Universität Wien
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300094 VU Scientific Thinking: Understanding Evolution (2026W)

How does science construct our knowledge of the natural world ?

5.00 ECTS (3.00 SWS), SPL 30 - Biologie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle
We 07.10. 11:30-13:00 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1

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Details

max. 16 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Wednesday 14.10. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 21.10. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 28.10. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 04.11. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 11.11. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 18.11. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 25.11. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 02.12. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 09.12. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 16.12. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 13.01. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 20.01. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 27.01. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The course is intended to help students and teachers of science to improve their understanding and communication of central scientific concepts. The focus will be on how scientists acquire and evaluate new knowledge: how we know what we know. Participants will work with various modes of thinking employed in science, mostly in the context of how we study evolutionary history and processes, but including other areas of science as well.

Topics include the nature and practice of science, scientific worldviews in historical and global context, the main scientific concepts upon which evolutionary science is built, and how scientists think about different kinds of questions about the natural world.

Class will include regular writing exercises, which will emphasize clear and precise expression, as well as vocabulary. Class discussions will be based on readings and other materials selected for each topic, in addition to lectures. Exercises will include communication of scientific ideas and results to non-scientific audiences.

Assessment and permitted materials

In addition to lectures, the course will include small-group discussions, reading/viewing assignments, and writing assignments with peer assessment.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Evaluation is based on class participation (50%) and completion of homework assignments (50%). Attendance is required: two absences (excused or unexcused) will be allowed before your grade is affected (approx. 1 grade point per two additional absences).

There will be weekly reading and homework assignments, most of which will include a written assignment to be discussed in class.

Examination topics

Discussion and presentation of homework and writing exercises and in-class group work.

Reading list

Weekly assignments of various articles, videos, and other resources.

Association in the course directory

MEC 4, MZO4, MZO W3, MES5, MBO 7, MEC-9, MA EST M4

Last modified: We 09.09.2026 16:47