University of Alberta

Science Literacy

Dr. Claire Scavuzzo

Instructor: Dr. Claire Scavuzzo

19,066 already enrolled

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.3

(247 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
Approx. 22 hours
Learn at your own pace
86%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.3

(247 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
Approx. 22 hours
Learn at your own pace
86%
Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

  • Learn how to think critically and understand the scientific method

  • Learn how to form well balanced and logical scientific arguments, read and design scientific research papers

  • Learn how to differentiate and discriminate science from pseudoscience, fake science and bad science

  • Become scientifically literate, and be able to critically evaluate information in the mainstream and social media, as well as every day life

Details to know

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Assessments

33 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 5 modules in this course

Welcome to Science Literacy! In a world where we have access to unlimited information, it is hard to sift through the echo chamber of opinions fueled by emotions and personal biases, rather than scientific evidence. Science Literacy will teach you about the process of science, how to think critically, how to differentiate science from pseudoscience, and how to critically evaluate scientific communication in the media. In this first module, we'll hear from indigenous elders about the traditional process of knowledge collection, and how it can be used to inspire, consolidate, and validate scientific hypotheses. We'll introduce the process and purpose of scientific thought and give you some tips and tricks for identifying biases in arguments, as well as how to distinguish common sense and intuition from genuine scientific theories. You'll also meet your presenters Claire and Rachel in the first video, so let's get started, and get scientifically literate!

What's included

7 videos10 readings4 assignments

In this module, you are going to learn how to differentiate and discriminate science from pseudoscience. We'll look at some common examples of pseudoscience in everyday life, and practice separating them from science, bad science and plain ol' fraudulent science. Finally we'll find out just what it is that makes pseudoscientific language so appealing, how to combat it by staying skeptical and examine the harm that pseudoscience can do, if left unchallenged.

What's included

3 videos7 readings10 assignments1 discussion prompt

In this module you'll learn a fundamental skill in science literacy- critical thinking! We'll introduce you to the basics of critical thinking before giving you the tools to try and apply some critical thinking to actual case studies. We'll also introduce the concept of correlation and demonstrate the difference between correlation and causation. We'll also examine the importance of replicability and the value (and burden) of extraordinary evidence. Finally, we'll visit the work of Karl Popper and discover why falsifiability lies at the heart of science literacy, and while complex conspiracy theories may appeal to the X Files fans in us, in science, the simplest explanation is often the most likely to be correct. So come on, it's time to get critical!

What's included

6 videos19 readings10 assignments

In this module, we'll be taking a deep dive, into the particular methods that scientists use to form knowledge and understanding of the world around us. We'll be dissecting the different parts of a scientific paper, learn that there is a way to read even the densest scientific papers and give you an opportunity to test these new skills out. You'll also learn how to construct a scientific experiment, from forming your hypothesis, to choosing your variables and most appropriate method of research design, from natural to survey. After this module, you'll not only be able to rad and understand scientific reports, but you'll be able to design and carry out your own!

What's included

4 videos13 readings1 assignment

Who knows you better than your peers? Well, if you're science...no one! In this module we'll be looking at all aspects of the peer review system, through which scientific knowledge is published- its pros, and its imperfections. We'll look at how statistics can be used to substantiate scientific theories, but also how they can be used to bolster spurious correlations and dodgy data! We'll also look at how the media communicates and miscommunicates science, and how even scientists themselves can fall into the traps of sharpening, leveling and pseudosymmetry. Finally, we'll explore open data and open access as an option for the improvement of science communication and improving access for the general public to scientific research, so they don't have to rely on social media!

What's included

7 videos25 readings8 assignments

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.6 (137 ratings)
Dr. Claire Scavuzzo
University of Alberta
1 Course19,066 learners

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4.3

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