| Unit name | SWBio DTP: Science in Society, Business and Industry |
|---|---|
| Unit code | BIOCM0013 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Curnow |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
SWBio DTP: Statistics and Bioinformatics, SWBio DTP: Core Skills for Life Scientists, SWBio DTP: Rotation Project 1, followed by SWBio DTP: Rotation Project 2 |
| School/department | School of Biochemistry |
| Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
Whether one is a researcher working in an academic or an industrial environment, one is answerable to various stakeholders for the conduct research and its outcomes. The overall aim of this unit is to explore these various interest groups and their expectations of a professional researcher.
Academic research is usually funded directly or indirectly from tax revenues, charities or by industry and is regulated by policies set by various government agencies. We will explore what science delivers for society, and what the expectations are on researchers to meet these goals.
Using a UK and Europe-based perspective we will explore the current funding framework, policies and legislative structures surrounding research and how such policies are devised. It will include how publicly-funded science is communicated to various interest groups, and how success is measured in research.
With respect to industry and business, we will explore the ways in which academic and industry-based research might differ, gaining an understanding of commercialising intellectual property and how research outputs can be protected and commercialised.
On completion of this unit, the student will have developed a thorough understanding of the societal context in which they are working, an appreciation of the relevant ethical and legislative frameworks that dictate how they can operate, an understanding of how their research is managed and constrained by various interest groups. The student will also be familiar with how academic and industry-based research interact and how such research is exploited for financial or societal gain.
To be able to:
This unit will have an intensive two-weeks of classroom-based instruction, comprising lectures, workshops and seminars, including some small-group activities. This will be followed by recommended- and self-directed study, to prepare the student for the various assessment activities.
Will be provided throughout the unit, but will change from year to year depending on what is topical at the time.
