SCI2010 - The practice and application of science

Leader(s): Dr Roslyn Gleadow (Clayton); Dr Song Beng Kah (Sunway)

Offered

Clayton First semester 2009 (Day)
Clayton Second semester 2009 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2009 (Off-campus)
Gippsland First semester 2009 (Flexible)
Gippsland Second semester 2009 (Day)
Sunway First semester 2009 (Day)
Sunway Second semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit analyses how science is carried out in practice, and how scientific findings are applied and communicated to other scientists and society in general. It includes development of an appreciation of how scientific knowledge is generated, the differences between good science, poor science and pseudoscience, and the importance of ethics and occupational health and safety in scientific endeavours. Effective skills for communicating science through written, oral and visual means will be promoted. Case studies will be used to explore examples of current controversial issues that have a scientific basis or that can be potentially explained and rationalised by pursuing good science practice.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students should have further developed an understanding of what science is and how it is practised and applied; be able to understand the importance of science communication and appreciate the ways in which scientists interact with each other, policy makers, managers and the wider community; have further developed their appreciation of ethical issues in science and its application; and have further developed the generic skills necessary to acquire, critically analyse and communicate complex scientific ideas and information.

Assessment

Workshop participation: 10%
Spoken presentation: 10%
Written assignment: 10%
Major literature review: 20%
Examination: 50%

Contact hours

Two hours of lectures per week and two hours of workshops per week

Prohibitions

SCI2020