Course Title: Scientific Skills and Communication

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Scientific Skills and Communication

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ONPS2334

City Campus

Undergraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2015,
Sem 2 2015,
Sem 1 2016,
Sem 2 2016

ONPS2334

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2017,
Sem 2 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 2 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 1 2021

ONPS2375

Open Learning Australia

Non Award

171H School of Science

Distance / Correspondence

 OUASP1UG17,
OUASP1UG18,
OUASP3UG19,
OUASP1UG20,
OUASP3UG20,
OUASP1UG21,
OUASP3UG21,
OUASP1UG22,
OUASP2UG23

Course Coordinator: Dr Mariela Soto-Berelov

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9663

Course Coordinator Email: mariela.soto-berelov@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 12.12.27

Course Coordinator Availability: Appointments via email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

The study and practice of science adheres to its own procedures and protocols. It is communicated orally, in written and visual form. As you are entering a scientific profession, you must be familiar with fundamental skills and knowledge, so you can communicate effectively and excel in the sciences. This course is designed to build that foundation.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course also contributes to Program Learning Outcomes in: BP229 Bachelor of Applied Science, BP247 Bachelor of Science (Nanotechnology)/Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences), BP 199 Bachelor of Food Science and Nutrition, BP289 Bachelor of Science (Food Technology)/Bachelor of Business (Management), BP226 Bachelor of Biotechnology, BP293 Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)/Bachelor of Biomedical Science, and BP305 Bachelor of Science (Applied Science)/Bachelor of Business (Management), BH096 Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours), BH101 Bachelor of Science (Dean's Scholar)(Honours), BH116 (Bachelor of Applied Science, Surveying, Honours), BH117 (Bachelor of Science, Geospatial Science, Honours)

 

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes:

Understanding science: You will demonstrate:

1.1 You will be able to articulate the methods of science and explain why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable through further inquiry.

1.2. You will be able to explain the role and relevance of science in society.

3.1. You will be able to gather, synthesize and critically evaluate scientific information from a range of sources.

4.1. You will be able to communicate scientific results, information, or arguments effectively using a range of modes (oral, written, visual) to different audiences.

5.1. You will be an independent and self-directed learner.

5.2. You will work responsibly, safely, legally and ethically in an individual or team context.


On completion of this course you should be able to:

  1. Understand your responsibilities as a scientist.
  2. Demonstrate the importance and relevance of occupational health and safety in the sciences.
  3. Demonstrate awareness of the relevance of communication skills in the sciences.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to write using clear and concise scientific language.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to create and conduct oral presentations to a variety of audiences.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to work professionally.


Overview of Learning Activities

 

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both. 

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course


Overview of Learning Resources

 

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks  

Assessment Task 1: Formative quizzes  
Weighting 15%
This supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 

Assessment Task 2:  Presentation 
Weighting 20%
This supports CLOs 1, 3, 5, 6 

Assessment Task 3:  Literature review 
Weighting 30%
This supports CLOs 3 and 4 

Assessment Task 4:  Written assignment: Scientific method and ethics 
Weighting 35%
This supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.