Science and the public
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| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| End-of-course assessment | No residential school |
Register for the course
| Start | End | Fee | Register |
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No current presentation - see Future availability |
| This course is expected to run until February 2010. | |||
Summary
Power lines and cancer. Genetic testing. HIV and Aids. When science comes to the public attention, it’s often in a context of alarm and controversy. In this masters-level science course, you’ll examine the relationship between science and the public. A range of case studies show how science works, how it’s presented and people’s perceptions of science and scientists. You’ll also look at the broader issues that lie behind the news headlines – such as whether we trust scientists, and whether all would be well if the public knew more about science.
Course content
This course contributes to the Science studies strand of the MSc in Science programme. It explores some of the key scientific and technological issues of the day, paying particular attention to the influences of science on society and what perceptions of science (and of scientists) are evident among the public. The course is suitable for students with a wide variety of backgrounds, and should prove invaluable to those who are professionally concerned with the communication or the general promotion of science.
The first section of the course, Part A, highlights examples of scientific issues past and present that are in the public gaze, such as genetic testing; the controversy over the disposal of the Brent Spar; the health risks posed by overhead power lines; the MMR vaccine; BSE; animal research and so on. Part B looks at broader issues related to science and society that emerge from the Part A examples: Are scientists trusted? What responsibilities have they to the public? Is the notion of risk understood by the public? How common are anti-science beliefs? The course ends (Part C) by looking at the public understanding of science as a practical and academic activity. Is the aim of a scientifically informed public, able to participate in useful two-way dialogue, desirable and attainable? Are current initiatives in that direction likely to be effective?
The course is presented in a series of study booklets, each a ‘commentary’ that guides you through a selection of readings. There is also a CD-ROM, two set books and supplementary text. The course includes a mini-project, and there are structured and informal online forums.
You will learn
As you study S802 you will learn to be more critically aware of science-based issues of public importance. You will develop skills in interpreting perceptions of scientists and the public and you will consider the ways in which contemporary science functions. This will lead you to appreciate the meanings and implications of ‘the public understanding of science'.
The skills you will learn throughout the course will include using electronic means of communication, information searching and retrieval. You will learn to critically evaluate relevant published works. You will also develop and use relevant research skills to tackle and prepare an account of a problem of your own choosing related to science and the public.
Entry
To register for Science and the public you must, normally, hold a qualification equivalent to a UK honours degree. Within the MSc in Science your degree should be in a science subject. However a relevant honours degree such as communications, museum or media studies, science education, or awards in the history, philosophy or sociology of science may be acceptable if you are planning to count the course towards the MSc or Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Society. If you do not have an acceptable honours degree, relevant experience or other study that would equip you to study at masters level will be considered by our admissions panel.
Depending on your qualifications or particular area of expertise, then some background reading may be necessary prior to the start, or during the early part of the course. If you are uncertain, please contact the MSc in Science Programme Office, Faculty of Science, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, email us or look on our website.
Qualifications
S802 is an optional course in our
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Society (E35)
- Master of Public Administration (F44)
- MSc in Science (F12)
- MSc in Science and Society (F48)
Some postgraduate qualifications allow study to be chosen from other subject areas. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this course can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
The course depends heavily on reading and writing text on computer screens, and some of the material is presented on CD-ROM. You will need to spend considerable amounts of time using a personal computer and the internet. Some of the printed course materials (excluding the two set books) are also available on the CD-ROM in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Some Adobe PDF components may not be fully accessible using a screen reader and scientific materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Your course requires you to access literature resources electronically. If you use a screen reader to access material on screen, you should check that it is compatible with the Open Library's electronic databases and resources before you start the course.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our booklet Meeting Your Needs which you can download or request from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
You can also find information about accessible course materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Course materials
What's included
Course books, other printed materials, CD-ROM.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave. Some of your course software will be provided on disk.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new Windows computer since 2002 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual. Please note that you cannot use an Apple Mac or Linux computer unless it is running windows Boot Camp or similar.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the course material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. Electronic communication will be used extensively, and there will be a day school early on in the course that you are strongly encouraged to attend. Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
The end-of-course assessment includes a mini-project.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the final course starting date in January 2010.
How to register
We regret that we are currently unable to accept registrations for this course. Where the course is to be presented again in the future, relevant registration information will be displayed on this page as soon as it becomes available.
About this page
A postgraduate course.
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Student Reviews
Overall, I found the course very interesting and it helped me to view scientific issues from more than my own ...
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Great course, really enjoyed it - and my tutor was excellent. I found the case studies very readable and related ...
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