Module Descriptors
TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
XXAT60343
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 6
15 credits
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 36
Independent Study Hours: 114
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- COURSEWORK weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
The module enables the students to develop the ability to critically appraise the applications and implications of technology in society, giving due consideration to financial, technical and moral issues. Their ability to communicate their findings and philosophy effectively, professionally and interestingly in order to inform society at large about technological development and innovation is to be nurtured. The role of the media in the dissemination of technological information and opportunities and how it may influence technological development will be addressed.
Examples will be drawn from contemporary news issues, and study could include reference to the following concerns: Environmental issues such as the role of fossil fuels and pollutants compared with nuclear power and safety issues and the need and possibilities of recycling. Justification for funding of, for example, space exploration, blue sky research and technological education. Technology and politics such as - the role of developed countries towards the third world and government policy on technology as an income generator. The role of the professional institutions; lifelong learning.
Examples will be drawn from contemporary news issues, and study could include reference to the following concerns: Environmental issues such as the role of fossil fuels and pollutants compared with nuclear power and safety issues and the need and possibilities of recycling. Justification for funding of, for example, space exploration, blue sky research and technological education. Technology and politics such as - the role of developed countries towards the third world and government policy on technology as an income generator. The role of the professional institutions; lifelong learning.
Module Resources
Additionally students will refer to relevant contemporary publications such as newspaper articles, government publications and those of professional institutions eg, foresight reports, much of which is available via the internet.
Module Special Admissions Requirements
None.
Module Texts
A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson, Doubleday. 2003, ISBN: 0385408188
Visions of Technology, Richard Rhodes, Simon & Schuster. 1999, ISBN 0684 839032
The Pleasure of Finding Things Out, Richard P Feynman, Allen Lane, Penguin Press. 1999, ISBN 0713 994371
Visions: How Science will Revolutionise the 21st Century and Beyond, Michio Kaku, Oxford University Press, 1998, ISBN 0198500866
Visions of Technology, Richard Rhodes, Simon & Schuster. 1999, ISBN 0684 839032
The Pleasure of Finding Things Out, Richard P Feynman, Allen Lane, Penguin Press. 1999, ISBN 0713 994371
Visions: How Science will Revolutionise the 21st Century and Beyond, Michio Kaku, Oxford University Press, 1998, ISBN 0198500866
Module Learning Strategies
The module is essentially project based learning and students will achieve the learning outcomes and their individual goals whilst researching a chosen topic as a group and communicating important facts philosophies and ideas to colleagues and to the tutor. The course delivery will take the form of lectures (12 hours), individual and group research, discussion sessions (24 hours), group presentations and independent study. There will be whole group teaching and sessions devoted to topic group tutorials. In the latter part of the module group presentations will take place.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Group reports with oral presentation and defence (70%) which will assess Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Individual assessment will be reports or articles written to a professional publishable standard following a rigid brief (30%). These are likely to be related to the group research topic and will assess Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3.
Individual assessment will be reports or articles written to a professional publishable standard following a rigid brief (30%). These are likely to be related to the group research topic and will assess Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3.