Undergraduate RMI-SCI302-2023

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.

Duration

13 weeks

Study method

100% Online

Available loans

HECS-HELP
FEE-HELP

Assessments

100% online

Prior study

Not required

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2023

Subject details

What you'll learn

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.

Topics covered

- 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

Entry requirements

Others

A knowledge of secondary school mathematics is assumed

Additional requirements

No additional requirements

Description

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.

Assessments

12 x on-line tests (theory based) (36%)
3 x online tests (math-based) (20%)
1 x Written essay (44%)

Textbooks

For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).