Postgraduate Course: Science and Society (BIME11050)
Course Outline
| School | School of Biomedical Sciences |
College | College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Credits | 20 |
| Home subject area | Biomedical Sciences |
Other subject area | None |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | (a) Science Communication in Context: This course explores the development of public engagement from a broadly sociological perspective. It considers the social, cultural and political context in which the public engagement agenda has emerged over the past 20 years, and how this agenda has, in turn, helped shape the governance of science and technology. A key theme pursued throughout the course is the construction of knowledge and expertise in the context of public engagement and in societal issues in which science is a factor.
(b) Perceptions of Science: The course will examine the nature of scientific knowledge. It will explore the scientific method, reflect on established and contested aspects of scientific knowledge and their application in technological advances. Students will examine the communication of science within and beyond the academic community and develop an awareness of how perceptions and (mis) understandings arise. Using contemporary examples and contexts, students will discuss potential stakeholders for issues involving science and identify sources of information, misinformation available to the stakeholders. The course will explore the role of the media in science communication and the alignment and tensions between the objectives of the scientist and the media. |
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | No |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, you will be able to demonstrate:
* An understanding of the deficit model of science communication
* An awareness of the development of policy debates about public engagement and an awareness of the key issues
* A knowledge of the conceptual tools and theoretical approaches for the study of public engagement from a social science perspective
* An understanding of the social and political aspects of lay-expert relations and how a social science analysis can further our understanding of these issues.
* An understanding of the nature of science and how it is communicated
* An understanding of the differing motivations and perceptions in non-specialist engagement with science
* An understanding of the scientist/media relationship |
Assessment Information
* Science Communication in Context: An essay (2500 words) that critically engages with and reflects on a set text. (50%)
* Perceptions of Science: Three short papers: (2 x 700 words and 1 x 800 words) from a range of topics including 'History of science', stakeholder mapping and motivations for involvement in science, press/science relationships. (15%, 15%, 20%) |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Elizabeth Stevenson
Tel: (0131 6)50 4823
Email: |
Course secretary | Miss Lauren Sandford
Tel: (0131 6)51 1824
Email: |
|
|
University Homepage