BME1111

Science, culture and origins ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Nancy Nichols (Physiology)

Offered:
Not offered in 2005.

Synopsis: Evolution of the human species as seen from the fossil record, living primates, and indigenous cultures. The connection between nineteenth-century ideas on evolution and the emergence of a particular view of 'race'. The meaning of 'race' today and the impact of science on society. How and why particular scientific approaches emerge, develop and become dominant. Alternative approaches to understanding human and social systems. Evolution of the brain and mind in human development.

Objectives: After completing this course, a student should have acquired: 1. an understanding of how humans have evolved as primates and how human systems have developed and evolved; 2. an understanding of different approaches to the creation of knowledge including scientific approaches and others more concerned with historical and social context. Students will also understand the concept of scientific paradigms; 3. the capacity to reflect critically on scientific processes and on academic disciplines; 4. the capacity to develop and understand multidisciplinary approaches to problem-solving using scientific principles and practices and those developed in the humanities and social sciences; 5. skills in presenting ideas both collaboratively in projects and in adversarial ways through debates; 6. skills in observation and investigation, and in understanding scientific experimentation and the social and practical implications of scientific findings; and 7. skills in writing both reports and essays.

Assessment: Group project: 30% + Essay: 30% + Written examination: 40%

Contact Hours: One 2 hour lecture and up to 3 hours of workshop and practicals per week