Core Module Information
Module title: Science, Technology and Society

SCQF level: 10:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: SSC10116
Module leader: Nick Cimini
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Social Science
Prerequisites

n/a

Description of module content:

The module will introduce students to core social scientific perspectives on science and technology. We begin by outlining and providing a critique of traditional, common sense explanations of scientific practice and technological innovation. We will scrutinise the governance of scientific and technological systems. We also critically evaluate the perceived dichotomies between expert and ‘lay’ knowledge, science and public, reason and dogma. The module finishes by investigating a series of empirical case studies. Examples of these include the genetic and reproductive sciences, the science of climate change, information and communication technologies, and the interfaces between science and crime. From our intimate and everyday encounters with science and technology to enormous and cutting-edge developments, these examples are specifically chosen to give students a feel for the multifarious ways in which science and technologies are shaped by, and shape, the world in which we live.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
LO1: Critically assess concepts used by social scientists to theorise science and technology.
LO2: Apply these concepts to evaluate a selected aspect of scientific practice and/or technological innovation.
LO3: Analyse the ways in which science and technology shape, and are shaped by, socio-historical context.
LO4: Investigate the perceived dichotomies between science and public, expert and “lay” knowledge, reason and dogma.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2023/4, Trimester 2, FACE-TO-FACE, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Nick Cimini
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 22
Face To Face Tutorial 12
Independent Learning Guided independent study 166
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Essay 100 1-4 14/15 , WORDS= 4000
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
SSC10116 Science, Technology and Society