Week 2: The literature

Hello, everyone. This week, I'm going to run through my search for information on my topic. The topic I have chosen for my position paper is, "Children should not be allowed in schools (or pre-schools) unless they are fully immunised". For anyone who has ever been on the internet, you'll know how contentious this topic can be.

The search for resources has been draining, to say the least. Reading through people's opinions on the other side of the argument has brought up some interesting, and horrifying, information. The ammount of skewed data and misinformed people out there is shocking. This isn't a new topic for me either. I have followed facebook pages on the topic of science for around a year now. The people who run these pages make it their duty to expose and bring forth the darker side of the internet, the pseudoscience community. Pages like 'We Love GMOs and Vaccines', 'Genetically Modified Humans for Monsanto', 'A Science Enthusiast', 'Refutations to Anti Vaccine Memes' and 'Things Antivaxers Say'. I joined a closed group called 'Revolution for Vaccine Truth' and posted a questionnaire on their page. I asked a few questions trying to find out exactly why they're against vaccines and what has lead to their choice and what if anything, would change their mind. It was informative, at first, but then I was labeled as a "demon" and quickly banned from the group.

The search for information on the scientific side has been much more enjoyable and fruitful. I've learned a lot from the lessons this week, how to use Google Scholar through the Massey Library account and now have found a lot that will help me. I've also requested library books that will help with data. I emailed the Ministry of Health for information as well and even had a reply. They explained how their recent plan for "No jab, no pay" policy was canned because it was seen as a violation of the Bill of Rights Act, 1990, "The right to refuse to undergo medical treatment".

 I've found even after two weeks of being in this course, my critical reading has been sharpened usefully. I'm learning how to read papers and studies in an efficient way to find if it's useful or not and I'm finding general news stories on science are being scrutinised more carefully by me now.

My position paper is taking shape in my head and I look forward to crafting it.

A quote from a brilliant man, about the quest for knowledge, "We are a way for the cosmos to know itself", Carl Sagan.

Shaun

Introduction: Week 1

My name is Shaun de Malmanche. Over the next three months, I will be sharing 8 posts with you all. I'm planning to complete a Bachelor of Science with a major in Animal Science or Biological Science. This is my first paper at University and I'm excited to get started. 

The name is French, but I'm a Kiwi, and yes, a lot of people have trouble pronouncing my name. I've been alive for 29 years. I live in Palmerston North and grew up on a farm just out of Palmerston North, in Taikorea. I'm the father of two wonderful girls, Haylie and Emily, 10 and 5 respectively. I've been with my partner, Christine for over 10 years now. She is my rock and an amazing inspiration to me. She recently quit her job and started a course at UCOL to become a builder. She's now working full time as an apprentice, helping to build houses in a new section on the edge of Palmerston North. She has inspired me to finally complete papers at Massey and work to get a degree. 

Since Haylie was young, I've always tried to instil life lessons through scientific means. Children are natural born scientists; always asking questions, wondering why or how something works or why or how something does something. I myself have always been a "fan" of science. I enjoy watching documentaries, and commentaries on science, such as Brian Cox, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Carl Sagan, Bill Nye and David Attenborough. 

I also enjoy reading well-written science books. Sometimes, they can be a bit boring and dry, which can seem as though the writer doesn't understand, or enjoy, the topic they're writing about. I'm part way through "The Art of Science" by Richard Hamblyn, but have had to put it down to start studying for this course. I think this course in Communication can help me to become a better communicator, as well as appreciate other talented scientific communicators a little more. 

I have worked at Massey University for a little over 7 years now, as a Technician with IVABS. My main role has been running the feed mill, making specialty diets for research trials and wildlife centres and zoos across New Zealand. I also help to run trials here. I want to take on more in my role and get more into the formulation of diets and more of the data side of things. I think a degree in science will help me to realize these ambitions.

My strengths are my passion for science and learning, my English and writing skills. My weakness is definitely my anxiety around public speaking. I am much better at communication through writing than talking. My ideas can sometimes become a bit confused when speaking, as my partner knows all too well.

You will be hearing from me over the next three months as I share my experience with you all.

"Together we can save the world!" - [Nye, 2017]