SCI173 Understanding Science (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Generic Science subjects (GENSC)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
The subject describes how science works as a human activity, how is it integrated into human society and how it has evolved through time.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 1 | |
|---|---|
| Distance * | Dubbo | Term 3 |
| Internal | Albury-Wodonga |
| Internal | Bathurst |
| Internal | Wagga Wagga |
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: SCI173
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Enrolment restrictions:
Available only to students in CSU Pathway Program
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to accurately identify and criticise misconceptions associated with science.
- be able to show an appreciation of the difference between scientific and general knowledge as well as between science and pseudo-science.
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role of the scientific community in the workings of science, the elements of scientific language and logical reasoning in science.
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of what constitutes scientifically valid evidence and how it is obtained.
- be able to engage proactively with issues related to public perception of science and to scientific ethics.
- be able to show an appreciation of how science influences social values and vice versa.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
Philosophical Aspects (34% weighting)
- misconceptions related to science.
- comparison between science and other elements of culture.
- the role of the scientific community and routes to scientific discovery.
- universal characteristics of science and the cycle of scientific activity.
- elements of scientific language (law, theory, hypothesis, metaphor) and principles of critical thinking practice including a negative example of pseudoscience.
- principles of scientific evidence assessment and experimental design.
- the analysis of scientific knowledge and the idea of reductionism.
- description of ways in which science progresses.
Social Aspects(33% weighting)
- public perceptions of science, scientists and their motives.
- relationship between science and values and ethical problems associated with science.
- ways in which science influences society and vice versa.
Historical Aspects (33% weighting)
- historical origins of modern science and the future of science.
- case studies from the history of science.
Residential School
This subject contains a compulsory 5 day residential school.
Students in the Diploma of General Studies studying the distance education option will be required to attend two face-to-face sessions at the support hub in Dubbo, including a three day orientation at the start of the course.
Dates for Residential Schools
· First Residential School/Orientation
Tuesday 26, Wednesday 27, Thursday 28 February 2013.
· Second Residential School
Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 March 2013
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.