The course aims to introduce students to the nature of science and scientific research within a multidisciplinary framework. Students will critically examine the nature of scientific discovery by analysing a series of case studies. Individual case studies will be drawn from different disciplines but will illustrate common themes across all of science. They may focus on scientific disagreements and the nature of evidence, the influence of assumptions and preconceived ideas on scientific thinking, the use and misuse of statistics, the role of hypothesis testing in science and other disciplines, the factors underlying important scientific breakthroughs and ethical implications of scientific research. This course is suitable for both science and non-science students; no background knowledge is required.
This course is an HPC (Honours Pathway Course).
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Students completing this course will
1) develop a deep understanding of the role of hypothesis testing in science
2) be familiar with some aspects of the philosophy, history and ethics of science and scientific research
3) understand the way in which assumptions and beliefs of scientists can influence interpretation of data
4) be able to evaluate different types of evidence
5) develop confidence in discussing ideas and issues outside their specialisation
Indicative Assessment
- Reflective journal entries, 50%
- Assignments (issues summaries/literature research/problem solving), 40%
- Contribution to discussion and/or blog, 10%
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
On campus (weekly workshops)
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Biology Teaching and Learning Centre to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Students continuing in their current program of study will have their tuition fees indexed annually from the year in which you commenced your program. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $1650 | |
| 2014 | $2946 | |
| 2013 | $2946 | |
| 2012 | $2946 | |
| 2011 | $2946 | |
| 2010 | $2916 | |
| 2009 | $2916 | |
| 2008 | $2916 | |
| 2007 | $2520 | |
| 2006 | $2520 | |
| 2005 | $2298 | |
| 2004 | $1926 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $3390 |
| 2014 | $3762 |
| 2013 | $3756 |
| 2012 | $3756 |
| 2011 | $3756 |
| 2010 | $3750 |
| 2009 | $3618 |
| 2008 | $3618 |
| 2007 | $3618 |
| 2006 | $3618 |
| 2005 | $3450 |
| 2004 | $3450 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.