Perhaps now more so than in any other time in human history, science and technology play a central role in our lives. With this comes the potential for both great benefit to society, and great harm. In this collaborative, workshop-focused unit students critically examine the nature of science, and its role in society via a mixture of discussion and written activities that integrate concepts and ideas from philosophy of science, bioethics, science communication, sociology of science and science itself. Students in this course engage with various real-world challenges, such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, cloning, genetic engineering, space exploration and animal testing, the following ethical and philosophical questions will be considered: (1) What is science?; (2) What sort of research should we be doing in science?; (3) Who should decide what research we undertake?; (4) What role should science and scientists play in society?; and (5) What ethical responsibility do scientists have to society?
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- examine and describe the major philosophical issues relating to the role of the sciences in contemporary society to an intermediate standard;
- critically evaluate and think about arguments concerning the appropriate place of science in society and analyse their core concepts, assumptions and implications to an intermediate standard;
- articulate and defend written arguments for and against positions on contemporary issues and problems relating to science in society using rationally persuasive argumentation to an intermediate standard;
- be able to apply theories, tools and concepts from philosophy of science, bioethics, science communication, sociology of science and the sciences to devise solutions to real-world issues;
- engage in well-reasoned oral discussion and debate, substantiating viewpoints with justified arguments on contemporary issues and problems relating to science in society using rationally persuasive argumentation to an intermediate standard; and
- collaborate with others from diverse disciplinary backgrounds to an intermediate standard.
Indicative Assessment
- Writing exercise, 1500 words (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Podcast (Group work), equivalent to 1500 words (50) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- Workshop participation (20) [LO 1,2,4,5,6]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of workshop and workshop-like activities.
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing based on prescribed material provided via Wattle.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
No prescribed texts are required. All material provided on Wattle.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3065 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | N/A |
