Science in Practice
UndergraduateUNE-SCI1002025
Understand how science is used in the real world. You’ll cover what makes good science and poor science, as well as ethics. Consider how findings are communicated, and how this impacts what can be analysed and interpreted.
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 12 Oct 2025
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Start dates
- 24 Feb 2025,
- 23 June 2025,
- 20 Oct 2025
- Price from
- $2,351
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Science in Practice
About this subject
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- identify, define and analyse problems, use scientific method to form and test hypotheses, apply basic statistical principles and logic and locate and use appropriate problem-solving tools;
- report scientific findings in written, visual and verbal forms, communicate a convincing and reasoned scientific argument at a level and style appropriate to the audience;
- work on a scientific activity both autonomously and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment and adapt to changing environments, including new technologies and method; and
- display an awareness of professional practice in relevant disciplines and an understanding, appreciation and respect for appropriate conduct and practice.
- Topics will be available to enrolled students in the subjects Learning Management System site approximately one week prior to the commencement of the teaching period.
As the applications of science and technology become increasingly embedded in our daily lives, this flexibly delivered unit offers you insights into how science is carried out in practice. Learn to ask the important questions that help us to differentiate good, poor and questionable science, as you explore how scientific findings are achieved and communicated, and the complex relationship between science and society. In this subject, you will build foundational knowledge and skills that are transferrable to all scientific disciplines and are invaluable in non-science settings as well. While developing your scientific literacy and numeracy, you will examine ethics, information management techniques, effective communication techniques, graphical representations of data, and research design.
Assessment 1: Participation in online and/or in-class discussions. 250 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1, 3, 4;
Assessment 2: Multiple-choice online quiz covering the scientific method, scientific theories, and the relationship between science and society. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1, 3, 4;
Assessment 3: A written report on a case of ethical misconduct by a scientist. 500 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1, 3, 4;
Assessment 4: Research proposal. 1500 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4;
Assessment 5: Online quiz on scientific numeracy. 100 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1, 3, 4;
Assessment 6: Online quiz on scientific numeracy. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1, 3, 4;
Assessment 7: Academic poster based on research proposal. 500 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4;
Assessment 8: Digital literacy. Create a video to communicate the research story of your research proposal and academic poster. Relates to Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4.
Prior to census date, UNE releases exam timetables. They’ll email important exam information directly to your UNE email address.- Assessment 1 (5%)
- Assessment 2 (5%)
- Assessment 3 (10%)
- Assessment 4 (20%)
- Assessment 5 (10%)
- Assessment 6 (10%)
- Assessment 7 (20%)
- Assessment 8 (20%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The University of New England is the only Australian public university to be awarded the maximum 5 stars for Overall Experience by the Good Universities Guide, 13 years in a row. UNE has delivered distance education since 1955—that’s longer than any other Australian university. Perhaps that’s why students continue to rate UNE so highly for student satisfaction and teaching quality. With over 170 degrees offered online, and more than 22,000 students, UNE is an expert in online education.
Learn more about UNE.
Explore UNE courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 36
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lecture and other media provided in subjects, a USB style headset has proven to provide superior audio quality to the jack style headset when used for online teaching software). Headset, including microphone (highly recommended for participation in virtual classrooms). Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or media presentations).
- Software requirements - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete their subjects. UNE's minimum requirements for all students in relation to the hardware and software a student requires to support their learning are found at: http://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware
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.
Why study a single subject?
Bite sized study
Try studying a particular area to see if online study suits you, or upskill in just a few months with a single subject that you’re interested in.
Pursue a dream
With thousands of single subjects to choose from, you can find topics that get you on the path to your higher education goals fast.
Gain Uni credit
Most single subjects are part of a full degree. That means if you’re keen to keep learning, you can gain credit for the subjects you’ve successfully completed.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateUNE-DSC-DIP
UndergraduateUNE-LGS-DEG
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.