SC3002 - Science, Research and Society

Credit points:	03
Year:	2010
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	Faculty of Science, Engineering & Info Tech

Admittance to the degree of Bachelor of Science - Advanced

What is science and how does it work and what makes it progress? What is "The Scientific method"? Can the scientist be a truly independent observer of facts? Does science open the way to truth? What are the responsibilities and obligations of scientists working in Australia today? How does the way in which scientists communicate with each other, the public and political players affect the perceptions of science and research? This subject encourages students to engage with questions such as these. The aim is to prepare interested science graduates to understand science in a broadest socio-political context; to develop a realistic appreciation of the role of science and their own roles as practicing scientists and researchers in shaping the future of mankind.

Learning Outcomes

• have developed a basic understanding of the philosophy of science;
• understand the social embeddedness of science and research;
• appreciate the importance of communicating science and research to using various stakeholders by using multiple media.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• An understanding of the economic, legal, ethical, social and cultural issues involved in the use of information;
• The ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically;
• The ability to manage future career and personal development;
• The ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully;
• The ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively.

Prerequisites:

SC3001

Availabilities
Townsville, Limited, Study Period 2
Census Date 26-Aug-2010
Face to face teaching (TBA)
Coordinator:	Dr Emma Gyuris, Mrs Yetta Gurtner
Contact hours:	6 hours lectures 30 hours workshops/Seminars 10 hours - Subject blog
Assessment:	presentations (20%); actively participating in the two workshops (demonstrating preparedness and engagement with pre- workshop reading material) (20%); assignments (30%); participation in subject blog (10%); term paper (policy review, literature review or research proposal) (20%).
Restrictions:	An enrolment quota applies to this offering.
Cairns, Limited, Study Period 2
Census Date 26-Aug-2010
Face to face teaching (TBA)
Coordinator:	Dr Emma Gyuris, Mrs Yetta Gurtner
Contact hours:	6 hours lectures 30 hours workshops/Seminars 10 hours - Subject blog
Assessment:	presentations (20%); actively participating in the two workshops (demonstrating preparedness and engagement with pre- workshop reading material) (20%); assignments (30%); participation in subject blog (10%); term paper (policy review, literature review or research proposal) (20%).
Restrictions:	An enrolment quota applies to this offering.

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.