Science and the continued quest for greater understanding and discovery in scientific disciplines is influenced by a range of forces that impact basic and applied research, as well as how research and understanding can be applied to solve problems, improve quality of life, and support further inquiry. In this course, students will explore the grounding of scientific disciplines, the processes of innovation that help to move science from knowledge to impact and utility, and the design and processes of scientific. The course also covers the boundaries of disciplines and the role of cross-disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary research and understanding in creating new knowledge and developing solutions for complex problems through the application of this science.
The course is split between two semesters. Semester 1 is focused primarily on evaluating the role and meaning of disciplines within science as well as the process of innovation used to moved from discovery to opportunities for application. In Semester 2, the course focuses on exploration of scientific research skills and communication, and also the impact of culture on scientific discovery, the skills to develop and document a research proposal, and how to communicate scientific work. In a series of lectures and discussions, we will consider some of the diverse influences that constrain and guide scientific enquiry. Students will engage in dialogue and debates, and work individually and in groups to explore the topics in this course.
More information about the Science Scholars Programme can be found here: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/study-with-us/science-scholars-programme.html.