Enrolments for 2018 have closed.
Science Fiction, Science Fact
Undergraduate | RMI-SCI302 | 2018
Course information for 2018 intake View information for 2024 course 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.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- -
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.
- The History of Science Fiction
- Suspended Animation & Cryogenics
- Life, but not as we know it
- Faster than Light Travel
- Combat in space
- Teleportation
- Blackholes/Wormholes
- Holography
- Timetravel
- Life in Zero Gravity
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 unit 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 unit 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.
- 11 on-line tests (55%)
- Assignment (45%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
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.
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