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

Citizen science involves the participation of non-scientists in various aspects of scientific research. It represents a move to more participatory ways of public engagement with science and has attracted interest from scholars and policy makers as a way of increasing public appreciation of science. For scientists, citizen science can be a way to increase the scope and volume of data collection and analysis, particularly in the biological sciences. This unit looks at citizen science from an interdisciplinary perspective and examines key themes and issues such as participation, motivations and engagement, appropriate technologies, data quality and management, intellectual property, ethical issues, and policy implications.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) evaluate citizen science projects using an understanding of common themes and key arguments in the literature; (2) plan a successful and engaging citizen science project; and (3) evaluate key tensions and issues with citizen science projects and the broader social and scientific contexts in which they sit.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) evaluation assignment; (2) grant assignment; and (3) writing assignment. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Heather Bray
Contact hours
Lectures: 3 x 15 minute online lectures per week for 11 weeks
Workshops: 12 x 2 hour workshops
Self-directed learning (reading/online): 2 hours per week for 10 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.