Program Overview

Unit of Study SCI10002 - Science in Society

Unit Snapshot

• Unit type: UG Coursework Unit
• Credit points: 12
• AQF level: 7
• Level of learning: Introductory
• Former School/College: Former School of Environment, Science and Engineering
• Enrolment information: N/A

Unit Description

Provides an understanding of the foundations and world of science including its philosophy, history, and the role it plays in the functioning of our society. Science is a tool used by researchers, doctors, psychologists, educators, engineers, managers, and legislators to facilitate change and maintain our social and ecological systems: the value of science and its limitations for these uses needs to be recognised. A range of examples is used to investigate these topics including climate change, unconventional gas expansion, genetically modified crops, and immunisation. Effective communication often determines the eventual utility of science, and this aspect will be explored, with an emphasis on building skills in critical interpretation and communication of science and research.

Unit Content

The following topics will be addressed:

• Introduction to the philosophy and history of science: What is 'science'? The development of the 'scientific method' will be examined, from ancient Greece to the present day.
• Critical evaluation of science and the scientific method. Processes of scientific reasoning and limitations of science will be explored, including ethical considerations of research practice and communication.
• The role of science in society and vice versa. The ways that science can affect the functioning of societies, and social influences on the operation of science will be investigated, using case studies of globally important scientific issues.
• Exploring the complementary nature of Indigenous knowledge and scientific knowledge, including differences, and connections between, these knowledge systems.
• Communicating science effectively. Effective communication of science is required to allow science to optimise its benefit to society. We will examine the basic strategies and techniques that underpin the effective communication of science.

Availabilities

• Location | Domestic | International
  • Gold Coast | Session 1 | Session 1
  • Lismore | Session 1 | Session 1
  • Online | Session 1 | N/A

Learning Outcomes and Graduate Attributes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand, and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

On Completion of This Unit, Students Should Be Able To:

1. Describe what 'science' is, including the various approaches that have been used in the development of science to advance knowledge
   • GA3: Ethical practice
   • GA7: Cultural competence
2. Discuss the values and limitations of the scientific process in contributing to knowledge
   • GA3: Ethical practice
   • GA7: Cultural competence
3. Critically examine the role of science in contributing to the resolution of important global issues
   • GA3: Ethical practice
   • GA7: Cultural competence
4. Demonstrate an ability to critique and produce science-based communications.
   • GA6: Communication and social skills

Prescribed Learning Resources

Session 1

• Prescribed Texts: No prescribed texts.
• Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.

Graduate Attributes

• GA1: Intellectual rigour - A commitment to excellence in all scholarly and intellectual activities, including critical judgement.
• GA2: Creativity - An ability to develop creative and effective responses to intellectual, professional, and social challenges.
• GA3: Ethical practice - A commitment to sustainability and high ethical standards in social and professional practices.
• GA4: Knowledge of a discipline - Command of a discipline to enable a smooth transition and contribution to professional and community settings.
• GA5: Lifelong learning - The ability to be responsive to change, to be inquiring and reflective in practice, through information literacy and autonomous, self-managed learning.
• GA6: Communication and social skills - The ability to communicate and collaborate with individuals, and within teams, in professional and community settings.
• GA7: Cultural competence - An ability to engage with diverse cultural and Indigenous perspectives in both global and local settings.