SCI101 What is Science? (8)

Abstract

The subject describes how science works as a human activity; how scientific data is collated, assimilated and communicated.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 1
Online	Wagga Wagga Campus
On Campus	Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: SCI101
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration	Grading System	School:
One session	HD/FL	School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to distinguish between valid science, pseudo science and general knowledge
be able to search for and identify scientifically valid evidence and be able to explain, in general terms, the processes of science through which it was obtained
be able to accurately summarize the impact of experimental conditions on measured outcomes and present data summaries in a variety of formats
be able to discuss examples of how scientific ideas have influenced social values and how social values have influenced the progress of science
be able to present balanced arguments founded upon scientific, social and ethical principles using evidence from the scientific literature to support a point of view
recognise where a science degree and science professions could take them, and the associated skills to support professional requirements

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:

The structure of scientific data and knowledge
Determining the veracity of scientific information
The scientific method and science as an evolutionary process
Principles of data analysis
Types of data and data presentation
Scientific writing and communication
Science and ethics
Science and society

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