Introduction to critical thinking

Theory

Course begins by an introduction to the scientific method, with its different sides. It continues with the analysis of the different ways we can be fooled (such as biases linked to the way the brain works or induced by the words and images used), and how to prevent them. It finishes by the definition of pseudodcience and the analysis of some cases.

Practice

Course begins by an introduction to the scientific method, with its different sides. It continues with the analysis of the different ways we can be fooled (such as biases linked to the way the brain works or induced by the words and images used), and how to prevent them. It finishes by the definition of pseudodcience and the analysis of some cases.

Theory

Aim is to initiate students to critical reasoning and to make them able to analyze things by themselves, in their daily life as well as in their professional life, to avoid biases and being fooled.

Practice

Aim is to initiate students to critical reasoning and to make them able to analyze things by themselves, in their daily life as well as in their professional life, to avoid biases and being fooled.

Theory

The course will be in two parts, a theoretical one and a practical one. The first one is performed via a multimedia presentation, with many interactions (to avoid any misunderstandings). The second one consists in applying what was seen previously to actual cases. Moreover, training exercises are available on ecampus (for DOCU0455-A).

Practice

The course will be in two parts, a theoretical one and a practical one. The first one is performed via a multimedia presentation, with many interactions (to avoid any misunderstandings). The second one consists in applying what was seen previously to actual cases. Moreover, training exercises are available on ecampus (for DOCU0455-A).

Theory

face-to-face (mandatory), 5 courses of 2h. The practical sessions depend on the students' faculty.

Practice

face-to-face (mandatory), 5 courses of 2h and 2 exercise sessions of 3h. The first session consists in the critical analysis of texts and numbers, the second one deals with how to communicate scientific ideas. These two practical sessions requires some preliminary work at home (details will be provided during the courses)

Theory

see practical part

Practice

Filmed lessons for theories will be provided if attending courses in person was forbidden for the whole university; exercises will be done using lifesize or equivalent. If exam must be done remotely, it will also make use of lifesize or equivalent.

Theory

Notes and bibliography will be provided.

Practice

Notes and bibliography will be provided.

Theory

Grading depends on the students's faculty - see practical part.

Practice

Grade is attributed on the basis of a report linked to the exercise sessions (30%), a written report on the personal work (40%), an oral presentation of the work with questions related to the course (30%).
A bonus point can be earned by providing on ecampus (blog linked to DOCU0455-A) an appropriate example of article, ad, video... corresponding to what has been taught

• /!\ not automatic: point is gained only after verification, examination, and validation by the teacher ;
• originality is required (if several students propose the same contribution, only the first one may be validated)

Theory

N/A

Practice

The theme of the personal work will be chosen after discussion with the teacher. It can be a personal idea or be chosen amongst proposed themes. It consists in the analysis of a phenomenon (e.g. a research linked to memory, a specific pseudoscience) which was the subject of at least one peer-reviewed scientific publication. The report on this work should have a presentation (hypotheses, claims,...) and a critical discussion of the publications analyzing it. This work is done individually (10p of text 12pt in A4 format, presentation of 10min maximum).

Theory

Yaël Nazé, 04 366 97 20, office 2/12 in Bat B5C (Astrophysique et Géophysique), ynaze@uliege.be

Practice

Yaël Nazé, 04 366 97 20, office 2/12 in Bat B5C (Astrophysique et Géophysique), ynaze@uliege.be