Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Unit Catalogue 2011/12 |
|
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Intermediate (FHEQ level 5) |
| Period: |
Semester 1 |
| Assessment:
| CW 50%, EX 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take BB10001 and take BB10002 |
| Description:
| Aims: To familiarise the student with the nature of scientific enquiry as a collective human enterprise, and the organisation, funding, communication and ethics of contemporary science. Areas in which there are differences of opinion and potential conflict are emphasised. Learning Outcomes: After taking this course the student should be able to: * discuss the nature and organisation of science, making reference to such aspects as scientific communication, funding, intellectual property and professional, social and environmental responsibility; * work both as part of a team and independently to present a case; * engage fairly with matters of controversy and formulate their own opinions. Skills: Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Oral communication T/F/A, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Group working T/F, Career preparation T/F. Content: * The nature of science as a method of human enquiry: a brief survey of ideas on philosophy of science. * Funding and control: who decides what science should be done? * Intellectual property and the public good. * Publication of science: scientific writing, primary literature and reviews; the editorial process; peer review, good and bad; open aces literature. * Professional and social responsibility: the scientist's duties to the employer, the Public Interest, environmental preservation etc. * Ethics and values: some principles and implications. * Error and deception in science. |
| Programme availability: |
BB20152 is Compulsory on the following programmes:Department of Biology & Biochemistry
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