Scientific thought and methods
BS BT DT BC BP BDT
Dr Tony Patti
6 points * Full-year subject * 2 hours of lectures per week * Gippsland/Distance * Prerequisites: GAS1062
The main themes of GAS2062 are (1) information retrieval, using international electronic databases for information searching, conduct of a literature search, organisation of references on a computer database, writing a critical review; (2) problem definition and solution - definition and application of scientific method, experimental design, principles and data handling, development and examination of alternative solutions; (3) thinking and thought processes - learning theory, thinking and reasoning processes, patenting, principles of mathematical modelling. Comprehensive study guides are provided. Lectures and tutorials are conducted by a team of teachers. Case studies on scientific problem solving are incorporated.
Assessment
Examination: 40% * Progressive assessment by assignment: 60%
Prescribed texts
Lindsay D A guide to scientific writing Longman Cheshire, 1984
Recommended texts
Biggs J B and Telfer R The process of learning 2nd edn, Prentice-Hall, 1987