earth's history, especially changes over time; 
    		•  
    17. Describe the relationship between living organisms and their environment;  
    18. Describe the role of the sun in the production of energy; and V.2. Apply the laws of conservation of energy and mass to systems
  • 19. Trace the cyclical flow of matter and energy through living and non-living systems. 
    		• V.2. Apply the laws of conservation of energy and mass to systems
    C. Science Communication: the student will be able to obtain and discuss scientific information from print and electronic sources, and to:
    1. Communicate an understanding of science concepts using appropriate science terminology;
    		V.4., VII.4. Use appropriate terminology
  • 2. Locate and use appropriate sources to obtain scientific information (e.g., electronic, print, etc.); and 
    		•  
  • 3. Select the most appropriate method to communicate scientific knowledge in written, visual or oral form. 
    		•  

    D. Science, Technology and Society: the contextual study of science should magnify the scientific ideals of curiosity, diligence and skepticism for probing and seeking understanding of relationships among science, technology and social issues. The student will be able to demonstrate the following competencies:

    1. Describe the relationships among science, technology and social issues;
    		IV.1. Relate science and technology to life choices

    IV.2. Investigate how societal, economic and political systems influence the progress of science and technology
  • 2. Identify and apply appropriate science when analyzing social issues; and 
    		• IV.1. Relate science and technology to life choices

    IV.2. Investigate how societal, economic and political systems influence the progress of science and technology
  • 3. Distinguish opinion from data and fact in discussions and considerations of personal, social and global issues. 
    		• II.4. Utilize critical thinking skills

    IV.3. Analyze the ethical issues related to science
    E. Analysis/Problem Solving: the student will be able to: 
    1. Gather, organize and use information to provide qualitative and/or quantitative solutions to problems;
    		III.1. Observe and measure objects/events such as length, volume, mass weight, time and temperature using the appropriate metric or English versions

    III.2. Analyze basic science and technological information

    III.3. Graph laboratory data and describe trends
  • 2. Use data to construct graphs to describe relationships; 
    		• III.2. Analyze basic science and technological information

    III.3. Graph laboratory data and describe trends
  • 3. Identify the correct units required to describe a given quantity and use dimensional analysis (or factor labeling) to solve problems; 
    		• III.1. Observe and measure objects/events such as length, volume, mass weight, time and temperature using the appropriate metric or English versions
  • 4. Make informed decisions by examining options and anticipating the consequences of actions; and 
    		• II.4. Utilize critical thinking skills
  • 5. Convert the magnitude of data to/from decimal and scientific notations, and perform basic mathematical computations using these forms. 
    		• I.2. Convert within and between metric and English systems of measurement
    F. Laboratory Skills: the student will be able to:
    1. Follow written and/or oral directions needed to use laboratory equipment and to collect experimental data;
    		III.4. Demonstrate safe and proper laboratory precedures
  • 2. Relate laboratory data to theory in order to render a clear, comprehensive, and concise presentation in written or oral reports supported, where appropriate, with various models of data presentation (e.g., tables, diagrams, graphs, models, etc.); and 
    		• III.2. Analyze basic science and technological information

    III.3. Graph laboratory data and describe trends
  • 3. Use graphical extrapolations and interpolations to predict the magnitude of variables not directly measured. 
    		• III.3. Graph laboratory data and describe trends

     

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    UWSA LogoThis document was last revised on October 14, 1999. ©January 1999 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, All Rights Reserved.
     
     

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