SCI1020

The design of science

Coordinator: Dr Tony Patti

6 points - First semester and second semester, Clayton - Second semester, Gippsland, Berwick, Distance Education - 3 lectures per week and 2 hours laboratory work per fortnight

Objectives The aim of this subject is to give students an understanding of the manner in which scientific information and knowledge is created or acquired and how this information may be subsequently utilised in fields of scientific endeavour and beyond. On completion of this subject, students will be able to provide examples of applications of the 'scientific method', recognise the importance of appropriate experimental design and data analysis; understand the importance of probability and uncertainty in measurement and sampling; analyse data for validity, for scientific presentation and inference; recognise the value of statistical analysis, mathematical modelling and visualisation techniques as creative tools in relation to the generation and use of scientific information; competently use a number of computer software packages including spreadsheets, databases and selected statistical packages; understand how scientific information is generated and stored and demonstrate basic skills in the retrieval, manipulation and communication of that information.

Synopsis This subject addresses the fundamental question: How is scientific knowledge obtained and how is the 'body of knowledge' associated with scientific disciplines communicated, stored, manipulated and revised? The scientist observes and interprets the real world, performs experiments to discover significant variables and basic behaviour, compares the results with models and theories, modifies the models and conducts further experiments or measurements to test their consequences. This subject will provide students with a framework for how we acquire knowledge, how people learn and think and basic problem solving strategies. A considerable part of the subject will be spent on examining real examples and case studies drawn from a range of scientific disciplines to illustrate the principles of how science is conducted. This will include the principles of experimental design, data acquisition and appraisal issues and some basic statistics. When the data has been analysed and interpreted, it may lead to insights and conclusions that may form part of the body of the accepted knowledge of science. An overview of this part of the process of dealing with scientific information will include: presentation, storage or repositories of scientific information, ways of communicating scientific information and examples of use and misuse of scientific information.

Assessment: Written examination: 65% - A comprehensive case study assignment: 10% - Computer-based tutorial tests and laboratory exercise reports: 25%

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook