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Thinking Scientifically (SCIE20001)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Online
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable (login required)(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 - Online |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
In this subject, students will learn the fundamentals of the methods used in science practice, how to construct and evaluate a scientific argument, and how processes of scientific investigation are applied across the diverse range of scientific disciplines. Students will also learn to communicate science effectively to different audiences, and how to evaluate reporting of science in the mainstream media.
Contextual examples will be used from current scientific research projects in the Faculty of Science as well as contemporary topical examples that are prominent in the media and public policy arena.
The subject will provide an appreciation of the scope of science. It will help develop students’ critical thinking in science both to support and inform choice in their undergraduate program and to appreciate and evaluate science in the wider community context. Students will learn the application of scientific methods and how they are applied across the whole range of scientific disciplines, including the social sciences where appropriate.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Describe scientific methodologies;
- Construct scientific arguments;
- Make scientific observations and interpretations;
- Demonstrate different modes of scientific writing;
- Recognise the range of sciences practised across different disciplines; and
- Analyse current issues from a scientific perspective.
Generic skills
In this subject students will develop the following generic skills:
- Critical thinking and scientific inquiry;
- Written communication;
- Independent and self-motivated learning; and
- Learning in an online environment.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
A minimum of 50 credit points of Level 1 subjects
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: 27 April 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Four online quizzes - spaced at regular intervals across the semester
| From Week 4 to Week 12 | 30% |
Two written module tasks (15% each)
| Due end of Week 6 and Week 12 | 30% |
Graded annotations to readings
| Due Weeks 3, 6, 9, 12 | 20% |
Exam - delivered and submitted online
| During the assessment period | 20% |
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2 - Online
Coordinator Jennifer Fox Mode of delivery Online Contact hours This subject is taught entirely online Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 22 July 2024 to 20 October 2024 Last self-enrol date 2 August 2024 Census date 2 September 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 20 September 2024 Assessment period ends 15 November 2024 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
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.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 27 April 2024