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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 religion. 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.

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.
LO5: Develop study, computing, written and oral communication skills, appropriate for Level 10.