HUMN 2036 Mangamai'bangawarra: Indigenous Science
Credit Points 10
Legacy Code 300959
Coordinator Sam Venables Opens in new window
Description This unit explores aspects of Aboriginal science and medical science in the treatment and prevention of illness. The unit has a particular focus on the knowledge of the local D'harawal People. The culture and history of Indigenous Australians is introduced to provide a contextual backdrop to the study of Indigenous medical remedies from eastern Australia, the deserts, and the tropics. To complement this study, Indigenous perspectives on the seasons, weather and land management will be studied.
School Science
Discipline Indigenous Studies
Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp
Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.
Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject
Assumed Knowledge
Equivalent to a basic understanding of Level 1 introductory biology and chemistry.
Learning Outcomes
- Contrast Indigenous and European methods of transmitting knowledge from generation to generation,
- Consider Indigenous perspectives on culture and history, and appraise their integration into daily lives in areas such as the role of food sources in maintaining good health.
- Identify the Indigenous seasons and the perspective on weather.
- Evaluate the benefits of Indigenous methods of land management, including the roles of fire, conservation and sustainability.
- Identify and evaluate the effects of common plant treatments in the desert, eastern Australia and the tropics.
- Identify and evaluate the effects of common treatments based on animal and insect products.
- Critically appraise the methods and underlying presumptions of modern pharmaceutical science in research on Indigenous medicinal treatments.
Subject Content
2. The diversity of the Indigenous environment, focussing on the desert, eastern Australia and the tropics, and the role of seasons on those environments.
3. Indigenous relationship to the land and to sustainable land management and care.
4. Common plant treatments in the desert, eastern Australia and the tropics.
5. Treatments derived from animal products and insects.
6. The interaction of modern pharmaceutical science with Indigenous medical treatments.
7. The role of diet in maintaining good health in diverse environments desert, eastern Australia and the tropics).
Assessment
The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.
| Item | Length | Percent | Threshold | Individual/Group Task |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion Board Participation | N/A | 10 | N | Individual |
| Oral Communication Exercise | 3000 words | 25 | N | Group |
| Electronic Presentation | Max 10 minutes | 25 | N | Individual |
| Final Examination | 2 hours | 40 | N | Individual |
Teaching Periods
Spring
Online
Online
Subject Contact Sam Venables Opens in new window