Science and Society 1A (SU0001)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : SPS-1-SUSS1ah

An introduction to how science works, and in particular how scientific research is carried out and evaluated. Topics include: the autonomy of science; the evaluation of research by peers; the role of observation and experiment in supporting and testing scientific hypotheses; the characteristics that make a theory "scientific"; the processes that go into building theories and making discoveries; and the significance of the revolutionary changes and controversies that have taken place as science has grown and changed. Case studies are drawn from the history of science, and accounts of research given by philosophers and by scientists themselves will be extensively used, but no technical knowledge will be assumed and the course will be readily intelligible to students of any disciplinary background.

Entry Requirements

? Special Arrangements for Entry : Maximum 250 students.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Science Studies Unit, (School of Social and Political Studies, Schedule J)

Other subject areas

Environmental Courses, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 1st year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	17:10	18:00	Central
Lecture	Tuesday	17:10	18:00	Central
Lecture	Thursday	17:10	18:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Students who have completed the course successfully should be able to:
1. critically evaluate a variety of theoretical standpoints in the social studies of science;
2. appreciate the complexity of issues such as scientific training, observation, experimentation, tool use, use of scientific images and scientific writing;
3. think analytically about science as a social institution;
4. understand how science is communicated, both within the specific field and within broader society;
5. reflect on science's place in society by locating issues that have a wider social significance - (such as gender and science, science and the law, the boundaries of science).

Assessment Information

Two short written assignments of c.750 words each, submitted via WebCT (for up to 40% of the overall mark) and a two-hour unseen exam (for the remaining 60% of the overall mark). Students must submit both written assignments by the specified cut-off date in order to be eligible to proceed to the exam.