Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit proceeds from the following observations. Firstly, ideas about 'hard-wired' sex differences of body and/or brain—as well as ideas about gender fluidity—circulate freely (and in frequently polarising ways) in popular culture. Secondly, there remain entrenched gender imbalances in many STEMM (science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine) fields, which are routinely addressed through programs focused on 'women in STEMM'. In both scenarios, 'gender' and 'science' are pitted against each other.
This unit explores the origins of this uneasy relationship between 'gender' and 'science', as well as strategies for changing it. It is an interdisciplinary collaboration between humanities and STEMM academics at UWA, who together explore how theories of gender 'explain' science; how science 'explains' gender; and how the discourses of gender studies and science can productively intersect. It is a core unit for students in the major of Gender Studies, as well as students majoring in Science and Technology Studies, and an elective for students minoring in Women's Health; but experienced students from any major — and especially STEMM majors — are also welcome.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 2 core unit in the Gender Studies; Science and Technology in Society major sequences
- Level 2 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) identify key ways in which the production of scientific knowledge is shaped by gender; (2) use scientific knowledge to inform theories of sex and gender; (3) use gender studies to inform scientific methodologies and research; (4) communicate discipline-specific concepts for interdisciplinary contexts; and (5) use methodologies for optimising interdisciplinary understanding, communication and knowledge production.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) group assessment; (2) participation and engagement including quizzes; and (3) reflective journal. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Chantal Bourgault du Coudray and Dr Heather Bray
- Unit rules
- Contact hours
- 2 hours per week for 12 weeks
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.