Sustainability Challenges in Science
Overview
This unit provides an introduction to the application of technical and professional skills to tackle real industry and community problems. The project will introduce students to what science is and the scientific method involved, situating this exploration in how science can create a sustainable future. Students will work in teams to address challenges set by industry/community partners, applying their technical knowledge while developing professional skills in teamwork, communication, research, innovation, complex problem solving, and digital literacy.
Requisites
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to work as an effective team member using simple project management tools
- Describe and apply the scientific method and consider professional practice in science
- Examine information and question the validity of sources
- Communicate professionally with team members and other stakeholders in written and verbal form
- Apply critical and creative thinking to real-world sustainability challenges
- Use appropriate digital tools for research, analysis and communication
- Explore Indigenous knowledges and practices of caring for Country and apply learnings to sustainability challenges
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Online Lecture | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| On-campus Class | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| On-campus Workshop | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Online Learning activities | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 8.50 | 12 weeks | 102 |
| TOTAL | 162 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | Group | 50 - 70% | 1,3,4,5,6,7 |
| Portfolio | Individual | 10 - 30% | 3,4,5,6 |
| Portfolio | Individual | 5 - 25% | 1,2,4,6,7 |
Content
Project work on exploring a real-world sustainability challenge
Ecological and environmental sustainability
Indigenous knowledges and caring for Country
Data analysis and presentation
Teamwork framework
Professional Communication
Presentation skills
Professional Purpose - Introduction and exploring your Professional Purpose
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.