| Semester 2, 2023 Toowoomba On-campus | |
| Units : | 1 |
| School or Department : | School of Agriculture and Environmental Science |
| Grading basis : | Graded |
| Course fee schedule : | /current-students/administration/fees/fee-schedules |
Staffing
Course Coordinator:
Overview
This course aims to give students a broad overview of what science is concerned with and more importantly what are successful approaches to the study of science. The course serves as a foundation for further study and also as motivation for students to pursue a career in science.
This course provides an introduction to the development of science and its role in human society. The approaches to science, distinguishing real science from pseudoscience, key figures and their contribution, past and present debates, and, some of the important ideas of science will be examined. The course will initiate the development of critical thinking skills, through the analysis and interpretation of ideas of science, and, in so doing will provide a basis for further studies in any science discipline. The course will also provide guidance into successful study strategies, ways of coping with stress and managing the demands of both life and study. Additionally, options for careers in science will be explored and successful scientists from both industry and academia will be invited to give their perspectives on what is required to succeed in science.
Course learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
- explain what science is today and how it has developed
- describe some of the basic principles of science underpinning all disciplines of science
- identify the moral implications and ethical requirements of science
- explain the role of science in society
- undertake self-directed and lifelong learning in science related to the pursuit of a career in science
Topics
| Description | Weighting(%) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | What is science – an introduction | 10.00 |
| 2. | The veracity of scientific information | 20.00 |
| 3. | The importance of science to society | 20.00 |
| 4. | Ethical and moral issues | 20.00 |
| 5. | Key figures and how they helped to advance science | 10.00 |
| 6. | How to Study Science Successfully | 10.00 |
| 7. | Careers in Science | 10.00 |
Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed
Student workload expectations
To do well in this subject, students are expected to commit approximately 10 hours per week including class contact hours, independent study, and all assessment tasks. If you are undertaking additional activities, which may include placements and residential schools, the weekly workload hours may vary.
Assessment details
| Description | Group Assessment |
Weighting (%) | Course learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz 1 | No | 10 | 1,2,5 |
| Critique (written) | No | 40 | 2,5 |
| Quiz 2 | No | 10 | 2,3 |
| Time limited online examinatn | No | 40 | 2,3,4 |