Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
BB20152 Practice of science |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: CW 50%, EX 50% |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take BB10001 and take BB10002 |
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Aims: The course 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 the unit the students 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: Logical thinking, communication skills, presentation and writing skills. 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 |