Science & Society - International Foundation

Module description

The aim of this module is to introduce you to important issues centring on the way in which science impacts society and is in turn impacted by socio-cultural trends. It will also aim to sharpen your critical and analytical thinking skills in order to prepare you for the evaluative expectations of a UK university environment. Finally, it will provide you with a number of alternative perspectives on contemporary issues that will inform your future role as an engaged global citizen.

The module covers three main areas. The first is those issues in modern science that have a direct and sometimes controversial effect upon society and the ways in which individual societies deal with such issues. The second area is the ideas, cultural norms, assumptions and practices of UK academic culture that you will need to be familiar with to enjoy and to succeed in a UK higher education environment. The third main area is the use of analytical thinking tools to shape your thoughts and arguments into convincing and credible analysis that can help you achieve the best possible grades at a UK university.

Assessment details

You are assessed through a combination of three in-class assignments (55%), seminar emgagement (5%) and an essay (40%).

Educational aims & objectives

• to provide an overview of key areas in science that have a direct impact upon society and politics.
• to help you reflect on the foundations of and new developments in Western cultural and societal norms, and to make you aware of and sensitive to such norms.
• to further your ability to think systematically and analytically in such a way as to enhance your future success in a British academic environment and to enrich your ability to think about key debates in contemporary society that impact on and/or are impacted by your discipline and your future career path.
• to increase your ability, with appropriate support, to take responsibility for your own learning.

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.