SCIS 213

For academic year

Principles of Science and Science Communication

What is science, how is it conducted and communicated, and how does it sit alongside other knowledge systems? Explore the fundamentals of Western science, including scientific theory, methodology, culture and practice and consider how this worldview compares with Mātauranga Māori and other societal perspectives. You’ll be introduced to science communication theory and practice, learn some of the ways science is communicated to public audiences, and build your scientific literacy and understanding of the role of science in society.

Course overview

Points

15

Fees

$1033.2 NZD

International fees

$4771.8 NZD

Course offered in

  • Trimester 2

Duration

1 trimester

Prerequisites

60 100-level points

Co-requisites

Restrictions

Taught by

The School of Science in Society

Wellington Faculty of Science

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Course content

This course covers the fundamentals of western science and the scientific process (e.g., scientific theory and methodology, scientific practice, peer review) and draws on science communication theory. It also explores how this worldview compares with mātauranga Māori and other societal perspectives. This course encourages the development of scientific literacy, an understanding of factors that influence the communication of scientific information, and a deeper consideration of the role of science in society.
 
Lectures from this course will be delivered in person and recordings of these will be available for students who need to attend remotely.
 
Please note, lectures and workshops are optimised for in person delivery and we would love to see you in person. Attendance at scheduled times is required for one workshop, several options will be provided for students with clashes.
 
Online support is available through Nuku discussion forums.
 
If you haven’t quite got enough 100 level points please contact the course coordinator for a chat and we may be able to waive the prerequisites on a case-by-case basis.

Course learning objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

  1. Explain the basic principles of the scientific method, Mātauranga Māori, and the challenges in the process of conducting scientific research internationally and in New Zealand.

  2. Identify and demonstrate key features of science communication in a range of communication products and activities

  3. Critically evaluate the role of science, and science communication, in society, demonstrating consideration of Māori and other worldviews.

Available offerings

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Offering CRN

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Required materials and equipment

Class representative

The class representative provides a useful way to communicate feedback to the teaching staff during the course. They also work with the VUWSA Education Office on any academic issues that arise in their course. Reps are elected by students by the third week of classes every trimester. Being a rep requires a weekly commitment.

The Use of Te Reo Māori for Assessment Policy

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington values te reo Māori. Students who wish to submit any of their assessments in te reo Māori must refer to The Use of Te Reo Māori for Assessment Policy - PDF 134kb

He mea nui te reo Māori ki Te Herenga Waka. Ki te pīrangi koe ki te tuhituhi i ō aro matawai i roto i te reo Māori, tēnā me mātua whakapā atu ki te kaupapa here, The Use of Te Reo Māori for Assessment Policy - PDF 134kb

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