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NAT-10001 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 13 February 2024

NAT-10001 - Science & Society
Coordinator: Mike Edwards Room: N/A Tel: +44 1782 7 33252
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

In this module you will consider the role that the Natural Sciences can play in the resolution of the major challenges facing society. Through participation in the Grand Challenges lectures and discussion with students enrolled on the LIB-10003 module, you will have opportunities to apply foundational knowledge and skills, methodological and analytical tools, perspectives to specific problems and societal challenges introduced through the Grand Challenges lecture series. Within this module you will also develop information literacy, oral presentation, and academic writing and reading skills, and problem-solving skills that are essential to longer-term success within the degree programme.

Aims
This module will provide an introduction to the interdisciplinary approach and perspectives associated with the combination of different academic disciplines within the Natural Sciences and beyond. Students will be encouraged to explore the nature and significance of the interdisciplinary boundaries associated with their chosen combinations of modules from other disciplines and will be encouraged to consider the societal relevance through participation in the "Global Challenges" lecture programme and follow-up learning set sessions. Students will also be introduced to key information literacy and academic reading and writing skills that underpin the programme.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Explain the benefits of an interdisciplinary approach to the arts and sciences and exemplify this with specific reference to core disciplines and module subjects: 1,2
Locate, evaluate and make effective use of a wide range of university-level information sources: 1,2
Communicate clearly and effectively using both accessible styles of writing and appropriate academic language and conventions associated with the Natural Sciences: 1,2
Identify, discuss and reflect upon the role that the Natural Sciences can play in the resolution of the major challenges facing society: 1,2

Study hours

Interactive lectures: 8
Workshops: 7
Student Conference: 2 hours
Global Challenges Lectures: 6 hours
Follow-up Discussion Sessions: 6 hours
Guided Independent Study: 121 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Group Presentation weighted 50%
Group Presentation
A small-group presentation of up to 15 minutes focussed on EITHER one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, OR on one of the Grand/Global Challenge lectures. It is expected that each student will contribute approximately 5 minutes of presentation time to the small-group presentation.

2: Portfolio weighted 50%
Portfolio (1500 words)
Students will write a portfolio of consisting of EITHER: 1) Two general audience pieces (in the style of an article in The Conversation), both of which relate a different Grand/Global Challenge to a lay audience OR 2) i) One general audience piece of roughly 750 words (in the style of an article in The Conversation) relating a Grand/Global Challenge to a lay audience, AND ii) A reflective diary of roughly 750 words, reflecting on TWO Grand/Global Challenges lectures (based upon the student's own reflections, and the class discussions from sessions held jointly with students enrolled on LIB-10003). The assessment length is 1500 words (excluding notes and bibliography), +/- 10%.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 13 February 2024