This module is not currently running in 2026 to 2027.
How is science changing society? Global challenges such as the prevention and treatment of disease, finding cures for cancer, or fighting antimicrobial resistance are all underpinned by scientific research; as is addressing climate change, pollution, and safeguarding the world's ability to produce food. Advances in technology have changed the ways we communicate, work, and interact with the world from the ubiquitousness of smart phones to video conferencing and remote working. But how are people engaging with scientific or medical research? This module will invite you to consider science and society through a sociological lens and consider the who, how, where, and whys of 'doing’ science. We will learn about the social, ethical, political, and economic implications of scientific progress. We will consider the barriers to doing and being a scientist and the implications of absences in research cultures or health research. We will learn about forms of societal governance of science; policies, guidelines and professional codes of conduct. Discussion could be on topics including: risk society and the "humanisation" of science, science and its environmental impact, biosecurity and biosafety, technology and inequality, intellectual property rights, public engagement and public consultation, citizen science, AI and posthumanism, and national innovation policies.
Lectures 16 hours, Workshops 8 hours, Seminars 8 hours
Practical- Presentation (10 minutes) Worth 20% of the total marks for the module.
Written- Short Writing Piece -Annotated bibliography of literature and scholarship that will be used within the essay (1000 words)-. Worth 20% of the total marks for the module.
Written -Extended Writing -Essay (3000 words) Worth 60% of the total marks for the module
Reassessment methods-Single instrument 100% written assessment (3500 words)
For reading lists see the detailed module information on moodle
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Demonstrate a critical understandingthe historical context of contemporary science-society relations.
2) Identify the key debates and main actors in shaping scientific practice and science policies.
3) Critically evaluate the impact of science on different groups within society.
4) Apply a sociological lens to contemporary science-society issues.
5) Appraise the limits and strengths of social sciences and natural sciences in comprehending and responding to social problems.
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