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Bad Science (HPSC10004)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5Not available in 2022

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Overview

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The world is awash with misinformation, much of which has the appearance of being 'scientific': from striking graphs shared widely on social media, to algorithms used for decision-making by governments and self-serving claims made by companies. This makes the ability to detect various forms of 'bad science' – from misleading data visualizations to algorithms with bias 'baked in' – a critical skill for any citizen. Being able to reject bad apples in the 'marketplace of ideas' is vital not just for the autonomy of individual decision-making, but for justice and democracy.

This subject will explore historical and contemporary examples of dubious, misleading and junk science, with topics including common statistical traps and tricks, conflicts of interest, the role of confirmation bias and cultural identity in the consumption of scientific claims, and the pitfalls of big data.

The teaching delivery is through highly interactive and engaging 'lectorials', enabling students from all degrees to contribute their diverse perspectives, sharpen their radar for bad science, and think though the social and ethical implications.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Critically analyse data, models and knowledge production;
  • Identify the psychological characteristics that make us susceptible to 'bad science';
  • Collaboratively analyse the ethical and social implications of 'bad science', and
  • Respect for viewpoint diversity and how to demonstrate respect for it, and benefit from it.

Generic skills

  • Critical thinking;
  • Effective written academic and non-academic communication skills;
  • Constructive collaboration;
  • Openness to diverse viewpoints, and
  • Ethical awareness.

Last updated: 20 May 2023

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 20 May 2023

Assessment

Semester 2

DescriptionTimingPercentage

One written assignment

  • 1600 words
Week 540%

Two brief class presentations or similar

  • 5 minutes
During the teaching period20%

An essay

  • 1600 words
During the examination period40%
Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of lectorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass this subject. Throughout the semesterN/A

Additional details

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five working days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

Last updated: 20 May 2023

Dates & times

Not available in 2022

Last updated: 20 May 2023

Further information

Last updated: 20 May 2023