This course aims to help students understand the real nature of science, which is an extremely important human activity. The focus is on how science works, and how it affects and is affected by the larger society. The course begins with a section on how science actually functions, and how it generates knowledge. Then we move on to the kinds of organisation within which science works, and which greatly influence the way the science is done. Then it is shown that science is controversial by its very nature: in order for science to progress, there has to be disagreement among scientists, and methods for settling those disagreements. Then there is a section on Science and Ethics, where misconduct is discussed and the nature of scientific ethics explained. Finally, a section on Science and the Future, where the link between science and technology is explained and the impacts this may have are outlined. In addition, this course imparts crucial skills which all graduates will need throughout their lives: these include searching databases for high quality information, analysing assignment tasks, planning reports and essays and communicating clearly. Incompatible: 1402BPS Science Technology & Society, 1006ENV Topics in Environmental Sciences
10 (10)
Arrangements apply
New students (Non-grandfathered students)
Band 4
Grandfathered students
Band 2A