STEM1001 Nature of STEM - Flinders University

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Overview

This topic explores the fundamental principles of science and critical reasoning. Students will investigate the strengths and limitations of scientific knowledge from historical and modern perspectives as well as some common misconceptions about scientific practice. Students will consider the characteristics of valid scientific endeavour and develop skills to critically evaluate scientific information from a broad array of sources. Students are expected to develop and to demonstrate their ability to distinguish fact from opinion, science from pseudo-science, and evidence from hearsay. Throughout this topic students will develop critical reasoning, research and teamwork skills for use in study and the workplace, as well as their general and academic written and oral communication skills.

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Tuition pattern

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Aims

This topic aims to introduce students to:

Importance and practice of critical and ethical reasoning and self-reflection in STEM practitioners
Key issues in the epistemology of science
The nature of scientific evidence and what counts as reliable evidence
Key characteristics for identifying valid scientific information and endeavour
Effective oral and written communication in academic and professional settings
The diversity and application of English language styles, practices, conventions and forms in academic, professional, public and personal communication

Learning outcomes

On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:

Appreciate the validity, methods, and scope of human scientific endeavours

Accessing and assessing the reliability, quality and relevance of scientific evidence

Apply awareness of the characteristics of valid scientific information and endeavour to evaluating issues, debates and discussions

Apply skills in critical and ethical reasoning and self-reflection to academic and practical situations through analysing arguments and providing a critical response orally and in writing

Recognise the inherent social element of modern science as an endeavour co-created by dedicated groups of STEM practitioners from across disciplines

Write persuasively and properly for a range of purposes and audiences

Assessments

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Requisites information

Anti-requisites:

Handbook

Nature of STEM

STEM1001