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Introduction to SCI102 Experiencing Science

The subject explores contemporary scientific concepts utilizing common resources that students can modify in their future careers to inspire the next generation of scientists. Students will study science as a human activity that has progressed over time to answer interesting and important questions and contribute to culture and society. The subject provides students with experiences in scientific process, develops their scientific knowledge, and expands skills in applying scientific methodology to everyday applications.

Availability

The subject is available in Session 1 and can be taken on campus at the following locations:

• Albury-Wodonga Campus
• Bathurst Campus
• Dubbo Campus
• Port Macquarie Campus
• Wagga Wagga Campus

Subject Information

Grading System

The grading system for this subject is HD/FL.

Duration

The subject is one session in duration.

School

The subject is offered by the School of Environmental Sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• demonstrate the capacity to engage in scientific inquiry using the scientific method and logical reasoning
• identify and critique alternative conceptions associated with science, including critique of science for validity
• demonstrate an understanding of what constitutes scientifically valid evidence and how it is obtained
• conduct observational scientific investigations independently
• identify the differences between scientific and general knowledge as well as between science and pseudo-science, and evaluate how science and societal values interact
• demonstrate the application of science content
• demonstrate a capacity to engage proactively with issues related to public perception of science and to scientific ethics

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Science as Process (30% weighting)
  • Science, Pseudoscience and Alternative Conceptions, including understanding these in the context of culture and society
  • The Scientific Method, including contemporary research, reporting (scientific language) and the cycle of scientific discovery
• Science as Observation (25% weighting)
  • Classical Methods of Observation, including brief history of scientific discovery and observation as data collection through participation in an observational study
• Science as Experiment (25% weighting)
  • Basics of Experimentation, including laboratory elements, safety and participation in a laboratory experiment with 'kitchen-lab' experiments
  • Laboratory Ethics, including human and animal ethics as well as values and ethical problems associated with science
• Science as Experience (20% weighting)
  • Scientific Research Development, including possible field observations and development of basic scientific questions
  • Citizen Science, including the influence of science on society and society on science as well as experience with a citizen science program