Postgraduate Module Descriptor

SOCM016: Cultures of the Life Sciences

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

Module Aims

To provide a thorough and rigorous discussion of historical and contemporary practices in the life sciences from a range of philosophical, historical, and sociological perspectives. To foster techniques of analytical and critical inquiry.

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 an understanding of many of the basic conceptual issues and challenges at stake in the life sciences,
2. demonstrate in writing an ability to philosophically analyse the ways in which these problems have been and/or could be addressed
3. demonstrate in writing an ability to understand both contemporary and historical aspects of biology in a wide conceptual context and to think across discipline-specific boundaries.
Discipline-Specific Skills4. demonstrate in writing and orally a well-developed ability to understand and analyse scientific theories and philosophical arguments
5. demonstrate in writing and orally an understanding of the role and importance of detailed empirical work for philosophical understanding
Personal and Key Skills6. demonstrate an independent ability to construct their own arguments and critically evaluate the ideas and arguments of others, both orally and in writing
7. demonstrate in writing able to show they have acquired precision of thought and expression in the analysis and formulation of complex problems. Students will also be able to identify and locate appropriate literature, and write cogent and convincing essay