Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Unit Catalogue 2006/07

BB20152 Practice of science

Credits: 6

Level: Intermediate

Semester: 1

Assessment: EX40ES40OT20

Requisites:

Before taking this unit you must take BB10001 and take BB10002

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

University | Catalogues for 2006/07