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Study science online with RMIT University through Open Universities Australia. Explore all degrees, subjects and short courses now.

From Jules Verne to Star Trek, science fiction has proven to be remarkably prescient in developing new technologies, and shaping attitudes towards that technology. You will also study why certain predictions did not come true. This subject uses ideas from science fiction to inform and educate you about key concepts in science and technology in an on-mathematical way. You will explore not only the limits imposed by physics, but also some of the ways that science fiction has inspired ways to be at those limits. Examples include teleportation, quantum computing, time travel and warp drives.
This subject will enable you to better understand the role of science and technology  in shaping the future, gain an understanding of the scientific process, recognise the importance of multidisciplinary research teams for solving some of the society’s biggest technological challenges, and help them take their place in Designing the Future.
The subject will be delivered in 3 blocks of 4 weeks each, with each block including 4 x theory-based and 1 x math-based online tests. For each block, all material will be available immediately, and all online tests will be due before the commencement of the following block.

Navigate the journey between science fact and fiction. Learn how fictional ideas inspire futuristic, functional design. From Star Trek to cryogenics and nanotechnology, clarify how scientific research has solved many tech challenges in society. 

Science Fiction, Science Fact

This subject is a general science elective for students without necessarily a science background, nevertheless a fundamental mathematical component is key to fully appreciating the topic material (this includes a basic understanding of algebra, trigonometry and logarithms; no calculus is required in this course).
The subject provides an introduction to some of the key concepts in astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. An understanding of stars, galaxies, black holes and the Universe in general is developed. In addition, students are invited to research their own area of interest in astronomy to a depth dictated by their own ability.

Revolve around the origin and development of the galaxy and universe. Navigate a course in astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. Explore the life cycle of stars and the gravitational effects of black holes. Discuss the Big Bang hypothesis. 

Astronomy and Black Holes

Gain an understanding of animal identification for future employment in agricultural, horticultural and environmental areas. You will finish the subject being able to examine animal structure and identify animals in phylum or better level using appropriate techniques. You will study invertebrates (sponges, cnidarian, flatworms, molluscs, annelids, anthropods, nematodes, echinoderms, etc.) and the vertebrates (fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals). You will also learn about lifecycles, structure, function and reasons for importance of different groups of animals.

Take a virtual trek into the natural world and study the structures, lifecycles and functions of different animal groups. Explore animal reproduction and body processes. Identify the characteristics in fauna as varied as amphibians, worms, mammals and birds.

Animal Diversity

*More details will be provided at the commencement of the relevant Study Period and available on Canvas.

Become confident in recognising plant genus and species. Learn their characteristics, importance, application and place in the environment. Use taxonomy and classification to get acquainted with the unknown.

Plant Diversity

This course will provide you with an in-depth knowledge and practical skills on the structural and functional components of cells, tissues and organisms (at undergraduate year level 2). It provides a study of the chemical processes taking place in organisms and the technical skills needed to investigate these processes. It introduces key concepts of biological chemistry and relates them to cell physiology, with an emphasis on structure-function relationships.The course aims to develop your knowledge of different aspects of biochemistry through lectures, and the application of skills and knowledge is demonstrated in practical sessions, which help develop the employability skills required in biochemical analysis in a range of industries.The course also develops skills related to the critical assessment of scientific data and the presentation of scientific results used in all disciplines within the sciences.

Cultivate skills about structures, properties and functions of cells, tissues and organisms. Study biomolecules, enzyme kinetics, and metabolism. Reveal chemical processes in organisms. Develop technical and biochemical investigation talents

Biological Chemistry

This subject introduces you to the biology of eukaryotic cells, emphasising cells as the basic subject of life and their evolutionary origins. Topics covered include: diversity of cells, cellular macromolecules and molecular diversity; organelle structures and functions; cellular energetics; experimental techniques used to examine cells; membranes and movement of molecules; enzymes and enzyme regulation; cellular respiration, fermentation and photosynthesis; DNA, the genetic code, RNA and gene transcription, protein synthesis and cell division.
This subject lays the foundation for more advanced studies in biotechnology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular and organismal biology.

Discover the structure, diversity and function of living cells. Explore cell origin and evolution. Learn the specialised role of eukaryotic organelles. Put cells under the microscope from composition and respiration to division and regulation

Cell Structure and Function

This is a Work Integrated Learning subject which prepares you for employment through a combination of:
<ul><li>lectures on topics important to the professional scientist, such as working in teams, legal and ethical aspects of science, risk recognition;</li><li>working in teams to develop a mock research project grant application on a topic of interest to industry.</li></ul>
The skills and knowledge that you gain will be used throughout your career. This subject is taken in the final year of an undergraduate course and provides an introduction to those areas of professional practice not generally covered within your technical degree.

Examine a scientific career. Gain professional workplace experience for your future in science. Learn practical legal and ethical issues and risk assessment techniques. Work in teams to create and deliver a mock research project. Write a business case. 

The Professional Scientist

This subject is intended to extend the students&#39; knowledge of the environment through the study of selected topics in Environmental Studies. All topics are available in online/independent mode. A selection of nine topics will be offered and students will select two. These topics include: studies in the environmental impact of hazardous wastes and contaminated sites; mining; water treatment; and agriculture. Studies in the atmosphere and soil environments are also included. Further information on the contents of the topics will be available from the subject coordinator.
All subject material, including learning guides, is accessed via Blackboard (Learning Hub).
Assessment by assignments and online tests, depending on topics chosen.

Grow and nurture your knowledge of the environment. Map the impact of carbon dioxide produced by human activities. Reveal the state of the environment and impact of mining. Study hazardous waste and wastewater treatment. 

Environmental Studies

<div id="cke_pastebin">This subject introduces students to basic concepts in Environmental Science and provides them with a specific background on the composition and structure of the Earth. Students will study the development of the Earth from its cosmic beginnings to the current structure of the atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. The interaction between these components will be investigated and the environment of the Melbourne area will be used extensively to illustrate the topics studied. This subject contains independent fieldwork.</div>

Orbit the earth’s structure. Revisit cosmic beginnings and compare the atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere today. Scan the scope of space from stars and soils to tectonics. Use Melbourne as a setting to demonstrate your learning. 

The Changing Environment

This course is intended to provide a deep understanding of the issues of energy production, transmission and usage. The processes of energy production and consumption will be discussed qualitatively and quantitatively, informed by a working knowledge of the physical principles governing the transformation of energy from one form to another.  The course comprises the following components:<ul><li>Introduction to Energy Requirements and Usage - covers societal factors influencing the demand for energy and an overview of fossil fuels.</li><li>Introduction to Energy Concepts - covers a range of relevant physics needed for the understanding of the other topics, including force &amp; motion, work &amp; energy, temperature &amp; heat, fluids and basic electricity.</li><li>Methods of Energy Production - provides an overview of a broad range of alternative and renewable methods of energy production. This section includes discussion of the science behind solar, wind, wave, tidal, geothermal, biomass, hydro and nuclear energy sources.</li><li>Introduction to Energy Efficiency and Fuel Cells.</li><li>Introduction to atmospheric physics and the greenhouse effect.</li></ul>

Fuel an understanding of energy production, transmission and usage. Unearth issues driving demand for energy. Consider traditional and alternative energy methods. Study the physical principles behind energy transformation from one type to another. 

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