University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: USSJ6R-20-2 Title: CONTROVERSIAL SCIENCE Version: 1

Level: 2 UWE credit rating: 20 ECTS credit rating: 10

Module type: STANDARD

Owning Faculty: Applied Sciences Field: Natural & Life Sciences

Valid from: September 2003 Discontinued from:

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

      • explain the science behind issues that engage the public

      • appreciate the challenges posed to science communicators in relation to scientific issues

      • critically analyse new scientific issues as they arise

      • understand the factors that limit the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations

      • interpret public opinion research

    In this context, an issue is defined as a topic which has given rise to debate and controversy in the public domain.

Syllabus outline:

    The module will focus on two or three contemporary scientific topics chosen because they give rise to issues in the public domain. Topics may change from time to time to ensure that the ones featured best illustrate how controversy arises at the science and society interface. Focusing on contemporary issues will allow them to be tracked in the media and will provide students with an opportunity to explore the role the media plays in developing scientific issues. Scientific controversies will be chosen to reflect a balance between biological and physical sciences. Controversies covered might include, for example cancer, genetic testing, GM foods, nuclear power, climate change.

    For each controversy covered, the curriculum might include:

      • The scientific concepts behind the issue

      • Scientific basis for the controversy

      • Development of the controversy

      • Issues of risk and risk perception

      • Public Opinion

      • Locus of the debate

      • Media coverage

Teaching and learning methods:

    The module will be taught through lectures, seminars and practical classes. The role of seminars will be to provide opportunities for students to work in small groups on paper based problem solving exercises and to provide them with opportunities to clarify points that have arisen during lectures. The practical classes will be designed to provide students with first hand experience of laboratory based experimentation, including issues relating to experimental design and data selection, interpretation and reporting.

Reading Strategy

All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.

This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.

    In addition to the titles listed below, the student will be expected to make extensive use of Journals and Periodicals such as New Scientist, Scientific American, Science, Lancet and the British Medical Journal.

      • Fifield, R. (ed.) Inside Science (Penguin, 1992)

      • Purves, W. et al Life, The Science of Biology (Sinauer/Freeman, 1992)

      • Seale, C Media and Health (Sage, 2002)

    Other resources as relevant to the topics studied.

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50 %

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A Element weighting

EX2

Examination ( 2 hours)

1

     
     
 

 

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

ES1

Essay (1500 words)

1

   

     
 

 

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

EX2

Examination (2 hours)

1

     
     
 

 

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

ES1

Essay (1500 words)

1

     
     
 

 

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes is not required.

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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