BSc Medical Biochemistry / Course details

What is science? And why does science have such authority in our society and culture? You don’t have to be Einstein to find the answers!

This unit explores the place of science in human affairs using examples from the past and present. It uses non- specialist vocabulary to help us understand why we trust scientists and where that reliance comes from historically. It also invites you to reflect critically on the methods scientific experts use and the influence they exercise in the modern world.

Through a variety of case studies showing scientists at work, this unit analyses their ambitions, successes and the controversies that their research created. A variety of resources, from scientists’ writings to literature and film, will be used to introduce humanities and science students to different ways of understanding science in the past and the present.

This unit explores the place of science in human affairs using examples from the past and present. It uses non-specialist vocabulary to help us understand why we trust scientists and where that reliance comes from historically. It also invites you to reflect critically on the methods scientific experts use and the influence they exercise in the modern world.

On completion of the unit, students will be able to:

• Describe the range and complexity of the modern sciences in the context of their historical development
• Describe the role of sciences in modern culture
• Analyse different ways of thinking about science in contemporary society, including the views of non-scientific audiences and issues around authority and trust
• Defend well-argues contributions to interdisciplinary group debates
• Prepare well-argues and evidence based written reports

In addition, 20-credit students will be able to:

• Research and write a literature-based review, integrating scientific, historical and social viewpoints