Understanding Science
UndergraduateTAS-ZAS1122025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 16 Feb 2025
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 14 weeks
- Price from
- $2,001
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Understanding Science
About this subject
Upon successful completion of this subject, the student should be able to:
- Describe the nature and purpose of scientific knowledge and inquiry in society
- Communicate problems, methods, and solutions relating to science-based problems
- Identify and explain the role of ethical conduct in science
- Reflect upon contemporary science and scientific issues and their impact on your personal and professional development
- Module 1: What is science?
- Module 2: Science Communication
- Module 3: How does Science Work?
- Module 4: Hypotheses & theories
- Module 5: Workshop Science & Industry
- Module 6: The Scientific Method
- Module 7: Science & Society
- Module 8: Understanding Science and Sustainability
- Module 9: Ethics and Science
This subject provides a multidisciplinary introduction to the nature of science and scientific knowledge, the methods of science, and the communication of science. You will encounter perspectives on the nature and role of science in society and examine what science is, the importance of science for sustainable development and the role of ethical conduct in scientific endeavour. You will develop and enhance your scientific literacy to a level that will enable informed interpretation and communication of scientific information and an awareness of ethical conduct in scientific disciplines.
This subject also incorporates learning through practice by exposing you to authentic learning experiences. These experiences are placed at the centre of learning and assessment, for you to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to respond to industry, community and/or global needs.
You will be introduced to:
- a range of methods, tools, techniques and approaches to practice
- principles and perspectives such as values, ethics, empathy and leadership in real world scenarios
- reflection and deliberative thinking as a means of developing knowledge, skills, attitudes and aspirations
- ways of understanding problems and developing solutions through active inquiry.
- What is Science? (25%)
- Dissecting Science Reports (40%)
- Portfolio and Reflective Journal (35%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
Wherever you are, the University of Tasmania brings its island campus to you through a growing range of online programs across art and design, business, education, health, science, sustainability, technology, and more. It’s never too late to switch things up. Kickstart that career you’ve been dreaming about, or upskill for the one you’re in. You’ll also become a part of the world's leading university on climate action.
Learn more about UTAS.
Explore UTAS courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 20
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 19
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Additional requirements
- Other requirements - Teaching Arrangement: Online tutorials 1-2 hours per fortnight; online Workshops up to 2 days per semester.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Why study a single subject?
Bite sized study
Try studying a particular area to see if online study suits you, or upskill in just a few months with a single subject that you’re interested in.
Pursue a dream
With thousands of single subjects to choose from, you can find topics that get you on the path to your higher education goals fast.
Gain Uni credit
Most single subjects are part of a full degree. That means if you’re keen to keep learning, you can gain credit for the subjects you’ve successfully completed.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateTAS-ASC-DIP
Diploma of Applied Technologies (Fermentation)
UndergraduateTAS-ATF-DIP
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.