We live in a world of sciences. From the pure physics of string theory to the applied sociology of interventions, from the study of nanoparticles to broadband strategies. Science, in its various forms, plays an important role in how we as individuals and as a society, perceive, understand, and make decisions in the world. However, such knowledge is influenced and shaped by broad social, cultural, economic and political issues, which influence how this knowledge is produced and used (or not used). Yet despite the importance of science people can have trouble explaining what science is and what scientists do.
The Sciences and Society unit provides the opportunity for individuals to understand what science is and what scientists do, the need for ethical behaviour in scientific endeavour and scientific debate, and the need for scientific literacy in order for individuals to be able to develop informed views and attitudes and make rational and considered decisions about science in society. The unit approaches this broad goal in three ways:
• developing understanding of the foundations of science;
• developing the capacity to engage in rational debate and communication about science;
• developing a sense of the importance of science in society
The unit will deliver on its outcomes through a range of student-centred learning experiences that emphasise engagement with the learning leaders and other students, and problem solving activities. High quality learning materials including print, audio and video artefacts of scientific findings, documentary, and media broadcasts will facilitate a high level of engagement with students.
Ethical behaviour in science will be embedded in the topics throughout the unit with a particular focus on the importance of ethical behaviour in the practice and reporting of science by providing both philosophical and regulatory perspectives on ethics. Controversial case studies of questionable and fraudulent scientific practice and reporting will be used to illustrate the importance of ethical behaviour in the practice and reporting of science.
The unit has a combination of assessable, hurdle and student engagement tasks, as detailed in the Assessment schedule. Hurdle tasks, whilst not assessed, are included to support your learning across the unit, providing opportunities to reflect on your understanding of science, with these reflections then available to you for completing assessable tasks. Student engagement activities are included to verify your engagement in the unit and failure to complete these activities may lead to cancellation of your enrolment in the unit.