SC1101 - Science: Nature, Knowledge and Understanding

Credit points:	03
Year:	2010
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	School of Marine & Tropical Biology

An introduction to the development of science, its methods, controversies, and fundamental role in human society. The subject will examine approaches to science, key figures and their contributions, some of the big ideas of science, and past and current debates. It will encourage the development of critical thinking, and the analysis and interpretation of ideas in science, and will provide a sound basis for studies in any scientific discipline.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of the history of the development of science;
• Knowledge of some of the key ideas in science;
• Understanding of the 'scientific method';
• Understanding of what is meant by good and bad science;
• Recognition of some of the drivers for scientific endeavour, and the cut-and-thrust of science.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• The ability to deploy critically evaluated information to practical ends;
• The ability to find and access information using appropriate media and technologies;
• The ability to evaluate that information;
• The ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically;
• The ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully;
• The ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to work with people of different gender, age, ethnicity, culture, religion and political persuasion;
• The ability to work individually and independently;
• The ability to select and use appropriate tools and technologies.

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 25-Mar-2010
Coordinator:	Professor Richard Pearson
Lecturers:	Assoc. Professor Scott Smithers, Assoc. Professor Tom Blenkinsop, Dr Simon Richards, Professor Peter Ridd, Professor David Blair.
Contact hours:	34 hours lectures 13 hours tutorials
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); tutorial attendance and participation (30%); essays (20%).
Cairns, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 25-Mar-2010
Coordinator:	Professor Richard Pearson
Lecturers:	Professor Jonathan Nott, Mr Peter Whitehead, Assoc. Professor Andrew Krockenberger, Dr Bronwen Scott.
Contact hours:	34 hours lectures 13 hours tutorials
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); tutorial attendance and participation (30%); essays (20%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.