School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Professional Science Essentials
  • Unit Code

    SCI1125
  • Year

    2019
  • Enrolment Period

    1
  • Version

    1
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
    Online
  • Unit Coordinator

    Dr Anna Jenny HOPKINS

Description

This unit will introduce students to the skills required of professional scientists, with a special focus on effective communication. These professional skills include techniques of accessing, evaluating and presenting scientific information. Written, visual and oral presentation skills for scientific and general audiences will be developed through the analysis of topical scientific issues. This unit will prepare students to develop careers in the science discipline of choice.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate skills in communication scientific information to a variety of audiences.
  2. Demonstrate skills in the location and evaluation of scientific information and information resources.
  3. Demonstrate skills in the written, visual and oral presentation of scientific information.
  4. Describe the professional standards for scientists relating to intellectual property, ethical conduct, plagiarism, use of data and authorship.

Unit Content

  1. Effective oral presentations for scientific and general audiences.
  2. Effective presentations for scientific and general audiences.
  3. Effective writing for scientific and general audiences.
  4. Evaluation of the quality and suitability of scientific information.
  5. Interpersonal communication.
  6. Interpretation of scientific information.
  7. Library, Internet and other online sources of science information.
  8. Note taking and preparation for written and oral communication.
  9. Professional scientific standards related to ethical conduct, plagiarism, use of information and authorship.

Learning Experience

ON-CAMPUS

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

JoondalupMount LawleySouth West (Bunbury)
Semester 13 x 1.5 hour labNot OfferedNot Offered
Semester 113 x 3 hour tutorialNot OfferedNot Offered
Semester 2 x 1.5 hour labNot OfferedNot Offered
Semester 213 x 3 hour tutorialNot OfferedNot Offered

For more information see the Semester Timetable

ONLINE

Students will engage in learning experiences through ECU Blackboard as well as additional ECU learning technologies.

Additional Learning Experience Information

The learning processes of this unit are designed to encourage student engagement and motivation. Students will be required to actively participate within tutorials or off-campus online discussions. The online Blackboard site will provide access to unit information and a medium for student interaction. In on-campus mode, the unit will be offered as tutorials based around presentations, class discussions, group work and other relevant activities. As part of the class discussions, students will generate ideas on issues in science communication such as written and oral communication styles, correct academic referencing and paraphrasing, and managing group work. Students are expected to come to class prepared by completing reading and weekly activities so as to contribute to class interaction. The lecturer's role in this unit is primarily to guide and facilitate student learning. In off-campus mode, the unit will provide an interactive learning experience through Blackboard which will include online discussions and reading material. Students are expected to undertake self-directed learning through reading and participation in online activities and discussion of critical ideas and concepts.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities and/or online activities including discussion boards is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit plan may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
ExerciseIntroductory Activities *10%
PortfolioContinuous Assessment and Reflection15%
AssignmentSummary of Literature *50%
PresentationOral Presentation *25%
ONLINE
TypeDescriptionValue
ExerciseIntroductory Activities *10%
PortfolioContinuous Assessment and Reflection15%
AssignmentSummary of Literature *50%
PresentationOral Presentation *25%

* Assessment item identified for English language proficiency


Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCI1125|1|1

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Professional Science Essentials
  • Unit Code

    SCI1125
  • Year

    2019
  • Enrolment Period

    2
  • Version

    2
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
    Online
  • Unit Coordinator

    Dr Anna Jenny HOPKINS

Description

This unit will introduce students to the skills required of professional scientists, with a special focus on effective communication. These professional skills include techniques of accessing, evaluating and presenting scientific information. Written, visual and oral presentation skills for scientific and general audiences will be developed through the analysis of topical scientific issues. This unit will prepare students to develop careers in the science discipline of choice.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Locate and evaluate scientific resources and information.
  2. Communicate scientific information to an academic audience.
  3. Work independently and collaboratively to complete tasks.

Unit Content

  1. Effective oral presentations for scientific and general audiences.
  2. Effective presentations for scientific and general audiences.
  3. Effective writing for scientific and general audiences.
  4. Evaluation of the quality and suitability of scientific information.
  5. Interpersonal communication.
  6. Interpretation of scientific information.
  7. Library, Internet and other online sources of science information.
  8. Note taking and preparation for written and oral communication.
  9. Professional scientific standards related to ethical conduct, plagiarism, use of information and authorship.

Learning Experience

ON-CAMPUS

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

JoondalupMount LawleySouth West (Bunbury)
Semester 13 x 1.5 hour labNot OfferedNot Offered
Semester 113 x 3 hour tutorialNot OfferedNot Offered
Semester 2 x 1.5 hour labNot OfferedNot Offered
Semester 213 x 3 hour tutorialNot OfferedNot Offered

For more information see the Semester Timetable

ONLINE

Students will engage in learning experiences through ECU Blackboard as well as additional ECU learning technologies.

Additional Learning Experience Information

The learning processes of this unit are designed to encourage student engagement and motivation. Students will be required to actively participate within tutorials or off-campus online discussions. The online Blackboard site will provide access to unit information and a medium for student interaction. In on-campus mode, the unit will be offered as tutorials based around presentations, class discussions, group work and other relevant activities. As part of the class discussions, students will generate ideas on issues in science communication such as written and oral communication styles, correct academic referencing and paraphrasing, and managing group work. Students are expected to come to class prepared by completing reading and weekly activities so as to contribute to class interaction. The lecturer's role in this unit is primarily to guide and facilitate student learning. In off-campus mode, the unit will provide an interactive learning experience through Blackboard which will include online discussions and reading material. Students are expected to undertake self-directed learning through reading and participation in online activities and discussion of critical ideas and concepts.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities and/or online activities including discussion boards is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit plan may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
ExerciseIntroductory Activities *10%
PortfolioContinuous Assessment and Reflection15%
AssignmentSummary of Literature *50%
PresentationOral Presentation *25%
ONLINE
TypeDescriptionValue
ExerciseIntroductory Activities *10%
PortfolioContinuous Assessment and Reflection15%
AssignmentSummary of Literature *50%
PresentationOral Presentation *25%

* Assessment item identified for English language proficiency


Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCI1125|2|2