SCI1010

How science works

Coordinator: Dr Wendy Wright

6 points - 2 hours lectures per week, 2 hours tutorial per week, 1 hour practical work/lab session per week - First/second semester - Clayton and Gippsland - Prohibition: ASC1736

Objectives To be aware of the way science works in different disciplines. To understand the philosophy of science, the differences between scientific reasoning and other modes of reasoning and to be aware of the way science affects society and its importance for our society. To be aware of the wide range of activities in science and how they lead to different levels of confidence in scientific theory and prediction. To develop skills in presenting ideas in a conference or seminar mode, to be able to work in a team environment, and to be able to use information resources like the Web effectively.

Synopsis The student will first study the principal differences between science, myth, magic and religion, and the differences between scientific validation and that in other modes of reasoning. A series of 'grand challenge' problems will then be studied to illustrate either the critical importance of science for society, or the way science works in different scientific disciplines, or both. These examples will be drawn from several disciplines, and they may include global warming, genetic engineering, plate tectonics, alternative power and cosmology. Tutorial groups will be split into teams each of which will make fortnightly presentations on topics derived from the lectures and supported by Web resources. The philosophy of science will be a constant thread through the material covered.

Assessment Tutorial presentations: 30% - Assignment/project: 20% - Examination: 50%

Recommended texts

Hatton J and Plouffe P B Science and its ways of knowing Prentice-Hall, 1997

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook