This unit analyses how science is carried out in practice, and how scientific findings are applied and communicated to other scientists and society in general. It includes development of an appreciation of how scientific knowledge is generated, the differences between good science, poor science and pseudoscience, and the importance of ethics and occupational health and safety in scientific endeavours. Effective skills for communicating science through written, oral and visual means will be promoted. Case studies will be used to explore examples of current controversial issues that have a scientific basis or that can be potentially explained and rationalised by pursuing good science practice. -- Course Website
Instructor: Dr Roslyn Gleadow (Clayton and Gippsland off campus); Mrs Jo-Ann Larkins (Gippsland on campus); Dr. Song Beng Kah (Sunway)
Prerequisites: Two semesters of first year university
