ER01: Science & Religion
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Description:
Science & Religion
Science & Religion
ER01
NFQ Level:
9
ECTS Credits:
7.5
Dr John Feehan
This module will:
Introduce participants to the development, thought processes and modus
operandi of the scientific enterprise; explore conflicts and synergies with
religious belief; and provide an element of exploratory encounter with the
natural world.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
MO1 demonstrate an ability to evaluate on the basis of evidence
MO2 argue the strengths and limits of the scientific method
MO3 demonstrate a critical understanding and the ability to present and debate the
science with faith and religion
MO4 effectively use a hand lens and microscopes
MO5 share an appreciation of their encounter with a range of flora and
fauna from the perspective of both the sciences and the humanities
interface of
Pre-requisite Learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not
enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section
None
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not
enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section
None
Indicative Context
The early history of science:
the essence of the scientific enterprise as a collective incremental endeavour, an activity integral to
human nature; the scientific contribution of a number of key figures including Eratosthenes, Albert the
Great, Thomas Aquinas, Galileo, Newton, Goethe, Linnaeus, Darwin and Einstein.
ER01: Science & Religion
An exploration of key themes and their significance for faith:
cosmic and organic evolution; the nature of matter and energy; time, earth history and earth process; a
voyage in time – the world without us (an interlude in the Devonian); palaeontology; our common
ancestry — introduction to genetics; biodiversity; the great chain of being and the tree of life; the
complexity of life and individual species; the dignity of the individual species; the etymology of creation,
each a glimpse of God’s self- expression; the creation as revelation; trees and the human species; the
animal mind.
The duty of care consequent on relationship:
elementary ecology; environment and ethics; science and faith (salvation, community, virtue, eternal life;
human uniqueness); the rainforest on your doorstep: an introduction to local biodiversity looking and
seeing with new eyes, microscope, telescope, remote sensing.
Direct experience of the diversity of life is an essential part of the course. This is achieved through a
number of short outdoor sessions (taken to a more advanced stage in the Burren), and laboratory work
(including an introduction to the microscope).
Assessment Breakdown
%
Essay
Linked to Module Outcome: MO1, MO2 MO3
Laboratory & Field Work
Linked to Module Outcome:, MO4, MO5
Coursework Breakdown
Type
Description
Workload
Type
Lecture
Independent Learning
Library
Assignment
Laboratories
100%
Outcome
addressed
% of
Total
Assessment Date
Full-Time Hours per semester
Description
Lecturing input
Self-directed reading and revision
Self and tutor-directed reading of course material
Researching, structuring information, writing up
Hours
24
160
6
Total Workload 190
ER01: Science & Religion
Resources
Essential Book Resources
Berry, T. & Swimme, B.The Universe Story: From the Primordial Flaring Forth to the Ecozoic Era, A
Celebration of the Unfolding of the Cosmos. London: HarperCollins, 1992. (Reprint edition 1994)
Dawkins, Richard,The God Delusion, Orlando, Fla: Houghton Mifflin, 2006.
Feehan, John,The Wildflowers of Offaly. Offaly: Offaly County Council, 2009.
Feehan, John,The Singing Heart of the World. Dublin: The Columba Press, 2010.
Haught, John F. Is Nature Enough? Meaning and Truth in the Age of Science, Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press, 2006.
Küng, Hans,The Beginning of All Things. Science and Religion, Eerdmans, 2007.
McDonagh, Sean,The Death of Life. The Horror of Extinction, Dublin: Columba Press, 2004.
McGrath, Alister, Dawkins’ God. Genes,Memes and the Meaning of Life. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Blackwell,
2004.
Essential Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
Gould, Stephen Jay, (general editor) The Book of Life, London: Ebury Hutchinson, 1993.
Gould Stephen Jay, Rocks of Ages: Science and Religion in the Fullness of Life London: Jonathan Cape,
1999.
Gribbin, John. Companion to the Cosmos, London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1996.
(ed.) A Brief History of Science. London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1998.
Haught, John, F.The Promise of Nature. Ecology and Cosmic Purpose, Mahwah, N.J.: Paulist Press, 1993
Toolan, David, At Home in the Cosmos, New York: Orbis, 2001.
Wilson, Edward O.,The Diversity of Life, Allen Lane: the Penguin Press, 1992.
ER01: Science & Religion
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