NATS 0010 Interpreting Data In Science (WSTC Prep)

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 700287

Coordinator Grant Boyd Opens in new window

Description Science is a way of knowing about the world. It is a process of discovery whose product, an evolving body of scientific knowledge and technology, is a significant determinant of modern Western societies. Engaging with the content, process, and social functions of science requires foundational scientific literacy, including the ability to access multiple textual forms, to construct meaning, and to critically evaluate new information in a scientific framework. In this subject students will develop skills in scientific literacy through undertaking case studies of contemporary relevance. Emphasis is placed on key competencies in scientific academic writing - collecting, analysing, organising, interpreting and communicating information - as well as solving problems related to mathematical ideas and techniques.

School Western Sydney The College

Discipline Natural and Physical Sciences, Not Elsewhere Classified.

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 0 Preparatory subject

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled at Western Sydney University, The College.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a command of academic English, including grammar, phrasing, effective sentence structure, spelling and punctuation in a variety of written contexts.
  2. Utilise appropriate reading strategies to comprehend academic texts.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of scientific concepts, terminology, principles, concepts and practical techniques.
  4. Display an understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of applications of science.
  5. Present data in an appropriate manner.
  6. Identify and explain patterns in data including anomalies.
  7. Interpret various textual forms, including written text, diagrams, graphs and numerical formulae in the context of contemporary case-studies that incorporate concepts from physics, chemistry and biology.
  8. Evaluate scientific information in the context of contemporary case-studies that incorporate concepts from physics, chemistry and biology.

Subject Content

1. Interpreting texts and analysing information in relation to sustainability and the environment
2. Synthesis of scientific texts through understanding of scientific history
3. Relating experimental data to scientific concepts
4. Introduction to academic writing in scientific context
5. Interpreting texts and analysing information involving numeracy and concepts from physics, chemistry and biology
1. Interpreting texts and analysing information in relation to sustainability and the environment
2. Synthesis of scientific texts through understanding of scientific history
3. Relating experimental data to scientific concepts
4. Introduction to academic writing in scientific context
5. Interpreting texts and analysing information involving numeracy and concepts from physics, chemistry and biology

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.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task Mandatory
Quiz 40 minutes 10 N Individual N
Summary 250 words 20 N Individual N
Portfolio 1000 words 40 N Individual N
Reflection 700 words 30 N Individual N

Teaching Periods

Term 1 (2024)

Nirimba Education Precinct

On-site

Subject Contact Phillip Newman Opens in new window

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Term 3 (2024)

Nirimba Education Precinct

On-site

Subject Contact Phillip Newman Opens in new window

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Term 1 (2025)

Nirimba Education Precinct

On-site

Subject Contact Phillip Newman Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Term 3 (2025)

Nirimba Education Precinct

On-site

Subject Contact Phillip Newman Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window