Faculty of Science

• Maths&Statistics Courses
• Science Courses
• Computing Courses

  Mathematics&Statistics Courses

  HMA323 REAL ANALYSIS

  The course will explore the concept and foundations of Calculus in depth in terms of its proofs. Topics covered are: real number system, basic topological properties, infinite sequence and series of real numbers, differentiation of a function of one variable, Riemann Integral, Infinite sequences and series of functions, Weierstrass-Stone Theorem.

  HST351 SAMPLE SURVEY & SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

  This course aims to expose students to sample survey design and useful sampling techniques. Applications to practical problems will be stressed. Topics covered are: sample survey, sampling techniques, stratified, single and two stage cluster, systematic, double sampling; estimation of sample size and standard error; ratio and regression estimates, and non-parametric statistics.

  HMA020 FOUNDATION CALCULUS

  This course is intended for those who wish to do further studies in Mathematics, Accounting, Economic or Science at degree level. The course specifically focuses on calculus topics: Idea of functions, differentiation, integration, and various techniques of integration, volume of revolution, rectilinear and circular motion, and introduction to simple differential equations.

  HMA030 FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS

  This course is designed for students who wish to do further studies in Commerce and Social Science. It is not recommended for students who wish to major in Mathematics or Science. Topics covered include: Calculus, Linear Algebra, Partial Fraction, Binomial Theory and Expansion, Sequences and Series.

  HST050 FOUNDATION STATISTICS

  This course is for those who passed MAD056 or PSSC Mathematics. The content is designed to prepare students for first year statistics. The course also extends the work on probability theory done in Year 12 and Year 13 Mathematics, but it goes beyond to introduce students to some useful distributions and the subject of testing statistical results.

  HMA194 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

  This course cannot be used to satisfy any requirements for a major, minor, or elective in Mathematics. It covers topics that are specifically related to the field of commerce. The course covers such topics as elements of algebra which are relevant to business calculations, trade and cash discounts, simple and compound interest, annuities, present and future values and the CPI.

  HMA111 LINEAR ALGEBRA I

  The course discusses matrix theory, determinants and their applications to solving systems of linear equations; eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalisation; vectors in 2 space and 3 space including scalar triple and vector triple products, and their application to problems in linear transformations, and introduction to analytic geometry.

  HMA051 PRELIMINARY MATHEMATICS I

  This course and HMA052 are designed for those students who do not meet the prerequisite of HAM055. The main aim of the two courses (HMA051 & HMA052) is to set up a mathematics background for students to enter the basic mathematics needed for various programs mentioned above. Topics covered include Number Theories and Operations, Factorization, Algebraic Expressions and Solutions of various equations

  HMA052 PRELIMINARY MATHEMATICS II

  This course follows on from HMA051 and provides students with the knowledge of Relations and Functions, Graphs, as well as Statistics and Probability covered by HMA055

  HMA055 BASIC MATHEMATICS I

  This course is designed for those who failed PSSC Mathematics. It aims to set up a background for these students in Mathematics to enable them to continue further studies in Mathematics, and prepare those taking the Diploma of Education for their teaching career. Topics covered include algebraic processes, algebraic solutions, relations and functions, probability and statistics. Mature-age students with a mathematics background lower than PSSC mathematics must consult the Head of the Mathematics Department.

  HMA056 BASIC MATHEMATICS II

  This course is designed for those who have passed MAD055. It aims to set up a background in Mathematics for those who want to continue further studies in mathematics. It is a continuation of topics covered in MAD055. Topics covered include trigonometry, introduction to calculus, statistics and probability.

  HMA010 FOUNDATION ALGEBRA

  This course is intended for those who have passed PSSC Mathematics (or equivalent) and who wish to do further studies in Mathematics, Accounting, Economic or Science at degree level. The content covers algebraic processes, Partial Fractions, Complex Numbers, Sequence and Series, Binomial Theorem, Co-ordinate Geometry, Function & Graph, and Trigonometry.
  

  Science Courses

  HBI211 ECOSYSTEM AND EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

  This course aims to enhance the understanding and appreciation of ecosystem and their links with the natural physical resources they encompass. The course familiarizes students with conditions and resources that limit the distribution of plants and animals and the flux of energy and matter through communities. It also introduces students to data and exploratory data analysis, appropriate experimental and sampling designs, hypothesis testing, and common uses of basic statistical tests.

  HPH221 EVVIRONMENTAL PHYSICS

  This course will consider the different physical processes on the Earth focusing on the role of water and energy in these processes. At the atmospheric level, the energy entering from the sun as well as the energy and water from the surface of the earth will be studied to understand meteorological effects at both global and local regions. These effects will then be related to hydrology at the surface of th e Earth by studying their impact on water supplies and the secondary effects on plant and animal life. Finally, the impact of humans on the environment will also be analyzed.

  HPH322 ENERGY SOURCES

  Energy has become of critical importance to humanity. Energy demands are currently outpacing the supply rate. With this concern, this course attempts to outline the current state of global energy needs and the technologies which can change this state. The course will first address the availability of energy sources and their distribution. Next the different states of energy and the costs of converting energy from one state to another will be discussed. Motivated by both demand and environmental needs, renewable forms of energy will be introduced and their positive and negative aspects will be highlighted. The material, motivated by global needs, will focus on regional solutions.

  HBI311 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

  This course is aimed at raising students’ awareness to problems and current resource management practices by examining natural resource management theories and applications. It also examines the existing infrastructure and legislation protecting natural resources. The course also presents an in-depth study on domestic and industrial and wastewater treatment technologies and land management issues and concerns

  HBI312 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

  The impact of humans on the environment (mainly negative) has been enormous, especially over the last few hundred years. Natural resources such as water, air, plant and animal communities continue to be abused. This large-scale sustained abuse has rendered parts of the earth helpless in sustaining life. This course is designed to enhance students’ understanding of complex scientific principles governing global environments and the direct impact of humans on these environments. This course will also address some countermeasures in terms of environmental management and ecological restoration.

  HCH332 ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY

  This course focuses on how the natural chemical environment has been disturbed by human activity and builds on concepts established in CHB231. Chemical pollution in the atmosphere, hydrosphere and geosphere will be studied, in particular environmental contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides and other persistent organic pollutants (POPs), nutrients, hazardous waste, and the extent of these problems in Samoa. The course will also look at remediation methods and will include an introduction to green chemistry. Several environmental analysis tasks will be performed through set experiments and fieldwork.

  HBI211 ECOSYSTEMS AND EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

  This course aims to enhance the understanding and appreciation of ecosystems and their links with the natural physical resources they encompass. The course familiarizes students with conditions and resources that limit the distribution of plants and animals and the flux of energy and matter through communities. It also introduces students to data and exploratory data analysis, appropriate experimental and sampling designs, hypothesis testing, and common uses of basic statistical tests.

  HBI212 MICROBIAL STRUCTURES AND FUNCTIONS

  The structure, replication, genetics and metabolic strategies of eucaryotic microbes, procaryotic microbes and viruses and their roles in the biosphere will be examined. The practical activities are designed to encompass related skills often applied in laboratories, fieldwork and libraries.

  HCH231 ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY

  This course examines the relationship between chemistry and the environment. The sources, reactions, transport, effects and fates of natural chemical species in the water, soil and atmospheric environments will be studied. Some of the consequences of the change in chemical composition of the environment will also be covered. Through practical work, students will learn basic methods for chemical testing of soil and natural waters.

  HCH232 ORGANIC AND BIO-ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

  The stereochemistry, synthesis and reactions of two important classes of organic compounds, namely carbonyl compounds and amines, will be studied in depth. The principles learnt will be related to the study of the main classes of biologically significant organic compounds; carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Through practical work, students will apply what they have learnt to studies of the chemistry and processing of local natural products in Samoa.

  HPH121 CLASSICAL PHYSICS

  This is a first year degree course comprised of theory and practical components. Students are expected to learn facts and principles of physics through a problem-oriented approach assisted by practical work. The course also encourages students to apply the learned physical concepts to their daily activities. Topics covered include mechanics, laws of thermodynamics, optics, and waves

  HPH122 ELECTRICAL AND QUANTUM PHYSICS

  This is a first year degree course comprised of theory and practical components. It is the extension of the topics covered in the course HPH022. As in PHB121 students are encouraged to learn facts and principles of physics via a problem-oriented approach assisted by practical work. Topics covered include electricity, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics.

  HTC151 TECHNICAL DRAWING

  This course offers students who have successfully completed HTC051 or equivalent, an expansion in content knowledge in both theoretical and practical aspects of modern technology. It also provides students with a further dimension in technical drawing.

  HTC152 ENGINEERING MECHANICS

  This course is the extension of the engineering materials and related topics covered in HTC052. It will include concurrent forces, moments, couples, frames and structures, impulse, momentum, power, strain and stress, beams and bending, and principles of machines.

  HCH001 PRELIMINARY CHEMISTRY 1

  This course is a very basic course in chemistry which introduces the student to the amazing world of chemistry, which encompasses the study of matter and its changes. It also helps to create a growing interest in chemistry as an inevitable branch of science for any one who wishes to study matter and engage in scientific pursuits which will in turn help in better appreciation of nature. The topics studied are Introduction to chemistry, Atomic structure, Chemical bonding, Quantitative chemistry, Redox reactions, Acids and bases and Inorganic chemistry. All these topics are discussed at the very fundamental level, gradually proceeding to impart the essential knowledge to the students to do lab experiments and to apply what they have learned, in real life situations.

  HCH002 PRELIMINARY CHEMISTRY

  This course caters to enhance the knowledge of students who have already completed HCH001, and it is essential for the students to be able to recall and retain what they have learned in HCH001 to have a better understanding of this course. The topics studied are Types of substances, Periodic trends, Acid base titrations, Physical chemistry, Electrolysis, Chemistry of water and Organic chemistry. All these topics are discussed at the very fundamental level, gradually proceeding to impart the essential knowledge to the students to do lab experiments and to apply what they have learned in real life situations.

  HBI001 PRELIMINARY BIOLOGY1

  This course introduces students to compounds in the cell and cellular processes which are important for the synthesis of energy and cell growth. It also helps to extend their understanding of genetics principles and the concept of evolution. Ecological studies from the organism to the to ecosystem level and identifying local and global environmental issues should increase their awareness of the crucial role of living organisms in the human society and should reinforce the importance of using you environment in a sustainable manner

  HBI002 PRELIMINARY BIOLOGY

  This course introduces students to the structure of cells at the organelle level, noting how the structure of each organelle relates to its function thereby making the cell an independent working unit. It also covers the physiology of plants and animals at the organ and organ system levels to demonstrate and explain the coordinating functions of several organ systems to sustain the life of an organism.

  HPH001 PRELIMINARY PHYSICS 1

  This course introduces students to basic understanding of motion, graphs of moving objects and kinematic equations which are needed in everyday life. It also helps to understand principles of force, momentum, energy in different forms. It also allows them to understand the principle of gravity. Projectile motion of balls, javelin etc and their motions through air is explained. Objects moving in a circle around the sun and other celestial objects are explained. It also explains the heat energy and its transmission. It also deals with density, pressure of liquids and gases and the gas laws.

  HPH002 PRELIMINARY PHYSICS 2

  This course introduces students to atomic structure and electrostatics, charging a rod by rubbing and static electricity in everyday life. It explains the differences between insulators and conductors. It also shows how to detect charges and also the principle of electroscopes, moreover it discusses the different forms of energy. This will teach the students about electric field and field lines. The famous experiment of millikan and it inframes on charges are explained. It gives a good understanding of electricity and electric circuits. It explains voltage, power and current. Magnetism is explained as well as electric carrying conductor. Propagation of light is explained and principles of refraction and dispersion are also explained

  HSC067 SCIENCE 3

  This course is designed to provide further training in basic and applied science for students who have successfully completed HSC056 or equivalent, in preparation for careers in the nursing or health sciences or for teaching careers at the junior secondary school level.

  HBI111 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE I

  This course takes the topics covered in HBI011 to a more advanced level through theory and practical work. The course aims to develop student’s practical skills, and an understanding in the major biological concepts and principles related to cell structure and function, viruses and bacteria, genetics, and ecosystems.

  HBI112 PLANT AND ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY

  This course offers a continuation of topics included in HBI012 to an advanced level via theory and practical work. The course aims to enhance understanding in the concepts and principles related to plant and animal physiology. Topics covered include plant functions, animal diversity and response, and animal functions

  HCH131 ORGANIC AND PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

  This is a first year degree course that aims to investigate structure and properties of organic compounds. It is also designed to expand understanding in reaction energy profiles and kinetics of chemical reactions. Spectroscopy of organic compounds will be introduced and the mechanisms of reactions involving the major functional groups in organic chemistry will also be studied. Practical work will introduce students to fundamental aspects of synthesis, separation and purification techniques in organic chemistry

  HCH132 INORGANIC AND PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

  This is a first year degree course that aims to reinforce and extend topics covered in HCH032. It will introduce students to further understanding of equilibrium, thermodynamics and electrochemistry to explain important chemical processes particularly in aqueous solutions. Practical work will further develop students’ skills in analytical chemistry.
  

  Computing Courses

  HCS081 FOUNDATION COMPUTER STUDIES

  This course introduces students to the components and functions of microcomputers, the uses of computers in society, as well as an introduction to contemporary applications and programming. Topics covered include: Introduction to Windows environment, Introduction Word Processing, (Microsoft Word), Spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel), Database (Microsoft Access) and Programming (Java).

  HCS185 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING

  This course provides an introduction to electronic processing and computer technology. An emphasis is given to using and applying modern electronic computing and software such as spreadsheets, word processing, business graphics and databases to improve the effectiveness at work. This course is offered especially for students enrolling in Certificate of Commerce programme in Faculty of Commerce.

  HCS181 COMPUTER PROGRAMMING I

  This course covers basic principles of programming. The following structures are covered: control statements, IF THEN loops, DO loops, data types, arrays, reading from screen, outputting to screen and printer, reading and writing files.

  HCS183 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS I

  This course will reinforce and extend topics covered in HCS081. It will introduce students to database theory, develop skills in using database management systems, and provide a spectrum of computer concepts and issues in order to prepare students for advanced courses in Computer Studies.

  HCS184 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS II

  This course is an extension of the material covered in CSB183. It will provide the necessary background in database theory, and information systems concepts for those proceeding to CSB283, a course in information systems

  HCS281 COMPUTER PROGRAMMING IIa

  The course will reinforce and consolidate programming concepts learnt in CSB181. Topics covered are: modularization, data encapsulation, information hiding and top-down design of algorithms, efficiency of algorithms, recursion, data structures such as queues, records, arrays, lists, stacks, trees, and real-life applications.

  HCS283 INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

  This course covers information systems development using prototyping and the systems life cycle. Students will be introduced to the theories and the methodologies used in information systems development. Practical work will include the use of CASE tools in developing a database information system with emphasis on the front end phases.

  HCS284 IMPLEMENTATION OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS

  This course supplements the information systems topics covered in CSB283 but focuses on the implementation of information systems.

  HCS286 COMPUTER PROGRAMMING IIb

  This is a continuation of CSB281. Topics covered are strings, non text files, top-down design of algorithms, efficiency of algorithms, recursion, and data structures such as queues, arrays, lists, stacks, trees

  .HCS381 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE CONCEPTS & PARADIGMS

  This course extends programming concepts covered in earlier programming courses and also includes an introduction to operating systems and network programming.

  HCS383 DATABASE DESIGN

  Topics covered in this course will include relational and object oriented database. The emphasis will be on relational database design. Students will be required to write SQL queries and produce a normalised relational design. Transaction management and distributed database management will be covered as time allows

  HCS385 MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS

  This course examines the context of IS management and the recent trends in Technology. It introduces characteristics of strategic applications and the objectives of strategic planning and studies the impact of IT on organisations and how to manage change in an IS environment.