SCIE3003
10 units
3000 level
Course handbook
Description
This course is for those who want to further develop the knowledge and skills they have gained in their degree to impact the real world now and in their future career. This course will see you create value on a real project by developing an evidence-based and sustainable, business case for an external client. The collaborative style of this course will see you and peers actively partnering your own learning with a broad range of expertise, evidence and experience.Most critically, this course will give you on-the-ground experience working on real-world complex problems. Complex problems are often called 'wicked' problems: typically, they are high stakes and resist solution, and even resist agreed definition. Think climate change, biodiversity loss, the obesity epidemic, poverty and antibiotic resistance. The skills needed to work on complex problems are no longer a luxury. They are now considered essential for university graduates.Graduates who seek to resolve complex problems will work in transdisciplinary teams using methods that work with, rather than ignore, complexity. You will learn how to be an agile member of a dynamic team, contributing your disciplinary expertise, and developing your transferable skills as you do. In doing so you will evidence new skills and leadership qualities.The evidence-based approach you learn will be equally relevant for working in industry, undertaking applied research, applying for research grants, or creating your own entrepreneurial business. Service to our university’s community will mean you can graduate from university already demonstrating your experience in addressing the big, challenging issues of our time.In addition, this course gives you the opportunity to engage with working researchers and reflect on science practice across the University through discipline seminar programs.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 1 - 2024
- Semester 2 - 2024
Replacing course(s)
This course replaces the following course(s): SCIE3003A and SCIE3003B. Students who have successfully completed SCIE3003A or SCIE3003B are not eligible to enrol in SCIE3003.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Communicate what makes a challenge or problem complex.
2. Plan, develop and report on a project investigating a complex challenge, and propose and communicate evidence-based, ethical and sustainable outcomes.
3. Articulate the skills required for transdisciplinary work and employability.
Content
The topics to be covered include:
- Distinguishing and defining complex problems
- Planning and undertaking a practical project using an evidence-based approach
- Working as part of a transdisciplinary team
- Refining writing skills
- Communicating research findings to clients and stakeholder audiences
- Reflecting on the skills required for transdisciplinary science work
- Communicating your technical and transferrable skills
- Ensuring your practice is ethical, responds to complexity and contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
Requisite
Students must have successfully completed SCIE2002 or SCIE2003.
This course replaces SCIE3003A and SCIE3003B. If you have successfully completed both those courses you cannot enrol in this course.
Assessment items
Written Assignment: Teamwork Project Preparation
Report: Final Report
Presentation: Presentation
Contact hours
Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan
Integrated Learning Session-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 2
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Online Activity-1
- Online 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Workshop-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan
Integrated Learning Session-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 2
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Online Activity-1
- Online 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Workshop-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Course outline
- SCIE3003 - Semester 1, 2024 (Callaghan) (PDF, 188.0 KB)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.