Science Fiction, Science Fact
UndergraduateRMI-SCI3022024
Course information for 2024 intake
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.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Science Fiction, Science Fact
About this subject
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.
- 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
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%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
One of Australia's largest dual-sector institutes, offering both TAFE and higher education, RMIT University proudly delivers work-related education and practical research relevant to current business and community needs. More than 96,000 students study with RMIT, and many of their degrees are available through Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about RMIT University.
Explore RMIT courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 16
Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Others
A knowledge of secondary school mathematics is assumed
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
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.