Undergraduate RMI-SCI302-2021
Science Fiction, Science Fact
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.
$993 $1,243
Your upfront cost: $0
Study method
100% online
Available loans
- HECS-HELP
- FEE-HELP
Assessments
100% online
Prior study
Not required
Study terms
- 01 Mar 2021
QS RANKING 2021
15
Times Higher Education Ranking 2021
23
Subject details
This subject will develop the following capabilities:
- An understanding of the role of scientific progress in modern and future society
- Improved critical analysis and problem solving skills
- Effective communication both orally and in writing
On successfully completing this subject, you will have a better understanding of the scientific method and using scientific principles, be able to describe what limits are imposed by physics to concepts commonly found in science fiction.
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- Introduction to Science Fiction
- The History of Science Fiction
- Nanotechnology
- Suspended Animation & Cryogenics
- Life, but not as we know it
- Life in Zero Gravity
- Faster than Light Travel
- Combat in space
- Teleportation
- Holography
- Timetravel
- Blackholes/Wormholes
Others
A knowledge of secondary school mathematics is assumed
Special requirements
No special requirements
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.
- 12 x on-line tests (theory based) (36%)
- 3 x online tests (math-based) (20%)
- 1 x Written essay (44%)
Check the learning management system (LMS) of your university for textbook details.