Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

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; have further developed the generic skills necessary to acquire, critically analyse and communicate complex scientific ideas and information; appreciate the ways in which scientists interact with each other, policy makers, managers and the wider community and the importance of science communication; have further developed their appreciation of ethical issues in science and its application.

Assessment

Workshop participation and activities: 10%
Spoken presentation(s): 10%
Written assignment(s): 10%
Literature review: 20%
Examination: 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Roslyn Gleadow

Contact hours

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

Prerequisites

Two semesters of first year university

Prohibitions

SCI2020