Units
Science, Technology and Society
Unit code: MDB454
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit investigates the interactions and effects that exist between modern science, technology and society both from a social and historical viewpoint. Advances such as the advent of the Internet, genetic modification and nanotechnology are discussed within a context of globalisation, global communications and social change. The unit also includes a study of the nature of science and technology and the nature of scientific knowledge. A major feature of the unit involves groups of students developing and delivering 'a hypothetical' on a contemporary science and technology issue affecting society.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Through engagement with this unit you will have the opportunity to gain a depth of understanding of the nature of the discipline of science and its relationship with technology. Such understanding is at the core of being scientifically literate. Both science and technology have had major influences on society. These influences have been both positive and negative; both local and global; both historical and current. On the one hand society has benefited materially from advances in science and technology. On the other hand there are products of science and technology that now threaten the well-being of the planet. It is the recognition that informed citizens require an understanding of the complex relationships that exist between science, technology and society (STS) that provides the rationale for this unit. You will have opportunities to reflect on some of these influences, thereby developing your own scientific literacy and your potential to be an effective teacher of science.
Aims
The aim of this unit is to provide you with support to develop a basic understanding of the nature of the complex interrelationships between Science, Technology and Society. You will have opportunities to investigate real world issues and to confront some of the questions that applications of science and technology are raising for contemporary society.
Objectives
On successful completion of this unit should be able to:
1. Use higher order thinking and critical inquiry to gather, synthesise and advance scientific knowledge within the context of contemporary 'real world' problems; [Standard 3]
2. Demonstrate an awareness of the impact that scientific literacy has upon on other individual's participation in society; [Standards 1, 2, 4]
3. Use effective communication strategies to encourage, in others, the development of an understanding of the interactions between Science, Technology and Society, and [Standards 1, 3]
4. Mediate scientific discourse that values the diversity of participants. [Standard 4]
Content
This unit includes the following topics:
1. The nature of Science and Technology.
2. The nature of Society.
3. The influences between Science, Technology and Society.
4. Science, technology and society in the classroom: fostering scientific literacy.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
You will experience a range of teaching strategies - for example, discussions, multimedia presentations, and mini lectures. The combined lecture / tutorial will allow you to work cooperatively in groups to investigate and communicate to others about the various stances taken by stakeholders with respect to a contemporary issue in STS.
Assessment
The assessment for this unit, both formative (through feedback) and summative, will provide you with opportunities to demonstrate the unit outcomes.
Assessment name:
Professional Plans
Description:
Develpoment of teaching plan and materials on Science, Technology, Society (STS)
Length: Approx. 1500 words
Relates to objectives:
1 - 3
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Mid-Semester
Assessment name:
Demonstration
Description:
Lesson presentation and critical reflection of science teaching relating to STS
Length: 1500 words
Relates to objectives:
1 - 4
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End-Semester
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Bauchspies, W., Croissant, J., & Restivo, S. (2006). Science, technology, and society : a sociological approach. Malden, MA ; Oxford : Blackwell Pub.
Engelbert, P. (2002). Science, technology, and society: the impact of science in the 20th century. Detroit: UXL.
Van Rooy, W. (2004). Bringing controversial issues into science teaching. In G. Venville & V. Dawson (Eds.) The art of teaching science. Sydney, Allen & Unwin.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with the general conduct of this unit. Workplace health and safety protocols in relation to computer use will apply. However, students must be familiar with the procedures for the safe handling of science equipment and materials and are expected to complete and submit a completed risk assessment proforma before conducting any experiments.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 31-Oct-2012
