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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
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Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 - Online |
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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: 15 February 2024