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 able to access course information and learning material through the online myRMIT Canvas web site.


Overview of Learning Resources

Learning will take place during lectorials, scheduled activities and available resources including online videos provided through the RMIT library and Canvas. 


Overview of Assessment

Note that: This course has no hurdle requirements.

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