DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING
AND PUBLIC POLICY (UCL STEaPP)
Introduction to Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy Module code: STEP3001 Availability: Spring Term Credit value: 4 (US), 7.5 (ECTS) Subject area: Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy Course type: Level 3 course More about STEaPP What is STEP3001: Introduction to Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy? This module introduces interested undergraduate students from across UCL to the influence and use of science, technology and engineering (STE) in public policy and decision making in the 21st century. This module will look at the ways that decisions are made about the use of science, engineering and technology, and at how these disciplines can be used to help make better and more informed policy decisions. The module will introduce students to diverse views about the role of science, technology and engineering in policy and will encourage students to develop their own ideas about how these disciplines interact with society in both politically organized and informal ways. Throughout the module, students will develop an understanding of: • Why and how modern societies fund science, technology and engineering research and development • How science, technology and engineering knowledge influences societal trends and public decision making in the 21st century • The issues at stake in a range of areas from energy policy and climate change to political uses of information and data • The career opportunities which are appearing at the interface of science, technology, engineering and public policy. The module aims to enable students to engage critically with science, innovation and policy and also serves as an introduction to the basic skills required to work successfully in emerging careers that integrate science, technology and engineering into public policy. What will I learn? At the end of the 10 week course, you should be able to; • Analyse and discuss a range of views on how science, technology and engineering does, and should, affect policy making • Identify the key issues in a range of specific policy areas and understand the role of engineering, science and technology in shaping policy • Present your ideas on how your particular discipline relates to policy or broader social issues and how it can play a role in shaping policy • Demonstrate your ability to accurately summarise and present STE knowledge relevant to a particular policy issue in a format and style which is suitable for public policy environments Joe Dally-Fitzsimons, 20 August 2014
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING
AND PUBLIC POLICY (UCL STEaPP)
Who Can Take this Module? This advanced module is open to all second year and above undergraduate students, as well as affiliate students (the module is classed as an advanced course and so is not suitable for first year students). All students whose interests cover engineering, technology, science or public policy are welcome. The module is worth 0.5cu (7.5ECTS). How is it taught? The module will be delivered in a typical lecture/seminar format, with a particular focus on facilitated discussion. However, in keeping with UCL STEaPP’s support of innovative teaching, the module will make use of flipped and online opportunities to facilitate navigation through multiple sources of data and real-­‐life policy documents, YouTube videos, company websites and quizzes. If timetabling permits, some field trips may be arranged to visit London-­‐based institutions that are involved in policy making and implementation. When is it taught? The module is taught throughout the second term, and is currently scheduled to be taught on Monday (9am-­‐11am) with an hour seminar/tutorial group on Thursday (11am-­‐12, or 1pm-­‐2pm). How Will I be assessed? The module is assessed in a number of ways, and includes both academic and professionally-­‐
orientated assignments; • Presentation (20%) Each week a different group of students taking the module will give a presentation on the weekly topic. This will last 5-­‐10 minutes, and should summarise the readings, present a response and identify a discussion question for the rest of the group. • Weekly Reflections (10%) (Moodle-­‐Based) Each week, students will be asked to submit a 100-­‐200w reflection on some aspect of that week’s reading or course discussion, or responding to students’ earlier posts. • Policy Memo (20%) A 1500 word memo summarising the relevant STE knowledge on a particular policy topic for a policy audience or stakeholders. • Final Paper (50%) A 2500 written essay on a choice of a set of questions. How can I select this module? You can select to take STEP3001 via Portico at the start of the year when making your other module choices. Registration is on a first-­‐come, first-­‐served basis (by date selected in Portico). It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the selection of the module satisfies the requirements of their particular degree. If you have any questions, please contact UCL STEaPPs Teaching and Learning Administrator at j.fitzsimons@ucl.ac.uk or 0203 108 9425. Joe Dally-Fitzsimons, 20 August 2014