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
For countless millennia people have yearned to understand our connection to Earth's nearest neighbours: the Sun, the Moon, the planets, meteorites, asteroids and comets. Over the millennia our understanding of our place in the solar system has changed dramatically. This unit takes students from traditional beliefs across all cultures (with particular focus on the rich cultural tradition of Australian Aboriginal solar system astronomy) to modern discoveries about our astronomical companions, their internal structure and how they were created. The second part of the unit focuses on life bearing planets. Students study the special attributes of planet Earth that enable it to support life. They explore theories about the origin of life and ask where else we may be able to discover life in the universe. Throughout this section students compare modern concepts of life and evolution with the rich traditional creation stories and traditional knowledge of ecology, climate and biodiversity. The last part of the unit focuses on the search for life elsewhere in the solar system, and the search for life bearing planetary systems and extraterrestrial civilisations. Students apply scientific scepticism to discuss evidence for previous encounters with extra-terrestrial beings and consider the possibility of interstellar space flight—the physics, the technology and the biology.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 1 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) compare and contrast two or more different cultural perspectives on the Sun, the planets and other solar system objects; (2) have an overview of the cultural quest to interpret the Earth's nearest neighbours, and how precision measurement led us to discover the scale and structure of the solar system; (3) have an understanding of the physical processes that led to the diversity of the planets, the special properties of planet Earth, and the evolution of life on planet Earth; (4) develop the ability to gather information and present it with clarity and depth of understanding; and (5) have a critical understanding in relation to studies and speculations about extrasolar planets and life in the universe.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignments and presentations and (2) final examination. 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)
- Associate Professor David Coward
- Unit rules
- Incompatibility
- SCIE2212 Our Place in Space
- Incidental fees
- Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available here).
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):(1) Field Trip (estimated cost - 25)
(2) Field Trip (estimated cost - 25). - Contact hours
- standard semester: lectures: 2 hours per week
oral presentation sessions
and field trips.
summer school: lectures : online lecture recordings from Semester 2
workshop/practical classes: 2 x 2 hrs per week
field trips (6 hours)
and presentations (4 - 6 hours).
- 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.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
- 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.