Not currently offered
Course code

SCIE3003A

Units

10 units

Level

3000 level

Course handbook

Description

Some problems that challenge humanity persist irrespective of the resources and expertise invested to improve them. Examples include mitigating climate change, the preventable health and obesity crisis, unsustainable economies and poverty. These types of problems are called 'wicked' problems and typically are high stakes, resist solution, and even resist agreed definition. Scientists who seek to address complex problems will need to work in transdisciplinary teams using methods that work with, rather than ignore, complexity. This course is the first of a two-course pair: SCIE3003A Advanced Transdisciplinary Capstone A: Planning & Implementing and SCIE3003B Advanced Transdisciplinary Capstone B: Implementing and Communicating. In SCIE3003A, you will plan and begin to develop your project. In SCIE3003B you will complete your project and communicate your findings. You will also continue to build your employability throughout the course. The course will give you the skills to identify complex problems and convincingly explain what makes them complex. It involves a practical project you undertake for a client, someone from our university’s wider community, be they local or international. You will work in a transdisciplinary team to create a social enterprise startup. 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. Developing a startup will allow you to use your science capabilities to contribute new responses to wicked problems. It gives you the skills to create your own employment in a careers market that is highly dynamic. Service to our university’s community will mean you can graduate from university already demonstrating your capacity to effectively address contemporary challenges.


Availability

Not currently offered.

This Course was last offered in Semester 2 - 2022.


Multi-term sequence

This course is part of a multi-term sequence. Both Part A and Part B must be completed to meet the requirements of the sequence. Part A and Part B must be completed in consecutive terms. Students must complete Part A before completing Part B. Students must complete the sequence within a twelve month period. If students complete Part A but are unable to complete Part B within the timeframe, they must re-enrol in Part A. Part A cannot be completed as a standalone course, it will only count towards your program once you have successfully completed Part B.


Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Plan, develop and report on a project investigating a particular complex challenge, and communicate outcomes;

2. Communicate what makes problems complex;

3. Articulate the skills required for transdisciplinary work and employability in science.


Content

•  Identify complex problems and define why they are complex.

•  Plan and undertake a practical project using an evidence-based approach.

•  Work as part of a transdisciplinary team.

•  Refine scientific writing skills.

•  Communicate research findings to lay and scientific audiences.

•  Reflect on the skill required for transdisciplinary science work.

•  Communicate your science and transferrable skills.

•  Ensure that your scientific practice is ethical, responds to the contributors to complexity and contributes to improving the sustainable development goals.


Requisite

If you have successfully completed SCIE3001A you cannot enrol in this course. Students must be active in the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) [40166], or Bachelor of Mathematics (Advanced) [40212] or Bachelor of Psychological Science (Advanced) [40211] programs and have successfully completed either SCIE2003 or SCIE2004.


Assessment items

Written Assignment: Workshop Preparation Notes

Report: Report

Professional Task: Multi-media Communication Task

Written Assignment: Job Application

Course outline

Course outline not yet available.