SCIENCE IN SOCIETY

SCI1SIS

2020

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. SCI1SIS provides opportunities to discuss and debate global and local socio-scientific issues. Students will be presented with a diversity of values and viewpoints on these issues and will be guided to develop the necessary skills to communicate effectively with people holding a range of views. Students will work in groups on 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. This subject addresses La Trobe's Global Citizenship Essential. Global Citizenship entails a deep appreciation of how we live in an interconnected world, being able to recognize the global context of concepts, act across cultures and boundaries, and work with diverse communities - now and in the future.

School: Life Sciences (Pre 2022)

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: Martin Steinbauer

Available to Study Abroad/Exchange Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 1 - UG

Exchange Students: No

Available as Elective: No

Learning Activities: N/A

Capstone subject: No

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: N/A

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: N/A

Equivalent subjects: N/A

Quota Management Strategy: N/A

Quota-conditions or rules: N/A

Special conditions: N/A

Minimum credit point requirement: N/A

Assumed knowledge: N/A

Career Ready

Career-focused: No

Work-based learning: No

Self sourced or Uni sourced: N/A

Entire subject or partial subject: N/A

Total hours/days required: N/A

Location of WBL activity (region): N/A

WBL addtional requirements: N/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

Graduate Capabilities

COMMUNICATION - Communicating and Influencing

COMMUNICATION - Cultural Intelligence and Global Perspective

COMMUNICATION - Digital Capability

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Ethical and Social Responsibility

Intended Learning Outcomes

01. Identify, summarise and evaluate ethical, political, economic, social or scientific arguments around a current socio-scientific issue using media sources

02. Apply knowledge of: a. The nature of science (its boundaries, methods, tools and dissemination practices and b. Some foundational scientific concepts to explore and evaluate a chosen current socio-scientific issue.

03. Identify and evaluate a range of misconceptions about science in the context of a socio-scientific issue

04. Evaluate their performance as a member of a team using a reflective journal.

Melbourne (Bundoora), 2020, Semester 2, Blended

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information: N/A

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Martin Steinbauer

Class requirements

Directed ReadingWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.00 hours directed reading per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
One two-hour online self study module per week.

LectureWeek: 31 - 31
One 1.00 hour lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 31 and delivered via face-to-face.

SeminarWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.00 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	Category	Contribution	Hurdle	%	ILO*
One Argument Analysis (500 word equiv)	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	10	SILO1
One group 15-minute movie documentary (700 word equiv)	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	25	SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4
One individual essay (1000 word equiv)	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	20	SILO1, SILO2, SILO3
Online learning activities (6 quizzes 50 word equiv each, 300 words equiv total)	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	30	SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4
Two 750 word reflective reports (1500 words total)	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	15	SILO2