Module description
This compulsory Science & Society Foundation module explores issues in modern science and their effect on society.
You will discuss the ideas, cultural norms and practices of UK academic culture, and compare them with other perspectives to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of science and the values and assumptions that are often hidden beneath the surface.
Throughout this Science & Society Foundation module, you’ll learn about the philosophy and history of science, including the role played in both by non-Western cultures, and an investigation of a wide variety of areas where scientific knowledge and the development of technology poses ethical dilemmas (typical examples here would be robotics, AI and biotechnology).
This module will cover topics such as:
- The philosophy of science
- The history of science
- Science and morality
- Science and security
- Personality
- Cognitive psychology
- AI and robots
- Biotechnology
- The environment
You’ll use a range of thinking tools to form thoughts and arguments and discuss these with your classmates to better understand yourself and others.
Assessment details
You’ll be assessed for this Science & Society Foundation module through coursework (100%).
Educational aims & objectives
At the end of this Science & Society Foundation module, you should be able to:
- Become a confident text-user within a variety of academic genres in order to extract and synthesise information
- Be able to make links across a variety of topics in science, thereby demonstrating a holistic, interdisciplinary mindset
- Demonstrate critical analysis, e.g., by showing impacts of scientific theories and new technology on society and individuals, questioning assumptions and exploring problems in depth
- Demonstrate the ability to work autonomously and in a team