ENSCI 1100: Science Technology and Society / 1 About ENSCI 1100 Catalogue Number ENSCI 1100 Descriptive Title Science, Technology and Society Course Description Interactions between science and technology and social, cultural, political and economic contexts which shape and are shaped by them; specific examples throughout human history of scientific and technological developments. Credits 3 units Prerequisite None Co-requisite None Welcome to ENSCI 1100! Scientific breakthroughs and the technologies derived from them have certainly played an important role in the continuous flourishing of the human race. Through the advances in agriculture and fisheries and the progress in food science and technology, we are now more capable of producing food that we require to survive. We can now live longer than our ancestors because of modern drugs and medical procedures. We can do various tasks easily and more efficiently with the help of modern tools and equipment. Indeed, science and technology have propelled economic growth and enabled the development of society. However, some of the products of science and technology, though beneficial to us, may also have detrimental effects to the environment or human health. The use of fossil fuels, for example, is linked to global warming and climate change. Certain industrial and agricultural chemicals can negatively affect humans and other organisms. Science and technology can also cause problems for society. The interface where science and society meet will be the focus of our attention in this course. We will try to understand the crucial links between the two and how they influence each other. At the end of the course, you are expected to gain a deeper appreciation of the role of science to society and a much better understanding of how society dictates the direction that science and technology should take. The course is divided into two units. The first unit is about the nature of science, the interrelationship between science and society, and the contributions of men and women of science, including Filipino scientists. We shall examine various scientific developments and their impacts on society as well as discuss the link between science and human condition. The next ENSCI 1100: Science Technology and Society / 2 unit is devoted to the scrutiny of contemporary issues that highlight the critical link between science and society. The course culminates in the submission of a science-based project designed to address a real problem in your neighborhood. You may also work on a project with a larger scope. Course Outcomes At the end of the course, you are expected to: 1. Demonstrate thorough understanding of the important knowledge required for 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. scientific literacy and science and society studies including the ability to differentiate between science and technology, articulate the nature of science, apply the scientific method and explain what makes a society; Citing relevant examples, prove that society affects the direction that science and technology takes; Articulate the impacts of science and technology on society, specifically Philippine society, and their role in nation building, particularly in the development of the Filipino nation; Analyze how science and technology affects the human person and the society from ethical standpoint; Examine shared concerns that make up the good life in order to come up with innovative and creative solutions to contemporary issues guided by ethical standards; Critically assess specific issues in science and technology that affect society, especially climate change, information technology and social media, and genetic manipulation; Propose science-based solutions to problems and issues affecting the society. Course Requirements and Your Grade First Term Examination Midterm Examination 20% 20% Final Examination 20% Module Tasks & Quizzes 30% Participation in Discussions 10% The passing curve is 50%. ENSCI 1100: Science Technology and Society / 3 Important Class Rule Please do NOT practice "copy and paste" when performing tasks, replying in a discussion prompt, answering examination questions or preparing your project. You will be given a grade of "0" in the task or discussion if any portion of your output is plagiarized. You will automatically be given an INC grade if your exam or project contains plagiarized material. About the Course Tutor
