This module introduces students to science as a broad, dynamic, and interdisciplinary field of academic inquiry. It explores how different fields of science frame questions, generate evidence, develop explanations, and contribute to understanding real-world issues. Through selected topics across contemporary science, students are encouraged to consider how scientific ideas, methods, and evidence are used to investigate challenges related to the natural world, environment and human health, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable development. Weekly topics are delivered through lectures and studios. Lectures introduce key scientific questions, concepts, methods, and examples, while studios provide opportunities for students to discuss ideas, compare perspectives across fields of science, engage with evidence, and reflect on possible science-related pathways. The module emphasises exploration, comparison, evidence-informed reasoning, and reflection rather than advanced disciplinary mastery, helping students recognise both the diversity and the shared foundations of scientific study. The module sits within the Semester 1 Academic Horizons block and supports students’ transition into English-medium university learning. It helps students engage with academic expectations, learning resources, and introductory scientific inquiry while developing communication, collaboration, analytical thinking, and reflective learning skills. The module is suitable for Year 1 students who wish to explore possible science-related pathways and make a more informed provisional pathway alignment decision by the end of Semester 1.
A Use English-medium academic resources, discussions, and learning activities to locate, describe, and communicate introductory scientific ideas, questions, and evidence using appropriate academic conventions. B Explain and analyse key concepts, theories, and methodologies used in different fields of science to investigate and address real-world issues. C Apply foundational scientific concepts, inquiry skills, and reflective learning strategies to explore shared local and global challenges and prepare for progression into later science-related study.
The module is co-delivered through the common Semester 1 Academic Horizons spine by academic staff from seven science-related undergraduate programmes, in collaboration with LIFE staff. Academic staff contribute scientific research contexts, disciplinary perspectives, challenge framing, subject expertise, and assessment of the academic project output. LIFE staff support the development of inquiry processes, evidence-informed exploration, teamwork, reflection, effective use of feedback, and pathway alignment activities.