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13583 (v.2) SMEC 626 - Information Technology, Science and Society


 

Area:

Science and Mathematics Education Centre

Credits:

25.0

Contact Hours:

3.0

Lecture:

1 x 3 Hours Weekly

Syllabus:

Science and mathematics pedagogy and education, history and philosophy of science, growth and change of science, hypotheses - development, testing and rejections, scientific milestones and human thought. Theories of measurement, classification and time. Moral, ethical and legal issues. Available online via the internet.
 

Unit Outcomes:

Upon completion, the student will have a perspective on the history of science and the scientific method, and how science changes and grows; Comprehend the fundamental tenets of the philosophy of science, including the contrasting views of Kuhn, Lakatos,Popper and Feyerabend; Understand how systems of measurement, classification and time operate; Appreciate the special problems of uncertainty and chaos, with particular reference to the formulation of the "laws" of science and the "creation" of the universe; and understand a range of moral, ethical and legal issues resulting from scientific and technological advances, including genetic engineering, life support, dependence on technology and so-called "fail safe" systems.

Unit Texts:

Ferris, T. 1988 Coming of Age in the Milky Way. London: Vintage. Dixon, B. ed. 1989 From Creation to Chaos: Classic Writings in Science. London: Blackwell.
 

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

There are three items of formal assessment: Reflective diary / reading log (30%), Essay on an approved topic related to history or philosophy of science (35%), Report on the pros and cons of a technological development (35%)

Field of Education:

 70300 Curriculum and Education Studies (Narrow Grouping)

HECS Band (if applicable):

1  

Extent to which this unit or thesis utilises online information:

 Not Online  

Result Type:

 Grade/Mark


Availability

YearLocationPeriodInternalArea ExternalCentral External
2004Bentley CampusSemester 1YY 
2004Bentley CampusSemester 2YY 

Area
External
refers to external course/units run by the School or Department, offered online or through Web CT, or offered by research.
Central
External
refers to external course/units run through the Curtin Bentley-based Distance Education Area

 
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