FOUN1210 – SCIENCE, MEDICINE AND TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY
Introduction
to the Course
Science, medicine and technology play an
ever-increasing role in our lives. Computers, DNA
testing and alternative (complementary) medicine have
become part of the everyday conversations of many of our
citizens. Genetically modified foods are at present, a
source of much debate, yet many of us are not even sure
why. It is extremely important that as many of us as
possible take a continuing and informed interest in the
place of science, medicine and technology in society so
that we can take part, or at least understand, what the
fuss is all about.
Many decisions that have a considerable effect on our
lives depend on our ability to understand the scientific
issues involved. More and more political decisions
revolve around issues of science, medicine and
technology. It is therefore important that the average
citizen be in a position to make informed decisions
about matters such as health and environmental issues
that will affect them and their descendants. For
example, how do we share our scarce resources between
competing demands such as treating illnesses like
HIV/AIDS and improving garbage collection systems?
Equally, we should not be ignorant of the factors
involved in selecting a particular site for a waste
disposal dump or why an assessment should be done on its
environmental impact before such an important decision
is made. If we remain ignorant of the underlying
issues, we allow important decisions to be taken for us
by a handful of experts and those they advise. At the
very least, concerned citizens should know enough to ask
pertinent questions and be able to understand the
answers.
Course Overview
The course material is divided into two modules.
Module 1 - The Nature,
Importance and Methodology of Science,
is intended to provide background information for both
science and non-science students. It will help students
gain an insight into the thinking underlying the
processes of science, as well as the strengths and
weaknesses of science. After a brief look at some
current issues in science, medicine and technology, it
introduces students to the methods underlying scientific
investigations and their history. The module ends with
a short unit that explores briefly the relationships and
differences between science and technology.
Module 2 – The Impact
of Science on Society,
examines the ways in which science, medicine and
technology affect the development of society in general
and Caribbean society in particular. It is intended to
help students become more aware that, as part of the
wider international community, events taking place in
other countries and the issues surrounding those events
affect us and the decisions we make at all levels of our
societies.
Course Objective
The overall objective of this course is to “develop the
ability of the student to engage, in an informed manner,
in public discourse on matters pertaining to the impact
of science, medicine and technology on society”.
Course Content
Module 1: The Nature, Importance and Methodology of
Science
Unit 1 - Some
Issues of Current Interest in Science, Medicine and
Technology
Unit 2 -
Scientific Methods and the Nature of Science
Unit 3 - Science
and Technology
Module 2:
The Impact of Science on Society
Unit 1 - Basic
Scientific Concepts: A Very Brief Introduction
Unit 2 - Energy
Production and Use
Unit 3 - Health
and Disease in the Caribbean
Unit 4 -
Biotechnology and Society
Unit 5 -
Computer Science and Information Technology
Unit 6 - Some
Ethical and Gender Issues
We
hope that students completing the course will have
increased their knowledge and understanding of how and
why science is increasingly “invading” our social
interactions. In addition, we hope that they will have
developed an interest in keeping abreast of new
developments, as they occur, in order to fulfill their
roles as responsible citizens.
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