BIOL 302
Science, Technology, and Society
1. Catalog Entry
BIOL 302
Science, Technology, and Society
Credit hours (2) Two hours seminar
Prerequisite: A grade of 鈥淐鈥� or better in BIOL 131, BIOL 132, BIOL 231 and BIOL232;
Biology 302 provides an introduction to science and technology studies emphasizing
the nature of science, the process of discovery, the relationship between science
and technology, and the interrelationships between science, technology and society.
2. Detailed Description of Course
The course will use a case study approach. A variety of case studies will be drawn
from among the following topics:
1) The Nature of Science
a. Science as a way of knowing about the natural world
b. Science as a social process
c. Scientific institutions and their social roles
2) Scientific Discovery
a. Assumptions
b. Hypothesis formation and testing
c. How theories change
d. Conflict resolution in science
3) Pure and Applied Science
a. The intellectual relationship between science and technology
b. The social relationship between science and technology
4) Science Policy and Government Funding of Science
3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course will be run on a modified seminar format. Lectures will be presented on
occasion, but most of the time will be devoted to discussion and other active learning
activities.
4. Goals and Objectives of the Course
By the end of the course students will be expected to accomplish the following goals:
1) Discuss the historical background of selected issues involving science and
technology
2) Identify the major positions taken in these controversies
3) Identify the explicit and implicit assumption underlying these positions
4) Take a position and defend it against potential criticism
5) Discuss the similarities and differences among historical and contemporary
cases involving bioethical issues
5. Assessment Measures
Students out comes will be evaluated through a variety of methods, which may include:
1) Tests
2) Short reaction papers written in response to readings
3) Presentations and class discussion
4) Journals and other types of informal writing, particularly entries aimed at
drawing parallels between historical
case studies and issues in the daily news
5) One or more formal papers involving library research
6. Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
January 2011
June 20, 2015