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Today's Science, Tomorrow's World (SCIE10005)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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THIS SUBJECT IS DESIGNED TO BE TAKEN IN THE FIRST SEMESTER OF ENROLMENT IN THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE.

YOU MUST ENROL IN THE SEMESTER YOU COMMENCE THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE.

The ambition to shape our habitat and to understand the universe in which we reside has occurred in all cultures and across all epochs. The human need to know more and to do more has led to the rapid expansion of knowledge and technology that we see around us and is largely driven by advances in science.

In this subject, we adopt an interdisciplinary approach to investigate how today’s science might be harnessed to make tomorrow’s world a better place, by addressing the most significant challenges that seem likely to emerge in our future: climate change and environmental sustainability.

The natural sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology) inform our decisions about energy, materials, living systems, the earth and the universe. The formal sciences (Mathematics and Information Technologies) enable us to develop quantitative models of our environment. The applied sciences (Engineering, Agriculture) develop more efficient uses of energy and new ways to accommodate a growing population. The social sciences (psychology, sociology) provide tools to understand how people interact with one another and their environment.

Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science (Extended) students will acquire an understanding of the scope of the current scientific research at the University of Melbourne and discover the power and potential of science to make a positive impact on the future of the planet.

Pass/Fail Grade

This subject is marked on a pass/fail basis and is not included in the weighted average mark (WAM) calculation.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the breadth of science and the local and global contexts in which science is practised;
  • Articulate the methods of science and explain why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry;
  • Explain the principles and practices underpinning modern scientific research;
  • Critically evaluate the role of science in addressing social and environmental issues;
  • Assess scientific research with reference to ethical and cultural considerations;
  • Engage in technical discussions concerning climate change and sustainability;
  • Demonstrate scientific thinking and scientific literacy;
  • Collaborate in small groups to achieve a common goal;
  • Effectively communicate the scientific issues pertinent to climate change and sustainability to a variety of audiences.

Generic skills

  • Ability to work effectively in a team
  • Ability to comprehend and respectfully communicate current debates in science
  • Ability to present scientific information to a range of audiences
  • Understanding of ethical considerations in scientific research
  • Comprehend the important role that scientific research occupies in the world

Last updated: 31 January 2024