sci1sis science in society
SCIENCE IN SOCIETY
SCI1SIS
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject introduces students to the nature of science in the context of current debates about Science in Society. Students will explore what science is, how it works and how science and society interrelate. A small number of socio-scientific issues will be explored in terms of both the basic science fundamental to the issue and what the issue highlights about the nature of science. Students will choose one socio-scientific issue and apply their knowledge to evaluate the arguments, evidence and misconceptions about science presented as part of debate about the issue. Science in Society provides opportunities for students to develop their critical thinking skills to gain a "big-picture" understanding of science.
SchoolSchool of Life Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorMartin Steinbauer
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 1 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Identify, summarise and evaluate ethical, political, economic, social or scientific arguments around a current socio-scientific issue using media sources
- Activities:
- Students are presented with a series of socio-scientific case studies (e.g. nuclear power, genetically modified foods, child vaccination, climate change). They learn some of the basic science associated with each case study and also explore aspects of the nature of science related to the issues. Students use media sources (newspapers, websites, etc.) to identify, classify and evaluate a range of arguments presented in support or opposition to different positions around a chosen socio-scientific issue.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
02. Apply knowledge of: 1. the nature of science (its boundaries, methods, tools and dissemination practices) and 2. some foundational scientific concepts to explore and evaluate a chosen current socio-scientific issue.
- Activities:
- Students prepare, in a group of 3, an audio visual document (i.e. a movie) of approximately 15 minutes in duration documenting the issue. The movie should include the basic science, the range of issues and interviews with people representing a range of views on the issue.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
03. Analyse and draw conclusions from scientific data presented in a graph.
- Activities:
- Students are presented with a graph displaying data related to a socio-scientific issue. They analyse and draw conclusions from the data and relate this to the issue.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
04. Identify and evaluate a range of misconceptions about science in the contect of a socio-scientific issue
- Activities:
- Students write an individual report of approximately 1000 words analysing a stament of position about their chosen socio-scientific issue. The statement includes various misconcptions about the nature of science and arguments presented in the statement are based on factual inaccuracies and/or contain logical fallacies. Students use basic scientific knowledge + a knowledge of the nature of science to write a critical respose to the statement.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
05. To evaluate their performance as a member of a team using a reflective journal.
- Activities:
- Throughout the video project, students will record their reflections on their performance as a member of the team.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Writing(Writing)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2015, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorMartin Steinbauer
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31
One 1.0 hours lecture per study period on weekdays during the day in week 31 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Monday 27/07/2015 only"
SeminarWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One group 15-minute movie documentary | 25 | 01, 02, 04, 05 | |
| One individual essay equivalent to 1000 words | 30 | 01, 02, 04 | |
| Online learning activities | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| Two 750 word reflective reports | 15 | 02 |