60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Anti-requisite(s): 60001 Principles of Scientific Practice
Description
Our planet is undergoing significant change at multiple scales and scientists play an important role in understanding and addressing current and future global issues. Through the lens of inquiry and using pertinent real-world examples students explore the role of scientific thinking and diverse approaches in addressing complex global issues facing society, in relation to Australia and sustainability. Students develop their understanding of how knowledge is produced through science, and students are introduced to the concept and value of multiple knowledge systems, with a focus on the diverse knowledge systems of Indigenous peoples of Australia. This subject also supports students to develop critical thinking, communication skills and professional attributes to conduct science ethically and respectfully for a successful career.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Analyse and summarise major global challenges within Australian and sustainability contexts |
|---|---|
| 2. | Explain the process of scientific knowledge production, and evaluate and synthesise scientific information from multiple sources |
| 3. | Critically examine the process, responsibilities and limitations of science in addressing global challenges |
| 4. | Critically reflect on and communicate new scientific perspectives on global issues and sustainability |
| 5. | Explain ethical communication strategies and considerations to engage with Indigenous peoples and communities in scientific research |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical knowledge of broad science concepts and explain specialised disciplinary knowledge. (1.1)
- Evaluate scientific evidence and apply effective experimental design and/or mathematical reasoning, analysis, and critical thinking to apply science and/or mathematic methodologies to real world problems. (2.1)
- Work autonomously or in teams to address workplace or community problems utilising best scientific practice, with consideration to safety requirements and ethical guidelines. (3.1)
- Design creative solutions to contemporary or complex scientific issues by incorporating innovative methods, reflective practices, and self-directed learning. (4.1)
- Present and communicate complex ideas and justifications using appropriate communication approaches from a variety of methods (oral, written, visual) to communicate with discipline experts, scientists, industry, and the general public. (5.1)
- Develop knowledge of Indigenous Australian contexts to inform professional cultural capabilities to work effectively with and for, Indigenous Australians within scientific contexts. (6.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The Faculty of Science has six graduate attributes that you will develop during your course at UTS. This subject is intended to help students develop the following:
GA 1. Disciplinary knowledge
You will learn about science as a knowledge system, concept and value of multiple knowledge systems, and the relationships between these systems to inform scientific thinking and practice in addressing global issues. These knowledges are presented throughout the online and workshop activities, and assessed in task 1 Inquiry Modules and task 2 Evaluating scientific perspectives in addressing global issues.
GA 2. Research, Inquiry, and Critical Thinking
Scientific inquiry and critical thinking are developed through the workshop activities, where real-world examples, research and articles on global issues are unpacked and discussed. The Inquiry Modules and workshop activities will provoke inquiry and conceptual thinking beyond simple recall of facts. You will also explore the value of scientific thinking and diverse approaches to address complex global issues. You will further develop your research, inquiry and critical thinking through completion of assessment task 2 where you explore scientific perspectives and approaches presented in the scientific literature.
GA 3. Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility
You will engage in critical discussions during workshops around professional, ethical and social responsibilities of scientists to address complex, topical issues in science. The online and workshop activities, and assessment tasks, also provide opportunities to research, identify and engage with current and future challenges affecting you as scientists. The subject will explore approaches and practices to conducting science ethically, responsibly, inclusively, and sustainably.
During this subject you will also develop and employ a range of skills relevant to professional contexts, including the ability to work independently and collaboratively, academic integrity, preparation and organisation, and time management.
GA 4. Reflection, Innovation and Creativity
Developing reflective practices and engaging in self-directed learning are key components of this subject. The post-workshop online exercises (Inquiry Modules) help you consolidate and critically reflect on your ongoing learning experiences, scientific thinking and skills development. The Critical Reflection (assessment task 3) draws on your learning experiences throughout the subject to complete an in-depth critical reflection on a specific aspect of your learning in this subject. You are encouraged to undertake self-directed, curiosity motivated learning beyond the formal classroom environment.
GA 5. Communication
Development of communication skills, including reading of scientific texts and writing using scientific and academic language, is presented through a series of scaffolded and structured workshop activities. You will have opportunities to practise your academic writing and receive formative feedback during the session. Clear and logical writing that follows standard practice in scientific communication will be assessed according to detailed marking criteria in the assessment tasks.
GA 6. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges and Connection with Country
Being a scientist or science graduate in our current world means working in a world with many cultural perspectives and knowledge systems. Scientists who are open minded, culturally aware, critical thinkers who can respond to call to action are highly desired by employers. Investigations and discussions during Inquiry Modules and workshops will help you to develop knowledge of Indigenous Australian contexts to inform professional cultural capabilities to work effectively with and for Indigenous Australians within scientific contexts, to address global issues and create a sustainable future.
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject is delivered using a blended learning approach, with a series of complementary interactive online activities, collaborative workshops and online workshops to explore science as a knowledge system and current scientific thinking and practices used to address global issues facing society.
Collaborative Workshops (2h, on campus):
The collaborative workshops are held on campus. In preparation for the collaborative workshop activities and discussions with your peers, you complete pre-workshop online activities, which are designed to introduce you to the topics using articles, videos and real-world examples. The pre-workshop online activities are available via Canvas and are completed before attending your workshop.
During the collaborative workshops, you engage with your peers in small group and class discussions and collaborate through guided inquiry case studies about science as a system of knowledge, how scientific knowledge is gathered, organised and shared ethically and responsibly, and applications of scientific thinking and practices to address current global issues. The workshops are designed to develop critical thinking, inquiry, collaboration and communication skills in a supportive learning environment. You are strongly encouraged to attend all scheduled workshops to maximise learning opportunities. The readings and worksheets used in workshops will be available on Canvas.
After the workshops, you complete post-workshop exercises to consolidate and critically reflect on your workshop learning experience, scientific thinking and skills development.
Online Workshops (1h, online):
During certain weeks, you attend a timetabled online workshop in addition to the on campus collaborative workshop. The online workshops are held via Zoom and are dedicated time for you to develop academic and scientific writing skills and receive detailed information about the major assessment tasks. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about the subject material. The workshops are not recorded and you are strongly encouraged to attend to maximise your learning. Refer to the information on Canvas and subject announcements for the weeks, Zoom links and topics covered.
Feedback:
Feedback on your progress and opportunities to check your understanding are available while completing the online activities and during workshops from your peers and Teaching Associates. Criteria-based rubrics provide guidance and feedback for the written assessment tasks.
Academic Language Proficiency:
One aim of this subject is to help you develop academic and professional language and communication skills to succeed at university and in the workplace. To determine your current academic language proficiency, you are required to complete an online language screening task, OPELA (information available at
If you receive a Basic grade for OPELA, you must attend additional Language Development Tutorials (from week 3) to pass the subject. These tutorials are designed to support you in developing your language and communication skills. Students who do not complete the OPELA and/or do not attend 80% of the Language Development Tutorials will receive a Fail X grade.
Assessment Task 3 will be assessed for English language proficiency. After completing this subject, you will be directed to further language support if your language is below the required standard.
Content (topics)
- What makes an issue 'global'?
- How knowledge is produced through science
- Diverse knowledge systems and scientific practice
- Conducting science ethically, responsibly, sustainably
- Application of current scientific thinking and practices in addressing global issues
- Academic and Critical reflection writing
- Professional skills for diverse science careers
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Inquiry modules
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: GA 1. Disciplinary Knowledge GA 2. Research, inquiry, and critical thinking GA 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility GA 4. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity GA 5. Communication GA 6. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges and Connection with Country |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1 and 6.1 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Criteria: | Students will be assessed on their ability to:
|
Assessment task 2: Evaluating scientific perspectives in addressing global issues
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: GA 1. Disciplinary Knowledge GA 2. Research, inquiry, and critical thinking GA 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility GA 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Criteria: | Students will be assessed on their ability to:
|
Assessment task 3: Critical reflection
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: GA 2. Research, inquiry, and critical thinking GA 4. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity GA 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 2.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Reflection |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Criteria: | Students will be assessed on their ability to:
This assessment will be assessed for English language proficiency. You will be directed to further language support after the completion of this subject if your language is below the required standard. |
Minimum requirements
It is a requirement of this subject that all students complete OPELA. Students who receive a Basic grade in OPELA are required to attend 80% of the Language Development Tutorials in order to pass the subject. Students who do not complete the OPELA and/or do not attend 80% of the Language Development Tutorials will receive a Fail X grade.
In order to pass this subject you must obtain an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
All required readings and materials will be made available to students via Canvas. There is no prescribed textbook for this subject.