Modules

Module title: Science, Technology and Society [Hong Kong]
SCQF level: 10:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: SSC10616
Module leader: Nick Cimini
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Social Science
Prerequisites

N/A
2020/1, Trimester 2, FACE-TO-FACE,
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: HONG KONG
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Nick Cimini
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
Each taught input uses a variety of audio-visual resources, discussion and activity to foster student engagement. You will have weekly lectures and tutorials. The tutorials will offer opportunities for discussions of recommended readings. LO1-5 will contribute towards your knowledge of science and technology in society today.
Formative Assessment:
The formative component will be delivered in tutorials in the form of face-to-face interactions focusing on understanding of subject knowledge and reading materials, and preparation for the summative assessments.
Summative Assessment:
Component 1, 30% weighting – This will involve a 20 minute group presentation and the preparation of presentation materials which are to be based on the recommended readings for the module. Presentations will be assessed during tutorial time in weeks 6-10.
Component 2, 70% weighting – This will involve an essay [2500 words] to be based on the recommended readings for the module [week 13].
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
Oral Presentation 30 1,2,3,4,5 6 HOURS= 00.20, WORDS= 0
Essay 70 1,2,3,4,5 13 HOURS= 00.00, WORDS= 2500
Component 1 subtotal: 30
Component 2 subtotal: 70
Module subtotal: 100

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 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.
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.
LO5: Develop study, computing, written and oral communication skills, appropriate for Level 10.
Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Contact your module leader
 

Related information