Key facts
UNE unit code: SCI100
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
As the applications of science and technology become increasingly embedded in our daily lives, this flexibly delivered unit offers you insights into how science is carried out in practice.
Learn to ask the important questions that help us to differentiate good, poor and questionable science, as you explore how scientific findings are achieved and communicated, and the complex relationship between science and society.
In this unit, you will build foundational knowledge and skills that are transferrable to all scientific disciplines and are invaluable in non-science settings as well.
While developing your scientific literacy and numeracy, you will examine ethics, information management techniques, effective communication techniques, graphical representations of data, and research design.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- identify, define and analyse problems, use scientific method to form and test hypotheses, apply basic statistical principles and logic and locate and use appropriate problem-solving tools;
- report scientific findings in written, visual and verbal forms, communicate a convincing and reasoned scientific argument at a level and style appropriate to the audience;
- work on a scientific activity both autonomously and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment and adapt to changing environments, including new technologies and method; and
- display an awareness of professional practice in relevant disciplines and an understanding, appreciation and respect for appropriate conduct and practice.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 4 - Online quiz | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Online quiz on scientific numeracy. |
| Assessment 1 - Online Quiz | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Multiple-choice online quiz covering the scientific method, scientific theories, and the relationship between science and society. |
| Assessment 2 - Essay | Yes | 10% | All offerings | A written essay on a case of ethical misconduct by a scientist. No. Words: 500 |
| Assessment 3 - Project - Assurance Task | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Design your own research project. Includes a Research Proposal (1500 words) and a capstone Academic Poster Presentation (5 minutes). Students will have mandatory in-person meetings with teaching staff to discuss project progress and feedback. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Recipes for Science - An Introduction to Scientific Methods and Reasoning
ISBN: 9781032290966
Potochink, A., Colombo, M. and Wright, C., Routledge 2nd 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
Essential Skills for Science and Technology
ISBN: 9780195576078
Zeegers, P. et al., Oxford Revised ed. 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
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