Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor Dr Greg Robertson Contact via the "Ask the unit convenor a question" tool in iLearn. X5B117 Face to face meetings are by appointment only. Please make an appointment through iLearn.
Credit points	Credit points 3
Prerequisites	Prerequisites
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description This unit provides an introduction to why people make irrational decisions and how an understanding of the scientific process can assist making rational decisions in everyday life. The unit will include examination of flaws in human perception and cognitive biases, characteristics of pseudoscience as well as features and limitations of scientific approaches. Principles discussed in the unit will be illustrated with practical examples including paranormal claims, questionable educational interventions and dubious health claims. You will be equipped with tools to evaluate evidence, strengthen your reasoning and improve your decision making in both academic study as well as everyday life.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

Students will describe and critically evaluate the basic features and limitations of a scientific approach to evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will identify typical indicators of pseudo-science in evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will critically evaluate at a basic level a range of claims and evidence from a range of academic and non-academic sources.
Students will explain common factors that contribute to errors in human judgement when evaluating claims.

General Assessment Information

Assessment Presentation and Submission Guidelines

Please follow these guidelines when you submit your assignment:

Use the assignment template and supply all information
Please type all assignments using 12-point font and 1.5 spacing
Submit the assignment in .doc format through the Turnitin link on ilearn
It is your responsibility to ensure that all assessments are successfully submitted through Turnitin
Additional assignment cover sheets are NOT required

Draft Submissions & Turnitin Originality Reports

Students may use Turnitin’s Originality Report as a learning tool to improve their academic writing if this option is made available in the unit.
Students are strongly encouraged to upload a draft copy of each assessment to Turnitin at least one week prior to the due date to obtain an Originality Report.
The Originality Report provides students with a similarity index that may indicate if plagiarism has occurred. Students will be able to make amendments to their drafts prior to their final submission on the due date.
Generally, one Originality Report is generated every 24 hours up to the due date.
Students should regularly save a copy of all assignments before submission.
Students are responsible for checking that their submission has been successful and has been submitted by the due date and time.

Assignment extensions and late penalties

In general, there should be no need for extensions except through illness or misadventure that would be categorised as serious and unavoidable disruption according to the University definition of same, see: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration
Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ according to the Special Consideration policy. Extensions can only be granted if they meet the Special Considerations policy and are submitted via https://ask.mq.edu.au/. This will ensure consistency in the consideration of such requests is maintained.
Late submissions without extension will receive a penalty of 5% reduction of the total possible mark for each day late (including weekends and public holidays). You are reminded that submitting even just 1 day late could be the difference between passing and failing a unit. Late penalties are applied by unit convenors or their delegates after tasks are assessed.
No assessable work will be accepted after the return/release of marked work on the same topic. If a student is still permitted to submit on the basis of unavoidable disruption, an alternative topic may be set.
Students should keep an electronic file of all assessments. Claims regarding "lost" assessments cannot be made if the file cannot be produced. It is also advisable to keep an electronic file of all drafts and the final submission on a USB untouched/unopened after submission. This can be used to demonstrate easily that the assessment has not been amended after the submission date.

Requesting a re-assessment of an assignment

If you have evidence that your task has been incorrectly assessed against the grade descriptors you can request a re-mark. To request a re-mark you need to contact the unit convenor within 7 days of the date of return of the assignment and provide a detailed assessment of your script against the task criteria. Evidence from your assignment must be provided to support your judgements. Please note: The outcome of a re-mark may be a higher/lower or unchanged grade. Grades are standards referenced and effort is NOT a criterion.

University policy on grading

Criteria for awarding grades for assessment tasks

Assignments will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the University's Grading Policy. The following descriptive criteria are included for your information.

Descriptive Criteria for awarding grades in the unit

In order to meet the unit outcomes and successfully pass this unit, students must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks. Where any submitted assessment task is considered to be unsatisfactory in this regard, the highest possible final grade that can be awarded for the unit will be 45.

Students will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the policy: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment-in-effect-from-session-2-2016

The following generic grade descriptors provide university-wide standards for awarding final grades.

Grade	Descriptor
HD (High Distinction)	Provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application as appropriate to the discipline.
D (Distinction)	Provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience.
Cr (Credit)	Provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline.
P (Pass).	Provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes
F (Fail)	Does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline.

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Hurdle	Due
Topic Quizzes	25%	No	Weeks nominated in schedule
Assignment	35%	No	Sunday 8 September @ 11:59pm
Final Examination	40%	No	Examination period

Topic Quizzes

Due: Weeks nominated in schedule
Weighting: 25%

A total of 9 Online Topic Quizzes, each of 5 minutes duration, will be conducted in iLearn. They will typically consist of 5 multiple choice questions and a random open-ended question asking you to justify or explain one of your answer choices. These quizzes will assess key knowledge and understanding of required readings for the relevant weekly tutorial as well as key concepts from the preceding topic. For example, the quiz conducted in the second week of the semester will cover the reading for Topic 2 and the content of Topic 1. Please note that the required readings for the first quiz include the Unit Guide. Dates for quizzes and required readings are available in the Unit Schedule section of this guide.

Topic Quizzes will be conducted online and the 5 minute completion time will start as soon as you commence the quiz. Students cannot stop and restart a quiz once commenced. Each student may attempt the quiz only once. All quizzes will open at 9am on the Monday of each week and close at midnight on Sunday each week. Please read the instructions in the Unit Guide carefully. You can only open and start the quiz once. You cannot save answers and return later. You must complete the quiz in one sitting.

The best 7 scores in these quizzes will count toward the final mark for this component of the assessment. Students may elect not to complete all of the Topic Quizzes but will be disadvantaged if they complete less than 7. The facility to disregard quiz scores is designed to allow for missed quizzes due to events such as illness, religious or public holidays, PACE unit requirement, cancelled classes and other disruptions.

There will be no provision for repeats of the Topic Quizzes under any circumstances as only 7 quizzes need to be completed. In cases where acceptable unavoidable disruption to study is documented for more than 2 missed quizzes, students may submit a request for special consideration via:

https://www.ask.mq.edu.au

If you have documented unavoidable disruption to studies affecting more than two quizzes your overall result will be calculated by scaling your average score for the remaining quizzes.

The Online Topic Quizzes must be completed individually and collaboration with peers or collusion is not permitted. Any collaboration or other misconduct may be referred to the University for disciplinary action in accordance with the Academic Honesty Policy (see Policies and Procedures in this Guide).

Feedback and Confidentiality

The results of Topic Quizzes for students will be posted on the unit web site as soon as possible following the closing time of the quiz.

Answers to Topic Quizzes will be provided by the tutor in the week following the relevant quiz. These quiz items and answers are confidential. This means you may not record, copy, photograph, write down or by any means transmit any quiz questions or answers at any point in the completion of this assessment task including during the online test and during feedback sessions in tutorials.

Quiz Grading

Raw scores for the best 7 quizzes completed will be totalled and moderated scores and corresponding grades will be allocated as indicated in the following table. For example, a raw score on your best 7 results of 29/35 will receive a moderated score of 65 and the corresponding grade of Credit.

Raw Score / 35

Moderated Score

Grade

100

On successful completion you will be able to:

Students will describe and critically evaluate the basic features and limitations of a scientific approach to evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will identify typical indicators of pseudo-science in evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will critically evaluate at a basic level a range of claims and evidence from a range of academic and non-academic sources.
Students will explain common factors that contribute to errors in human judgement when evaluating claims.

Assignment

Due: Sunday 8 September @ 11:59pm
Weighting: 35%

Details of the assignment and the Assignment Template on which the assignment MUST be submitted are provided in the Assessment section of the ilearn site.

The assignment will consist of two parts. The first part will involve a conceptual question related to content considered in the first four weeks of the unit. In the second part you will be required to apply concepts covered in the unit to analyse a provided scenario and/or webpages, including analysis of possible red flags/signs of pseudoscience and/or features of a scientific approach.

What is the format of the assignment?

The assignment must be completed using the Assignment Template provided on the iLearn site. You must complete the assignment in the provided template and you must complete all of the required details, including word counts where requested. You need to cite sources used in your paper and provide a reference list for any references cited. You must use strict APA publication style for both citations and the reference list. A link to a style guide will be provided in the Assessment section of the web site.

What is the Word Limit?

Each question of the assignment has a word limit and the total maximum words for the assignment is 1,200. This includes in-text citations but excludes your reference list. The word limit for each section will be indicated. Markers will not read beyond the stated limit.

Do I have to Complete the Assignment on the Provided Template?

There will be a 5% penalty where the template is not used or not fully completed, including word counts.

How Do I Submit My Assignment?

A Turnitin assignment link will be provided in the Assessment section of the iLearn site. All assignments must be submitted via this link where they will be subject to a plagiarism check.

Can I get an extension? Can I Submit a Late Assignment?

Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ at https://ask.mq.edu.au as a "Special consideration" request before the submission date. Students who experience a disruption to their studies through ill-health or misadventure are able to apply for this request. Extensions can only be granted if they meet the Special consideration policy and are submitted via ask.mq.edu.au. This will ensure consistency in the consideration of such requests is maintained.

In general, there should be no need for extensions except through illness or misadventure that would be categorised as unavoidable disruption according to the University definition of same, and currently available at:

https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration

Late submissions without extension will receive a penalty of 5% reduction of the total possible mark for each day late (including weekends and public holidays). You are reminded that submitting even just 1 day late could be the difference between passing and failing a unit. Late penalties are applied by unit convenors or their delegates after tasks are assessed.

No assessable work will be accepted after the return/release of marked work on the same topic. If a student is still permitted to submit on the basis of unavoidable disruption, an alternative topic may be set.

Students should keep an electronic file of all assessments. Claims regarding "lost" assessments cannot be made if the file cannot be produced. It is also advisable to keep an electronic file of all drafts and the final submission on a USB untouched/unopened after submission. This can be used to demonstrate easily that the assessment has not been amended after the submission date.

When is the Deadline?

The deadline is 11:59 pm on the due date. Note that this means you must submit BEFORE 11:59 pm. Note that it takes time to upload your assignment to Turnitin. This is normally quite quick but will depend on the speed of your internet connection at the time. The submission time is the time that assignment is recorded as received by Turnitin as we can not verify the time you started uploading. You need to allow time for the upload. Do not leave submission of your assignment to the last hours (or minutes).

What if I Accidentally Submit a Blank Assignment, the Wrong Document, etc?

We can only mark what you submit. Make sure you re-download your assignment from the location that it was submitted and verify the correct document has been submitted. No consideration will be offered if you submit the incorrect document. You may submit your assignment as many times as you wish before the due date and only the last submitted version will be marked.

How do I Know My Assignment Submission was Successful?

You are responsible for checking that Turnitin has received and processed your assignment. Always keep a copy of your assignment.

How will I get feedback on my assignment?

Your marked assessment task, along with feedback information, will be returned via Turnitin in iLearn. Feedback will consist of comments on your assignment, your performance level on the marking rubric for each criterion, and your grade for the task as a whole.

Can I Resubmit an Assignment?

No. Students are required to gain an overall pass on the unit, but do not have to pass all assessment components. If you perform poorly on one component, you may compensate for this with an improved performance in the other components. Resubmission of assessments is not permitted.

Can I ask for a review of the grade of my assignment?

If you have evidence that your task has been incorrectly assessed against the grade descriptors you can request a remark. To request a re-mark, you need to contact the unit convenor within 7 days of the date of return of the assignment and provide a detailed assessment your script against the task criteria. Evidence from your assignment must be provided to support your judgements.

Please note: The outcome of a review may be a higher or lower or unchanged grade. Grades are standards referenced and effort is NOT a criterion.

Where is the Marking Rubric?

A copy of the marking rubric will be provided in the Assessment section of the iLearn site.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Students will identify typical indicators of pseudo-science in evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will critically evaluate at a basic level a range of claims and evidence from a range of academic and non-academic sources.
Students will explain common factors that contribute to errors in human judgement when evaluating claims.

Final Examination

Due: Examination period
Weighting: 40%

A two-hour examination will be held during the university examination period. It will be comprised typically of questions that require short answers. For the final examination all lecture, tutorial material and readings are examinable.

Examination papers from previous years are available on e-reserve, and sample questions will be discussed in the final tutorial.

Please note that exams are scheduled Monday to Saturday. University rules specify that students must ensure that they are available for the full duration of the final examination period.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Students will describe and critically evaluate the basic features and limitations of a scientific approach to evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will identify typical indicators of pseudo-science in evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will critically evaluate at a basic level a range of claims and evidence from a range of academic and non-academic sources.
Students will explain common factors that contribute to errors in human judgement when evaluating claims.

Delivery and Resources

Required and recommended texts

There is no required textbook for this unit.

Readings

Weekly readings are designed to prepare students for the tutorials as well as broaden their understanding of topics. Readings should be completed prior to the tutorials for each topic. Readings may be downloaded directly from the unit's iLearn site.

Electronic Communication

It is the student’s responsibility to check all electronic communication on a regular weekly basis. Communication may occur via:

Official MQ Student Email Address
The Announcements function on iLearn

Information about the unit iLearn site

This unit has a full web presence through iLearn.
Students will need regular access to a computer and the Internet to complete this unit.
Weekly access to iLearn is compulsory for all students. Important assessment information will be posted here, as will other relevant unit notices and materials.

Access and technical assistance

Information for students about access to the online component of this unit is available at ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/. You will need to enter your student username and password.
Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearn technical help.
No extensions will be given for any technical issues. Allow enough time for your submissions.
Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk ph: 1800 67 4357, or log a request at help.mq.edu.au. OneHelp is the online IT support service for both students and staff.

This unit requires students to use several ICT and software skills

Internet access: The iLearn site contains materials for this unit; it is also required for the online submission of all Assessment Tasks, and for the use of Turnitin submission for ALL tasks.
Word processing, visual representations, and document formatting: You are required to use an appropriate form of software to present your assignments.
Uploading of assessment tasks to iLearn.

Structure

Lectures present content essential to the unit and provide the basis for subsequent tutorial activities. The lecture should be viewed before your tutorial. There are no face to face lectures. Lecture content will be delivered via video Echo360 recordings. A link to each Echo360 recording will be provided in the iLearn site.
Tutorials provide the opportunity to explore issues in depth through discussion and activities. Tutorials will start punctually. Quiz feedback, changes and important administrative issues are usually dealt with early in the tutorial. This information will not be repeated for students who arrive late. It is the individual student's responsibility to obtain any information that was missed due to lateness or absence.

Unit Schedule

Wk	Week Start	Lecture	Tutorial	Topic Quiz	Reading
1	29-Jul	Introduction	What Do You Believe?	No	1. Hoggart, S., & Hutchinson, M. (1995). Bizarre beliefs. Cohen Books: London, UK. Chapter 1, Introduction., pp. 9 – 17. 2. SPED102 Unit Guide
2	5-Aug	Cognitive Biases 1	The Fallacy of Personal Validation	Yes	French, C. C., & Wilson, K. (2007). Cognitive factors underlying paranormal beliefs and experiences. In S. Della Sala (ed.). Tall tales about the mind and brain: Separating fact from fiction. Oxford University Press: Oxford. pp. 3-22.
3	12-Aug	Cognitive Biases 2	Thanks for the Memories!	Yes	Loftus, E. F. (2005). Planting misinformation in the human mind: A 30-year investigation of the malleability of memory. Learning and Memory, 12, 361-366.
4	19-Aug	Science vs Pseudoscience	Astrology – Science or Pseudoscience?	Yes	Hines, T. (2003). Pseudoscience and the paranormal. Prometheus Books: Amherst, NY. The nature of pseudoscience, Chapter 1, pp.13- 41.
5	26-Aug	Pathological Science	Lets Make an Ology!	Yes	Huizenga, J. R. (1993). Cold fusion : The scientific fiasco of the century. Oxford University Press: Oxford. Chapter 12, Pathological science, pp. 201 – 214.
6	2-Sep	Research methods – Good vs Bad Science	Research Methods	Yes	Jackson, S. L. (2006) Research methods and statistics. Thomson Wadsworth. Chapter 1, pp. 11-25.
7	9-Sep	Use and Misuse of Statistics	Preparation of Bad Science Proposals	Yes	Goldacre, B. (2008). Bad science. McClelland & Stewart: London. Chapter 14, Bad stats, pp. 256-277.
8	30-Sep	No Lecture	No Tutorial	No	No reading
9	7-Oct	Education Related Pseudoscience	Presentation of Bad Science Proposals	Yes	Carter, M. & Wheldall, K. (2008). Why can’t a teacher be more like a scientist? Science, pseudoscience and the art of teaching. Australasian Journal of Special Education, 32, 5-21.
10	14-Oct	Health Related Pseudoscience	Alternative Medicines	Yes	Hall, H. (2013). Down the garden path: Faulty thinking and self-delusion. Skeptical Inquirer, 37 (4), 32-35.
11	21-Oct	Paranormal – The Truth is Out There	Psychics Exposed – Cold Reading Workshop	Yes	1. Hyman, R. (2003). How not to test mediums: critiquing the Afterlife Experiments, Skeptical Inquirer, 27 (1), 20-30. 2. Nickell, J. (2001) John Edward: Hustling the bereaved: Skeptical Inquirer, 25(6), 19-23.
12	28-Oct	Putting it all together – the take home message	Revision	No	No reading. Personal study time.
13	4-Nov	No Lecture	No Tutorial	No	No reading. Personal study time.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Appeals Policy
Academic Integrity Policy
Academic Progression Policy
Assessment Policy
Fitness to Practice Procedure
Grade Appeal Policy
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

Students will critically evaluate at a basic level a range of claims and evidence from a range of academic and non-academic sources.

Assessment tasks

Topic Quizzes
Assignment
Final Examination

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Students will describe and critically evaluate the basic features and limitations of a scientific approach to evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will identify typical indicators of pseudo-science in evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will critically evaluate at a basic level a range of claims and evidence from a range of academic and non-academic sources.

Assessment tasks

Topic Quizzes
Assignment
Final Examination

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

Students will explain common factors that contribute to errors in human judgement when evaluating claims.

Assessment tasks

Topic Quizzes
Assignment
Final Examination

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Students will describe and critically evaluate the basic features and limitations of a scientific approach to evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will identify typical indicators of pseudo-science in evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will critically evaluate at a basic level a range of claims and evidence from a range of academic and non-academic sources.

Assessment tasks

Topic Quizzes
Assignment
Final Examination

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Students will describe and critically evaluate the basic features and limitations of a scientific approach to evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will identify typical indicators of pseudo-science in evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will critically evaluate at a basic level a range of claims and evidence from a range of academic and non-academic sources.

Assessment tasks

Topic Quizzes
Assignment
Final Examination

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Students will describe and critically evaluate the basic features and limitations of a scientific approach to evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will identify typical indicators of pseudo-science in evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will critically evaluate at a basic level a range of claims and evidence from a range of academic and non-academic sources.
Students will explain common factors that contribute to errors in human judgement when evaluating claims.

Assessment tasks

Topic Quizzes
Assignment
Final Examination

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Students will identify typical indicators of pseudo-science in evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will critically evaluate at a basic level a range of claims and evidence from a range of academic and non-academic sources.

Assessment tasks

Topic Quizzes
Assignment
Final Examination

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Students will describe and critically evaluate the basic features and limitations of a scientific approach to evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will identify typical indicators of pseudo-science in evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will critically evaluate at a basic level a range of claims and evidence from a range of academic and non-academic sources.
Students will explain common factors that contribute to errors in human judgement when evaluating claims.

Assessment tasks

Topic Quizzes
Assignment
Final Examination

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Students will describe and critically evaluate the basic features and limitations of a scientific approach to evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will identify typical indicators of pseudo-science in evaluating evidence and claims.
Students will critically evaluate at a basic level a range of claims and evidence from a range of academic and non-academic sources.
Students will explain common factors that contribute to errors in human judgement when evaluating claims.

Assessment tasks

Topic Quizzes
Assignment
Final Examination

Changes since First Published

Date	Description
26/08/2019	The dates for weeks 8 to 13 in the unit schedule were incorrect.