← Investigating Science syllabus
Module 8: Science and Society
6 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.
Inquiry Question 2: Are there limits or boundaries to scientific research, and how are these determined?
- Investigate the role of conflicts of interest in scientific research, including industry funding and the responsibilities of scientists to disclose
A focused answer to the HSC Investigating Science Module 8 dot point on conflicts of interest. Covers tobacco industry funding, pharma trials, climate denial, AusVaxSafety, and worked HSC past exam questions on industry-funded research.
5 min answer → - Investigate how research ethics and the role of regulatory bodies, including the NHMRC, shape what scientific research can be conducted
A focused answer to the HSC Investigating Science Module 8 dot point on research ethics. Covers the NHMRC National Statement, human research ethics committees, the 3Rs animal code, the Australian Code for Responsible Research, and worked HSC past exam questions.
5 min answer →
Inquiry Question 1: How does society influence the focus of scientific research, and how does scientific research impact society?
- Investigate how scientific evidence has shaped public policy in Australia, using case studies such as plain packaging, COVID-19 response, gun control or seatbelt laws
A focused answer to the HSC Investigating Science Module 8 dot point on evidence-based policy. Covers plain packaging, gun control, the COVID-19 response, the smoking transition, and worked HSC past exam questions on the science-policy interface.
6 min answer → - Investigate how international scientific bodies such as the IPCC translate science into policy advice, including the role of Australian contributions
A focused answer to the HSC Investigating Science Module 8 dot point on the IPCC. Covers how the IPCC works, how Australian researchers contribute, the Sixth Assessment Report, and worked HSC past exam questions on global science-policy translation.
5 min answer → - Investigate the relationship between Indigenous knowledge systems and Western science, including how they can complement each other
A focused answer to the HSC Investigating Science Module 8 dot point on Indigenous knowledge and Western science. Covers traditional ecological knowledge, fire management, navigation, native medicines, the AIATSIS code, and worked HSC past exam questions.
5 min answer →