Postgraduate Module Descriptor

SOCM950: Science Technology and Society

This module descriptor refers to the 2023/4 academic year.

Module Aims

To provide training in the essential skills of conducting and reporting research in the field of Science and Technology Studies. The module will invite students to question the taken-for-granted status of contemporary science and technology and to explore the relations between human as well as human/nonhuman interaction that unfold the complexities of social processes cultural specificities. The major conceptual approaches will be critically evaluated while key social, cultural and political issues will be explored. It aims to offer a post-humanist perspective on scientific practices and objects, emerging technologies, human-technology interaction, or human-environmental relations to interrogate human-centered understanding of science and technology, to re-address questions of agency, knowledge, risk and power relations. 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Demonstrate in writing and orally a detailed awareness and comprehension of the interaction between society, science, and technology, as well as the theories that explain this interaction.
2. Recognise the contribution of the social sciences to the analysis of science and technology, and its contribution to other disciplines.
3. Be able to critically evaluate in writing and orally the diversity of specialised techniques and approaches involved in producing research in Science and Technology Studies.
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Analyse and synthesise different types of material and evidence.
5. Identify and assess the empirical usefulness of different theoretical approaches
6. Demonstrate sufficient initial knowledge to present independent interpretations.
Personal and Key Skills7. Undertake independent study and research planning
8. Build and defend a sound argument both in written form and orally.
9. Co-ordinate group discussion