BASIC SCIENCE

TUTORIAL LETTER
BSC410S
SEMESTER 2/2022

Dear Student

Welcome to Basic Science-BSC410S. It is of utmost importance that you, as a student, familiarise yourself
with the content of this letter to understand how the course is structured and what will be expected of you
during the course of this semester.

The course assignments are to be submitted via the eLearning mode, a mode that enables you as a student
to fully engage with the content and has limitless access to instructors and relevant course material. All
assessments will be conducted via the eLearning platform known as Moodle.

Due Dates of Assignments are provided on Moodle as well as in the Distance Education Manual available on
COLL website. Test Dates are provided on the Test Information Sheet also available on COLL website, under
COLL MANUALS.

Please note:
Campus activities that involve physical contact, whether in a meeting, laboratory, assessment,
tutorial/lecture will be held under strict COVID-19 National Health and Safety Protocols. Students not
adhering to such National Regulations, i.e. wearing masks correctly to cover both the mouth and nose,
social distancing of at least 1.5m, hand sanitising and refraining from campus activities when experiencing
COVID-19 symptoms, will not be allowed into a venue.

Good luck with this course and with your studies.

1
 BASIC SCIENCE
TUTORIAL LETTER
BSC410S
SEMESTER 2/2022

Dear Student

This Tutorial Letter is intended to give you information regarding the Module Basic Science.

Course Name: Basic Science

Course Code: BSC410S
Department: Natural and Applied Sciences
Course Duration: One Semester
NQF Level and Credit: NQF Level 4, 8 Credits
Pre-requisite: None

PRESCRIBED AND RECOMMENDED MATERIAL

PRESCRIBED MATERIAL Basic Science Study Guide

RECOMMENDED MATERIAL Any Physical Science textbook of appropriate level

This Tutorial Letter was compiled by:

Mr. Petrus Paulus
Ms Marta Elvin
Tauno Nanghonga
Ms. Ilana Malan

Your marker-tutor for Basic Science are:

TUTOR NAME TEL NO E-MAIL ADDRESS

MS I. MALAN +264 61 – 207 2552 [email protected]
MR P PAULUS +264 61 – 207 2437 [email protected]
MS M ELVIN +264 61 – 207 2830 [email protected]

2
 BASIC SCIENCE
TUTORIAL LETTER
BSC410S
SEMESTER 2/2022

MR T NANGHONGA +264 61 – 207 2323 [email protected]

The Moderator/Content-Editor for this course is:

Prof Habauka Kwaambwa

Tel:061-207 2583
Email:[email protected]

Please sms your tutor to arrange a telephonic/WebEx tutorial

3
 BASIC SCIENCE
TUTORIAL LETTER
BSC410S
SEMESTER 2/2022

STATEMENT ABOUT ACADEMIC HONESTY AND INTEGRITY

All staff and students of Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), upon signing their employment contracts and
registration forms, commit themselves to abide by the policies and rules of the institution. The core activity of NUST is learning and
in this respect academic honesty and integrity is very important to ensure that learning is valid, reliable and credible.

NUST therefore does not condone any form of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism and cheating on tests and assessments,
amongst other such practices. NUST requires students to always do their own assignments and to produce their own academic work,
unless given a group assignment.

Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:

• Using the ideas, words, works or inventions of someone else as if it is your own work.
• Using the direct words of someone else without quotation marks, even if it is referenced.
• Copying from writings (books, articles, webpages, other students’ assignments, etc.), published or unpublished, without
referencing.
• Syndication of a piece of work, all or part of an assignment, by a group of students, unless the assignment was a
legitimate group assignment.
• The borrowing and use of another person’s assignment, with or without their knowledge or permission.
• Infringing copyright, including documents copied or cut and pasted from the internet.
• Asking someone else to prepare an assignment for you or to write or sit an assessment for you, whether this is against
payment or not.
• Re-submitting work done already for another course or program as new work, so-called self-plagiarism.
• Bringing notes into an examination or test venue, regardless of whether the notes were used to copy or not.
• Receiving any outside assistance in any form or shape during an examination or test.

All forms of academic dishonesty are viewed as misconduct under NUST Student Rules and Regulations. Students who make
themselves guilty of academic dishonesty will be brought before a Disciplinary Committee and may be suspended from studying for
a certain time or may be expelled. All students who are found guilty of academic dishonesty shall have an appropriate endorsement
on their academic record, which will never be erased.

I, ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………(full name and surname), hereby acknowledge that I have

read and understood the Statement about Academic Honesty and Integrity and that I will abide by the rules and regulations as
outlined within the statement.

Signature of the student:…………………………………………… Date: ……………………………………………

4
 BASIC SCIENCE
TUTORIAL LETTER
BSC410S
SEMESTER 2/2022

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

• You will be required to complete Two (2) Assignments, each weighing 20 % towards your CA
semester mark. Due dates are on the COLL website in the Distance Education Manual
• You will write One (2) Test, weighing 30 % each towards your CA semester mark. The test dates are
indicated on the COLL Test Schedule. Take note that the test dates are subject to change. Students
will be informed well in advance of any changes.
• You will write a final examination at the end of the semester. It will be 2/3 hour paper.
Your final mark: 40 % CA and 60 % Examination

Examination Admission
Apart from the regulations hereunder, you should also study your COLL Yearbook 2022, which contains
important information and regulations about admission to the examination.
• You need at least a 40 % semester mark to write the examination
• The final mark is made up of a 40:60 ratio (40 % of the semester mark and 60 % of the examination mark)
• A final mark of at least 50 % (calculated from the semester mark and examination) has to be obtained to
pass the course

Students who miss the assignment due date can contact their COLL Support Officer, Mr Abraham
Shilomboleni at 061 207 2567 and e-mail at [email protected] immediately or any admin related
questions.

5
 BASIC SCIENCE
TUTORIAL LETTER
BSC410S
SEMESTER 2/2022

INSTRUCTIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSIGNMENT 01

The instructions for this assignment are:

• Sources must be listed according to the APA, unless otherwise prescribed by the department.
• All assignments should be typed
• Font style to be used is Calibri, font size 11, line spacing 1.5 ASSIGNMENT 01

BIOLOGY - 35 MARKS
ASSIGNEMNT 1
SECTION A
QUESTION 1 (15 MARKS)
1.1 Discuss importance of the following characteristics of living organisms.
i) Growth (2 marks)

ii) Reproduction (2 marks)

iii) Excretion (2 marks)

1.2 Describe how do protists and Archaebacteria differ? (4 marks)

1.3 Gymnosperms and angiosperms are seed plants. But they are classified separately. In a table, explain
the differences between gymnosperms and angiosperms in terms of seeds and flowers?
(4 marks)

1.4 Which kingdom in the classification of living things has organisms that can survive in a volcanic eruption?
(1 mark)

6
 BASIC SCIENCE
TUTORIAL LETTER
BSC410S
SEMESTER 2/2022

QUESTION 2 (20 MARKS)

2.1 Identify and clear explain the type of symbiotic relationship illustrated in pictures A-C?
(6 marks)

Picture A Picture B

Picture C
2.2 Explain what would happen in the food chain should all the zebras illustrated in diagram C on previous
question, die due to a natural disaster or anthropogenic activity?
(4 marks)
2.3 In which way do the producers and decomposers sustain the smooth functioning of the ecosystem?
(4 marks)

7
 BASIC SCIENCE
TUTORIAL LETTER
BSC410S
SEMESTER 2/2022

2.4 The cow medication, diclofenac, was banned in India because it poisoned and killed as many as 90 percent
of that country's vultures. Picture D below shows, a white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis), which is an
Indian vulture, feeding on a cow carcass. Discuss the critical roles that scavengers play to the stability of the
ecosystem, food web and environment at large? (6 marks)

Picture D

SECTION B – CHEMISTRY [35 MARKS]

QUESTION 3 (20 MARKS)

3.1 Name the following phase changes and state whether the process is exothermic or
endothermic:

3.1.1 Gas to liquid

(1 mark)

8
 BASIC SCIENCE
TUTORIAL LETTER
BSC410S
SEMESTER 2/2022

3.1.2 Solid to gas

(1 mark)

3.2 Briefly define a homogenous mixture and a heterogeneous mixture. (2 marks)

3.3 Classify each of the following as an element, compound, homogeneous mixture,

or heterogeneous mixture. (3 marks)

3.3.1 Carbon monoxide

3.3.2 Chocolate chip
3.3.3 Brass
3.4 Matter can undergo a physical change or a chemical change. Differentiate between a
physical change and a chemical change. (2 marks)

3.5 State whether the following change in the state of matter is a physical or chemical
change:

3.5.1 Wood decomposing (1 mark)

3.5.2 Fermentation of sugar (1 mark)
3.5.3 Butter melting (1 mark)
3.5.4 Iron rusting (1 mark)
3.6 What method of separation of mixtures can be used to separate the following?
3.6.1 Oil and vinegar (1 mark)
3.6.2 Iron from sand (1 mark)

3.6.3 Pure salt from salty water (1 mark)

3.6.4 Pure water from sea water (1 mark)
3.7 Jessica wanted to fry meat; she realized her cooking oil was mixed with water.

9
 BASIC SCIENCE
TUTORIAL LETTER
BSC410S
SEMESTER 2/2022

Briefly explain the separation method she would use to separate her cooking oil from water.
(3 marks)
QUESTION 4 (15 MARKS)

4.1 Given the following relationship oF = (1.8 x oC) +32 and K = 273.15 + oC, convert the following
temperature measurements.
(2 marks)
a. -42.7 oF to oC

b. 321 K to oC

4.2 Distinguish between the accuracy and precision of a measurement.

(2 marks)

4.3 Rewrite the following measurements in scientific notation.

(2 marks)

a. 0.0000877

b.4 642 5

4.4 State the number of significant figures in the measurements below.

(3 marks)

a. 79.00 m

b. 0.004010 mg

c. 3200 mL

4.5 Apply the rules of rounding off numbers and round off the numbers below to the number of significant
figures stated. (3 marks)

a. Round off 8670 Km to two significant figures

10
 BASIC SCIENCE
TUTORIAL LETTER
BSC410S
SEMESTER 2/2022

b. Round off 7.013 g to three significant figures

c. Round off 0.01025 m to three significant figures

4.6 Perform the following operations and express your answer to the correct number of significant figures
and in scientific notation.
(3 marks)

a. (8.45 x 106 m) x (4.60 x 10-8 m) / 8.86 x 10-9 m

b.0.00774 Km + 0.00035 Km

c. 117 Km/h x 1800 h

SECTION C – PHYSICS [30 MARKS]

QUESTION 6 (14 MARKS)

6.1 Graphs are used to represent data in a variety of disciplines and we must be able interpret
any graph with ease. For the following graphs, indicate the title with units for both the
X- and Y-axis:
6.1.1 Annual Cray-fish caught in Lamberts Bay for the last 20 years. [2 marks]
6.1.2 Monthly sales for red and blue paint for 2015 at Pupkewitz. [2 marks]

6.2 A car is driving on a gravel road at a speed of 12 m/s. The car maintains this speed for 10 seconds.
Going around a bend the car reduces speed to 5 m/s during the next 5 seconds.
Over the last 15 seconds the car increases its speed with 2 m/s every second. Determine the
maximum and minimum values for both axes. [4 marks]

6.3 Use the table below to draw a Velocity-Time graph for the first 10 seconds of the object.
[6 marks]

11
 BASIC SCIENCE
TUTORIAL LETTER
BSC410S
SEMESTER 2/2022

Time (s) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Object (m/s) 16 10 10 20

QUESTION 7 (16 MARKS)

7.1 Briefly discuss the generation of hydro-electric energy in Namibia with reference to the
method. How is this different from tidal energy? [4 marks]

7.2 Give two non-renewable fuels. [2 marks]

7.3 Draw a 4 ohm and a 3 ohm resistor in parallel and in series. [2 marks]

7.4 Answer the following questions referring to the circuit below:

12 V

2Ω

S1 4Ω

7.4.1 Determine the total resistance with switch S 1 open and closed. [3 marks]
7.4.2 Determine the current in the circuit with switch S 1 open and closed. [2 marks]
7.4.3 With switch S 1 open, determine the total charge that flows around the circuit in
4 minutes. [3 marks]

TOTAL MARKS FOR ASSIGNMENT 1: 100 MARKS

END OF ASSIGNMENT 1

12
 BASIC SCIENCE
TUTORIAL LETTER
BSC410S
SEMESTER 2/2022

ASSIGNMENT 2

The instructions for this assignment are:

• Sources must be listed according to the APA, unless otherwise prescribed by the department.
• All assignments should be typed
• Font style to be used is Calibri, font size 11, line spacing 1.5 ASSIGNMENT 01

ASSIGNEMNT 2 [BIOLOGY = 35 Marks]

QUESTION 1 (20 MARKS)
1.1 Differentiate the following terms is a short and clear explanation (be warned against copying
paragraphs from internet):
(a) Essential and non-essential proteins (2 marks)
(b) Condensation and hydrolysis (2 marks)
(c) Sucrose and glucose (2 marks)
(d) Starter culture and fermentation (2 marks)
(e) Pasteurization and Homogenisation (2 marks)
(f) Insulin and hormone (2 marks)
(g) Simple and complex carbohydrates (2 marks)

1.2 Feeding on yogurt, especially children, it is said to boost the immune system and promote growth.
Explain? (4 marks)
1.3 Discuss the relationship between vitamin D and rickets formation in children? (2 marks)

QUESTION 2 (15 MARKS)

2.1 Discuss the effects of omitting the addition of the starter culture during the production of yogurt?
(4 marks)

13
 BASIC SCIENCE
TUTORIAL LETTER
BSC410S
SEMESTER 2/2022

2.2 For the production of cheese, the optimal temperature for the microorganisms involved is about 30°C.
However, after the addition of the starter culture, the temperature was mistakenly set at 300°C for the
incubation. Explain the effects of that mistake? (4 marks)

2.3 Namibia, like other countries have been witnessing a rise in fuel prices. Briefly discuss how gasohol
production can serve as a potential intervention on dependence on pure fuel? (4 marks)

2.4 Explain how fermentation can be used as a preservative? (3 marks)

SECTION B
CHEMISTRY (35 MARKS)

QUESTION 3 (15 MARKS)

3.1 Differentiate between the following terms:

5.2.1 weak acid (1 mark)
5.2.2 strong acid (1 mark)
3.2 In order to ensure growth of crops, it is vital to monitor the pH of the soil.
Discuss how you would treat soil that is:
3.2.1 Too basic (1 mark)
3.2.2 Too acidic (1 mark)

3.3 Complete the following reaction by filling in the products formed:

5.6.1 H2SO4 + CaCO3 → (3 marks)

3.4 Unknown substances A to D produced the experimental results noted below. Based on
this data, identify the unknown solutions as either HCl or NaOH. (4 marks)

Indicator Results Solution

14
 BASIC SCIENCE
TUTORIAL LETTER
BSC410S
SEMESTER 2/2022

Phenolphthalein Clear A
Red litmus paper Remains red B
Red litmus paper Blue C
Methyl red Red D

5.7 In table format, list two uses for sulphuric acid and two uses for calcium oxychloride. (4 marks)

Name Uses
Calcium Oxychloride
Sulphuric Acid

QUESTION 4 (20 MARKS)

4.1 Briefly define the following terms:

4.1.1 Ion (1 mark)

4.1.2 Valence electron (1 mark)

4.2 Specify which of the sub-atomic particles determine the overall mass and overall size
for an atom. (3 marks)
4.3 For each of the following elements, write its chemical symbol, locate it in the Periodic
Table, and indicate whether it is a metal, metalloid, or non-metal. (3 marks)

4.3.1 Sodium
4.3.2 Silicon

15
 BASIC SCIENCE
TUTORIAL LETTER
BSC410S
SEMESTER 2/2022

4.4 Write the complete symbol for each of the following isotopes:

4.4.1 Z=6, number of neutrons = 8 (1 mark)

4.4.2 The isotope of Sodium in which A = 24 (1 mark)
4.4.3 Number of protons = 53, and number of neutrons = 78 (1 mark)
4.4.4 The isotope of Oxygen, O, with mass number of 17 (1 mark)

4.5 Using the periodic table, draw the atomic structure of the following elements:
4.5.1 Helium (2 marks)
4.5.2 Lithium (2 marks)

4.6 Use your knowledge of atomic calculations to complete the following chart. (4 marks)

Note: Symbol = mass no.Elementnet charge

Symbol # of protons # electrons # of neutrons Net charge

33

35
Cl 2-

SECTION C – PHYSICS [30 MARKS]

QUESTION 5 (12 MARKS)

5.1 In the periodic table the element uranium is represented by the complete symbol 23892U.
Why can it also be represented by the complete symbol 23592U? (1 mark)
5.2 Give two names for the value 235 and 238 in 6.1. (2 marks)
5.3 Which symbol distinguishes elements from each other in the periodic table, A or N or Z? (1 mark)
5.4 List three places where we would find radioactive substances in everyday life. (3 marks)

16
 BASIC SCIENCE
TUTORIAL LETTER
BSC410S
SEMESTER 2/2022

5.5 Why is the nucleus of radioactive substances unstable? (1 mark)

5.6 Which of the three types of radiation consist of the largest particles and why? (2 marks)
5.7 Which of the three types of radiation will not be affected by an electric field and why? (2 marks)

QUESTION 6 (10 MARKS)

6.1 Briefly discuss the difference between a spring balance and a balance scale. (3 marks)
6.2 List two everyday examples each of pushing and pulling forces. (2 marks)
6.3 What does a force-extension graph indicate when the gradient is a straight line? (1 mark)
6.4 Explain how you would determine the resultant force of the following forces:
5 N east ; 8 N west ; 11 N west ; 4 N east ; 6 N east (2 marks)
6.5 Determine the resultant force of the following forces:
- 5 N ; 7 N ; 66 N ; -58 N ; -12 N (2 marks)
6.6 A cart at the top of a 300 m hill has a mass of 420 g,

a. Assuming that the acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s/s. What is the cart’s
gravitational potential energy? (4 marks)
b. Assuming that energy is conserved and there is no friction, calculate the
cart’s speed at the bottom of the hill. (4 marks)

TOTAL MARKS FOR ASSIGNMENT 2: 100 MARKS

END OF TUTORIAL LETTER

17