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Today's Science, Tomorrow's World (SCIE10005)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Semester 2
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
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
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission in the Bachelor of Science (B-SCI) or the Bachelor of Science (Extended) (B-SCIEXT)
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
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: 31 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
6 quizzes addressing Discovery modules
| From Week 1 to Week 5 | 20% |
Report 1 - Comparative evaluation of expert-talks
| Week 8 | 20% |
Group project - students present project based on chosen modules (project presentation may be in variety of forms, poster video, performance etc.)
| Week 12 | 40% |
Report 2 - Evaluation of scientific paper
| During the examination period | 20% |
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinators Andrew Drinnan and Andy Martin Coordinator Andrew King Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Weeks 1-11: 2 hours pre-recorded content and 1 x 1 hr lecture each week Weeks 2-12: 2-hour workshop/consultation each week Core module: Weeks 1-5 Investigation 1: Weeks 6-8 Investigation 2: Weeks 9-11 Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2023 Census date 31 March 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023 Assessment period ends 23 June 2023 Semester 1 contact information
- Semester 2
Principal coordinators Andy Martin and Andrew Drinnan Coordinator Yi Huang Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Weeks 1-11: 2 hours pre-recorded content and 1 x 1 hr lecture each week Weeks 2-12: 2-hour workshop/consultation each week Core module: Weeks 1-5 Investigation 1: Weeks 6-8 Investigation 2: Weeks 9-11 Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 24 July 2023 to 22 October 2023 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2023 Census date 31 August 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2023 Assessment period ends 17 November 2023 Semester 2 contact information
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Additional delivery details
Students must enrol in the semester they commence their course at the University – Start Year commencing students must enrol in Semester 1, Mid Year commencing students must enrol in Semester 2.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Links to additional information
Last updated: 31 January 2024