Associate Professor Tom Aechtner
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Historical & Philosophical Inq
This course examines the interactions between some of the most significant components of modern society: religion, ideas of the supernatural, and science. The course first provides historical views on these ways of understanding the world. It explores noteworthy religion and science events, including as the trial of Galileo and early religious responses to the theory of evolution. RELN2520 then tackles modern issues related to religion, the supernatural, and science, including creationism, questions about life elsewhere in the universe, the psychology of religion, religion and health, the rise of contemporary atheism, feminist critiques of religion and science, as well as religion and the Big Bang Theory.
This newly introduced 2000-level course is a product of an extensive reform of UQ's Religious Studies curriculum. It replaces the now discontinued course, RELN1115: Religion and Science, and it is a sequel course to RELN1510: History of the Supernatural. Take this course if you enjoyed RELN1510: History of the Supernatural!
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Associate Professor Tom Aechtner
Associate Professor Ian Hesketh
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
RELN2520 lectures will be held Tuesdays (check timetable). External students can attend live in-person if they wish, live online via Zoom (link on Blackboard site), or watch recorded lectures in the week following each lecture.
Journal entries run from Week 2 onward.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of historical and contemporary interactions between science, ideas of the supernatural and religion, in order to equip students with the tools needed to critically examine past and present science-religion discourse.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Better understand and appreciate the complex relationship between religion, ideas of the supernatural, and science.
LO2.
Grasp interdisciplinary theories and methodologies used to analyse religion, ideas of the supernatural, and science interactions.
LO3.
Critically evaluate both historical and contemporary statements about religion and science.
LO4.
Carry out informed research through an acquired knowledge of the available scholarship on religion, the influence of ideas of the supernatural, and science.
LO5.
Express opinions on interchanges between religion, ideas of the supernatural, and science with clarity.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notebook/ Logbook | Weekly Journal Entries | 10% | |
| Essay/ Critique | Short Essay | 35% |
4/04/2025 2:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique | Research Essay | 55% |
30/05/2025 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Weekly Journal Entries
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook
- Weight
- 10%
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05
Task description
Students will be expected to complete 10 journal entries over the course of the semester, following the lectures of Weeks 2 onward, for a total of 10 journals. Each journal entry must be submitted within one week of lectures, and they must be submitted via journal Turnitin links on the Blackboard page. Each entry should take its topic from questions that will be listed on Blackboard that will be based upon the week's readings. When more than one question is listed, students should select only one of the options to respond to. Entries must be 200 words long (+/- 10%). The window for completing a journal entry opens on the day of the lecture to which the entry pertains and closes one week later, at the start of the next lecture. Therefore, it is important to maintain a consistent effort for this task over the semester.
A maximum of 10 marks will be awarded for journal entries (1 mark per journal entry), if entries are completed on time, and demonstrate preparation (mainly though knowledge of readings). If only 5 or fewer journal entries are completed, the student will receive 0 journal entry marks.
Journal assignments begin in Week 2, for 10 weeks. Entries are due before the start of the next lecture.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The assessment must be submitted via Turnitin on the Blackboard page.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Short Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
4/04/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Word Count: 1,200 words (+/- 10%) not including citations and the bibliography.
This research essay will need to respond to one of several statements that will be provided on the Blackboard site. The essay should be based on no less than 5 academic sources.
Referencing Style: Students must use Chicago style for references and bibliographies: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide/citation-guide-1.html
Word Limits: These are within ±10% of the set length (word limit) is acceptable. Word count does not include footnotes, however, discursive footnotes are included in the word count. Quotations are a part of the word count. Bibliographies are not included in the word count. A word count that is outside these 10% will receive a proportionate penalty and will be graded against the grading criteria.
AI: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Students should demonstrate:
- That they have read the required readings, and have sufficiently researched the topic using academic sources.
- The ability to critically evaluate the subject matter being responded to.
- Good written expression, creative thought, and argumentation in a clear, well-constructed essay.
Submission guidelines
The assessment must be submitted via Turnitin on the Blackboard page.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Research Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 55%
- Due date
30/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Maximum Word Count: 2,000 words (+/- 10%) not including citations and the bibliography.
This research essay will need to respond to one of several statements that will be provided on the Blackboard site. The essay should be based on no less than 5 academic sources.
Referencing Style: Students must use Chicago style for references and bibliographies: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide/citation-guide-1.html
Word Limits: These are within ±10% of the set length (word limit) is acceptable. Word count does not include footnotes, however, discursive footnotes are included in the word count. Quotations are a part of the word count. Bibliographies are not included in the word count. A word count that is outside these 10% will receive a proportionate penalty and will be graded against the grading criteria.
AI: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Students should demonstrate:
- That they have read the required readings, and have sufficiently researched the topic using academic sources.
- The ability to critically evaluate the subject matter being responded to.
- Good written expression, creative thought, and argumentation in a clear, well-constructed essay.
Submission guidelines
The assessment must be submitted via Turnitin on the Blackboard page.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 1, Low Fail (0-24%), is generally awarded in cases where some assessment has been submitted, but it is of wholly unsatisfactory standard or quantity. In work submitted, however, there is no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts of the field |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 2, Fail (25-44%), is generally awarded to work that exhibits deficiencies in understanding and applying the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study, and as such, does not satisfy the basic requirements of the course. Often, one or more major items of assessment will not have been completed. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Grade 3, Marginal Fail (45-49%), is generally awarded if a student has submitted work that attempts to meet the knowledge and skill requirements of the course, but is only able to demonstrate a superficial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. Students will usually have attempted all major pieces of assessment and show that they have an identifiable, emerging ability to apply basic knowledge and skills. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 4, Pass (50-64%), is generally awarded where all major items of assessment have been submitted. An adequate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study should be demonstrated and a functional skill level achieved. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 5, Credit (65-74%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and a substantial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study have been demonstrated. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 6, Distinction (75-84%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and substantial knowledge of the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been demonstrated. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 7, High Distinction (85-100%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and there is evidence that the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been mastered. |
Additional course grading information
Your journal assessment task will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- Degree to which set questions and topic have been addressed.
- Understanding and engagement with set reading or other materials as required.
- Clear and concise written expression, well presented.
- Completion of journal entries, as per course requirements.
To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your journals will provide an exceptional response to the set topics, demonstrate exceptional levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings, and use very clear and concise expression with minimal, if any errors.
To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75-84%), your journals will provide an advanced level of response to the set topics, demonstrate very high levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings, and use clear and concise, largely error free expression.
To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%), your journals will provide a proficient response to the set topics, demonstrate high levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings, and use an effective standard of written expression.
To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%), your journals will provide a basic response to the set topics, demonstrate functional levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings, and use an appropriate standard of written expression sufficient to convey your ideas.
To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%), your journals will show that your entries have failed to meet the requirements for a passing grade, but that there is evidence of developing levels of achievement. You will have attempted to respond to the set topic, attempted to engage with and understand the prescribed readings. You will have used an appropriate a standard of written expression sufficient to convey your ideas.
To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), your journals will show that you have provided an unsatisfactory response to the set topic, that your levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings are minimal, and that your expression is poor and/or inappropriate.
To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your journals will show that you have provided an unsatisfactory response to the set topic, that you have failed to engage with and understand the prescribed readings, and that your expression is poor and/or unsatisfactory.
Your essays will be assessed according to the following criteria:
1. Ability to construct a well-reasoned argument.
2. Depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of central issues.
3. Ability to form a well-structured essay.
4. Engagement with academic sources and evidence.
5. Insight and/or creativity in interpreting texts or constructing a point of view or argument.
6. Capacity to produce a coherent and well-written essay using correct grammar and syntax.
7. Appropriately referenced, as per discipline conventions.
To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your essay should reflect an exceptional level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken extensive, high-level research, that you are able to form a very rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is original and creative. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate and organise data and/or evidence in a critical manner and that you have a sophisticated and insightful understanding of problems and issues. Your essay should be very well written, clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75 – 84%), your essay should reflect an advanced level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken wide research, that you are able to form a rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is coherent and convincing. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a perceptive manner, and that your understanding of problems and issues is perceptive and insightful. Your essay should be well written, clear and concise, follow discipline conventions and have few errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%) your essay should reflect a proficient level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken the expected level of research, that you are able to develop or adapt convincing arguments and justify them adequately, that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a proficient manner, and that you have a proficient understanding of problems and issues. The presentation and referencing of your essay will largely follow discipline conventions, perhaps have some errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.
To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%) your essay should reflect a functional level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you are able to apply fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research and have the basic ability to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, to offer insights and to develop routine arguments. Your organisation, writing, referencing, spelling and grammar will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately.
To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%), your essay should reflect developing levels of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have a superficial knowledge of fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research, made some attempt to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, and to offer insights. Your arguments, while underdeveloped, show your emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills. Your organisation, writing, spelling and grammar will be adequate, perhaps poor, and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent. Alternatively, your essay may, in part, be well written and suggest human engagement and achievement but (whether actually developed with the help of AI or not) will (a) mostly exhibit the stereotypical and/or superficial understanding characteristic of generative AI text and/or (b) mostly fail, in a manner characteristic of generative AI text, to develop a sustained (multi-layered) argument: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 45-49%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%) your essay will reflect deficiencies in skill acquisition and in your understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. It will demonstrate that you have not undertaken adequate research, that you are unable to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, or to offer insights adequately. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent. Alternatively, your essay may suggest developing or higher achievement but (whether actually developed with the help of AI or not) will (a) exhibit the stereotypical and/or superficial understanding that is characteristic of generative AI text and/or (b) may fail to develop, in a way that is characteristic of generative AI text, a sustained (multi-layered) argument: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 25-44%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria
To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your essay will reflect that you have failed to meet the minimum learning requirements and skill acquisition for this course. Your essay will demonstrate an absence of research, evaluation of data and/or evidence, and lack argumentation. Use of discipline conventions will be absent, poor or inappropriate, and written expression poor or inappropriate.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Do not rely on Grade Centre in Blackboard. Look at your assessment grade and feedback in Turnitin.
- Failure to submit all major assessment items (those worth 15% and above) will result in a maximum grade of 2 (Fail).
- By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration: ‘I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment’.
- All students must ensure that they receive their Turnitin receipt on every submission of assessment items. YOU MUST CHECK THAT THE RECEIPT CONFIRMS THAT SUBMISSION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL.
- A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing.
- Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after 7 calendar days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible so that they can confirm the outage with ITS.
- It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are submitting assessment items on a device that is capable of the task, and that appropriate internet bandwidth and speed is available. If you cannot be sure that your device or internet will enable you to complete or submit an assessment task, you must come onto campus and use one of the University Computers in the Library or Computer Labs.
- Plagiarism, and asking or paying someone else to do your work is cheating and constitutes academic misconduct. See ECP Section 6.1
- Feedback against the assessment criteria in the form of comments on your script will be provided through Turnitin or on your script directly.
- For information on assessment remarks see: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
You are encouraged to read as widely as possible and to access information and opinions wherever you find them. It is important that you critically evaluate the data and opinions, no matter the source.
Required learning resources will be made available on the RELN2520 Blackboard page.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Introduction to Religion, Science and the Supernatural Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
The Middle Ages, Islam & Science Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
The Galileo Affair Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Protestantism & the Scientific Revolution Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Natural Theology & the Divine Clockmaker Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
The Darwinian Revolution Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Evolution, Creationism & Intelligent Design Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Evolving Problems Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-semester Break No lectures or journal entries. |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Psychology & the Cognitive Science of Religion Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
The Big Bang & Religion Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Science, Secularisation & New Atheism Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Vaccines & Religion Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Scientific Explanations and Divine Action + Review Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.