Project Launch

Sci. Comm., Chemistry & Computer Skills

Scenario
A Government commission has designated you and your peers to be part of a
scientific advisory team to investigate and report on an important matter that
will be considered for future policy decisions. After conducting a thorough
literature review on the topic of your choice, you will need to prepare an
argument either in support or in opposition of the intended research question...
Project Outcomes
1. Apply academic reading and writing skills in the context of
science in society, and more specifically, in the South
African context.
2. Be able to select and use appropriate sources to create
logical arguments in support/ opposition of a relevant
issue.
3. Find ways to creatively communicate your newly acquired
knowledge to a wider audience.
Research Questions (Topics)

Mining is one of the country’s

main industrial activities. Should
there be concern regarding acid
mine water and its impact on
the environment and human life?
Research Questions (Topics)

Are there any potential

environment and health
risks associated with
Fracking and do the risks
outweigh the advantages?
Research Questions (Topics)

Is there substantive evidence

regarding the safety concerns
of the well-known pesticide,
glyphosate, to consider
banning this product from
use?
Research Questions (Topics)

Recent U.S. government

policy has resulted in the
withdrawal of its support,
due to apparent lack of
proof, in combat of climate
change. Should we follow
suit?
Research Questions (Topics)

A lot of interest has been

raised regarding Nuclear
Power as an alternative
electricity source. What are
the pro’s and con’s
associated with this source of
power?
Research Questions (Topics)

The health supplement

industry is for the most part
unregulated in the Health
sector. Is there enough
research to support the use
of daily supplements/
antioxidants/ turmeric
supplements?
Research Questions (Topics)

Fluoride is added to drinking

water for its supposed
positive health effects but
recently some countries have
begun discontinuing this
practice. Is there valid
evidence to support its
continued use?
Research Questions (Topics)

The term Organic is often

used to imply that a product
is free of any chemical
influence in its production.
Is this label appropriately
applied and should the
inclusion of an organic
lifestyle be encouraged?
Research Questions (Topics)

Choose a relevant topic

of your choice (make
sure to discuss your
ideas with a C176
demi!)
Project Outline
Top 10 screened @ PULP cinema

YOU vote for the winner!

Groups
● The project will be completed in
pre-assigned groups of four.
● To find your group members
consult the pdf lists on Sunlearn.
● Tip: Start thinking about how you
will plan to collaborate as a
group? (What tools will you use to
keep in touch eg. Google Docs?)
Finding peer reviewed articles
•Visit your Chemistry Library Guide and select SCOPUS
•Watch the 2.57 minute basic SCOPUS search tutorial
Finding peer reviewed articles
Assessment
Scientific Chemistry
Communication Skills This project will contribute towards the component
of your formative mark for the year designated as
146 final mark Practicals and Projects (35 % of formative mark).

Section A Groupwork 20% 10 % of the total mark for Practicals and

Written argument Projects
First version: 8%
Final version: 12%

Section B Individual 10% -

Written
counterargument

Section C Groupwork 5% 5 % of the total mark for Practicals and

Create a video Projects

Scientific Communications Skills 35%

146 final mark
 Important dates
Week 1 and 2 (22 July - 2 August)
Week 3 (5 - 8 August)
Timeline
Week 4 (16 August)
Week 6 (26 August)
Week 6 - 7 (26 August - 6 September)
Week 7 (6 September)
Week 8 (16 September)
Week 8 - 9 (16 September - 27
September)
Week 10 (7 October)
Week 12 (14 October)
Week 13
Associated Task
Selection of topic and literature review
During Chem. tutorial you will discuss your ideas for
the project with your assigned “consultant” (demi).
Submission of first draft of argument
Receive feedback
Revision
Submission of final argument
Receive grades
Work on video
Submit video
Submission of counterargument (individual)
Video screening of top ten videos
Important documents and where to find them...
● All documents and necessary information related to the project will be uploaded
onto Sunlearn on the Scientific Communication Skills Course Page.

This includes:
● The project brief outlining all the tasks and deadlines (Tuesday morning)
● Link to the library guide
● Links to project selection etc.
● Calendar with all the important dates related to the project
● Group divisions
● This presentation!

● We will use this page to communicate important information with you, keep a
lookout for any messages or information posted here.
Your First Tasks!
Your first tasks!
1. Find your group
○ Make contact!

2. Suggest a name for the project

○ Keep in mind that the project name should potentially be applicable to
both the English and Afrikaans version of the project.
○ The group who suggested the winning name wins a spot in the top 10
videos.
○ automatically goes through to the final round and screening at PULP
cinema

3. Choose your topic!