About

Increasingly, the work of a scientist relies on the ability to understand and work within multicultural and interdisciplinary teams, to respond to, or manage broad and complex challenges.

In this unit you will learn about the exciting, challenging and changing nature of contemporary Australian science. How a modern scientist must be open-minded and inclusive, understanding that sourcing knowledge from a broad base of reliable sources such as First Nations histories and cultures, will allow new ideas and solutions to form. This mindset will differentiate you as a modern and adaptable thinker.

You will explore scientific examples in the broader field of chemistry, which underpins all aspects of the natural and physical world and appears in all science disciplines, including physics, biology, earth, climate and environmental science. This unit is designed to develop your understanding of the basic principles of chemistry while exploring chemistry in the context of different grand scientific challenges, with a real world focus.

Overview

  • Learn about the exciting, challenging and changing nature of contemporary Australian science.
  • Focus on how foundational chemical principles are practices and applied in a real-world scientific context (e.g. developing medicines, atmospheric chemistry and its relationship to climate science, Dating the arrival of First Nations people in Australia).
  • This unit will use an inquiry-based learning approach where you will engage in collaborative workshops and laboratory practical classes.
  • Learning in the unit requires pre-class readings and activities before and during the intensive block.

Learning objectives

  • Develop and practice skills in information retrieval, critical thinking and academic writing to communicate scientific concepts, principles and practices in a socially conscious way.
  • Understand how a modern scientist must be open-minded and inclusive to respond to, or address, broad and complex scientific challenges.
  • Apply fundamental concepts of chemistry and problem-solving skills through chemical manipulation, safe and sustainable laboratory practices, data recording and analysis.
  • Work collaboratively to develop a poster that examines a grand challenge in science that addresses real-world issues.

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