Postgraduate Course: Understanding Science (BIME11146)
Course Outline
| School | Deanery of Biomedical Sciences |
College | College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
| Course type | Online Distance Learning |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | This course will examine the nature of scientific knowledge. It will explore the scientific method, reflect on established and uncertain aspects of scientific discoveries and their application in technological advances. Students will examine the communication of science within and beyond the academic community and develop an awareness of how perceptions and (mis) understandings arise. Using contemporary examples and contexts, students will discuss potential stakeholders for issues involving science and identify sources of information, misinformation available to the stakeholders. The course will explore the role of the media in science communication and the alignment and tensions between the objectives of the scientist and the media.
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| Course description |
Not entered
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2024/25, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
| Course Start Date |
13/01/2025 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Online Activities 25,
Summative Assessment Hours 30,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
43 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
1. On-going contribution to discussion boards (40% of the total mark).
2. Written assignment (60% of total mark). |
| Feedback |
Not entered |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- A critical understanding of the nature of scientific knowledge and the scientific method.
- A critical understanding of scientific knowledge (contested and uncontested) and uncertainty in science.
- A critical understanding of public attitudes to science with respect to the role of a science communicator.
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Reading List
| Reading material will be released on a week-by-week basis throughout the duration of the course. |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Special Arrangements |
This course will be taught entirely by distance learning, using the virtual learning environment Blackboard Learn as the delivery platform. Course materials are protected by secure username and password access, of which will be made available to matriculated students.
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| Keywords | SCPE-ODL-US |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Elizabeth Stevenson
Tel: (0131 6)50 3258
Email: E.Stevenson@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Katherine Shaw
Tel: (0131 6)50 8349
Email: K.Shaw@ed.ac.uk |
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