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Unit outline_

HPSC3888: HPSC Interdisciplinary Project

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Our ever-changing world requires knowledge that extends across multiple disciplines. The ability to identify and explore interdisciplinary links is a crucial skill for emerging professionals and researchers alike. This unit presents the opportunity to bring together the concepts and skills you have learnt in your discipline and apply them to a real-world problem. You will work on a project which involves evaluating theories in HPS based on knowledge drawn from collaborators in another discipline, for instance by taking a recent scientific controversy or theoretical innovation as a case study. For example, you might test a proposal about the theoretical basis of neuroscience by comparing it to a predictive coding model of brain function, or test assumptions about how scientific models work by studying specific models in climatology or ecology. In this unit, you will continue to understand and explore disciplinary knowledge, while also meeting and collaborating with students from across the University through project-based learning; identifying and solving problems, collecting and analysing data and communicating your findings to a diverse audience. All of these skills are highly valued by employers. This unit will foster the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, and this is essential for both professional and research pathways in the future.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit History and Philosophy of Science Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
12 credit points of HPSC2XXX
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

Students should have demonstrated the ability to explain topics and concepts in HPS at an intermediate level

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Daniela Helbig, daniela.helbig@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Rebecca Mann, rebecca.c.mann@sydney.edu.au
Daniela Helbig, daniela.helbig@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment group assignment Group Report: Culmination of Project
To be produced in a visual format ((e.g., Shorthand). Details on Canvas.
30% Formal exam period
Due date: 11 Nov 2024 at 23:59
Visual format: details on Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment Establishing thematic framework
Reflective essay on history and philosophy of platypus research
20% Week 06
Due date: 08 Sep 2024 at 23:59
2000 words (details on Canvas)
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment Museum Studies essay
Review essay on Museum Studies
20% Week 08
Due date: 22 Sep 2024 at 23:59
2000 words (details on Canvas)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Presentation Team presentation project findings
Project presentation
20% Week 09
Due date: 24 Sep 2024 at 16:00
Visual format as specified in Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Small continuous assessment Written feedback presentation (peer review)
Written feedback on student presentation (peer review)
5% Week 09
Due date: 29 Sep 2024 at 23:59
500 words (see Canvas for details)
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO6 LO5
Small continuous assessment Written feedback on draft project
Written feedback on final project 'Culmination of Project'
5% Week 12
Due date: 27 Oct 2024 at 23:59
500 words (see Canvas for details)
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO6 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

 

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Overview: David Fleay, platypus research, museums, labels etc Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Chau Chak Wing Museum: archive visit Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 02 Context for Fleay: platypus biology, history of platypus research. Start visual tools training. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Australian Museum Archives: introduction to archiving Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 03 Context for Fleay: platypus biology, history of platypus research; Visual tools training. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Australian Museum Digital Experience team (online collections, website, digital tools, podcasts etc). Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 04 Platypus conservation today: issues and challenges. Visual tools and project work. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Education and science communication (Australian Museum) Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Museum studies focus; Chau Chak Wing Museum exhibition focus Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Australian Museum Archives Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 06 Museum studies; Visual tools workshop. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Australian Museum Archives Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 07 Museum studies; Visual tools workshop Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Australian Museum Archives Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Museum studies; Visual tools workshop Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Australian Museum Archives Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO7
Week 09 Presentation and feedback assessments Presentation (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Australian Museum Climate Solutions Centre Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 10 Self-directed project work; staff available for 1: 1 consultation Project (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Self-directed project work; staff available for 1: 1 consultation Project (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 11 Self-directed project work; staff available for 1: 1 consultation Project (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Self-directed project work; staff available for 1: 1 consultation Project (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Self-directed project work; staff available for 1: 1 consultation Project (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Self-directed project work; staff available for 1: 1 consultation Project (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 13 Self-directed project work; staff available for 1: 1 consultation Project (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Self-directed project work; staff available for 1: 1 consultation Project (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

See Canvas; additional details provided in class.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings and other material will be made available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Apply disciplinary knowledge to solve problems in an interdisciplinary context.
  • LO2. Find, define and delimit authentic problems in order to address them
  • LO3. Create an investigation strategy, explore solutions, discuss approaches and predict outcomes.
  • LO4. Analyse data using modern information technology and digital skills.
  • LO5. Demonstrate integrity, confidence, personal resilience and the capacity to manage challenges, both individually and in diverse teams
  • LO6. Collaborate with diverse groups and across cultural and disciplinary boundaries to develop solutions(s) to the project problems.
  • LO7. Communicate project outcomes effectively to a broad audience.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Following feedback from previous years, course focus and interdisciplinary partner changed. More HPS material; change of assessment formats and structure to match learning outcomes better. New staff added to improve learning experiences.

Students need to be available for 4 hours every Monday, morning and afternoon, for lectures/workshops and Museum visits.

Site visit guidelines

Museum visit protocols will be discussed and formalized in class.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.