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 is a unique capstone opportunity to merge your interests with disciplinary knowledge, to address a contemporary global issue that you predict will impact humanity by 2050. Working as a team, you can collaborate with any peers you want to university-wide (this is not just for science students, any undergraduate student can participate).

The program consists of three parts:

1. Panel discussions: Attend 4 face-to-face sessions where senior leaders in the Faculty of Science, industry and government representatives engage in conversation about global issues. The topic of conversation is driven by student demand. See how competing perspectives and broad expertise can be used to start addressing some of the greatest challenges facing the world.

Inspired by these conversations, choose a topic of interest; something you predict will face humanity by the year 2050. Form a team (2-4 people) to participate in the Science Fair and Video components of the Competition.

2. Science Fair: A public event held on October 8. Teams each have a stall and create an interactive display to showcase their topic to passers-by during communal lunch hour.

3. Video: Create a 3-minute video about your chosen topic.

The prize: The winning team will win $3000! Plus any high-quality performing team will receive a Letter of Commendation from the Executive Dean (Faculty of Science). The cohort will also be invited to relevant Faculty events that serve as networking opportunities as they arise throughout semester.

Credit
0 points
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) communicate a contemporary idea in science both face-to-face and online to the UWA and/or broader community; (2) collaborate with peers from a broad range of science and non-science disciplines; and (3) present an idea from a global perspective.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) science fair (an interactive stall to communicate a topic of interest to passers-by) and (2) video (a 3-minute video to communicate a topic of interest to the broader community). Further information is available in the unit outline.



This unit is assessed on an ungraded pass/ungraded failed basis. All assessment items must be successfully completed.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Megan Ellyard
Contact hours
4 x 1-hour face-to-face sessions, and 2 hour attendance for the 'Science Fair.'
Optional 'sound-boarding' sessions (a one-hour session after each panel discussion) will also be scheduled for those who want an allocated time to work on their Science Fair and Video assignments.
Note
The Panel Discussion sessions take place during communal lunch hour (Tuesdays 1-2pm) each week for the first 4 weeks of semester (July 30, August 6, 13 and 20). These sessions will not be recorded.

The Science Fair will take place on October 8 12-2pm (including set-up/pack-down). There will be an optional Video Screening event on October 15 to view all the teams videos, complete with popped-corn and bean bags. There will also be an optional end-of-program celebration event held on October 22 to announce the competition winners.

Students who don't want to participate in the competition (and therefore don't want to enrol in the unit) are more than welcome to attend the Panel Discussion sessions. Indeed, enrolled students are encouraged to bring their (UWA undergraduate) friends.

For more information visit https://www.science.uwa.edu.au/students/uwa-science-challenge
  • 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.