SCI101 What is Science? (8)

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

Subject Outlines
Current CSU students can view Subject Outlines for recent sessions. Please note that Subject Outlines and assessment tasks are updated each session.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus
Online
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

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

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

This 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

Contact

Current Students

For any enquiries about subject selection or course structure please contact Student Central or ask@csu.edu.au or phone on 1800 275 278.

Prospective Students

For further information about Charles Sturt University, or this course offering, please contact info.csu on 1800 275 278 (free call within Australia) or enquire online.

The information contained in the 2018 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: August 2018. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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