Unit name | Big Ideas in Science |
---|---|
Unit code | CHEM10001 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | C/4 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
Unit director | Professor. Wyatt |
Open unit status | Open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Chemistry |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit provides a broad introduction to some of the fundamental ideas in science. It looks at the original ideas and concepts behind the discipline, the history and the people involved behind the main discoveries and /inventions. The implications or consequences of the scientific method? are explored as well as philosophical and ethical issues and the way different important approaches have built upon each other or interconnected. The remaining answered questions and ongoing research into fundamental issues, with a particular focus on research ongoing at the University will also be covered.
Aims The unit aims to provide an insight into some of the most significant scientific concepts and explore how these ideas have changed the way we think about the world. It aims to encourage students to be critical about the ideas presented – to think for themselves and discuss between themselves the scientific implications and ethical questions. The topics cover a broad range and draw upon expertise from across the entire Faculty of Science.
More specifically, the unit aims to introduce broad scientific ideas which may include such topics as – quantisation, imaginary numbers, climate change, relativity, symmetry and evolution.
Lectures, discussion group workshops (classes of 10 students)
Students will be assessed by coursework throughout the year (100%). Coursework will be centred around the discussion workshops. There is no examination for this unit.
To follow