Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Aims
This module aims to develop students¿ understanding of how the Natural Sciences, the Liberal Arts, and interdisciplinary practice relate to human society and the complex challenges faced by the world and the people in it. Exploration of a broad range of societal challenges involving interdisciplinary science will include formal engagement with the Grand Challenges lecture series at Keele¿s Institute of Liberal Arts and Sciences. This will be underpinned by explicit engagement with conceptual frameworks such as ¿wicked problems¿ that formalise how we think about difficult and complex problems considered major societal challenges. Students should therefore be able to communicate their understanding of societal challenges effectively using explicit reference to conceptual frameworks and evidence.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Evaluate how interdisciplinary practice in the Natural Sciences relates to complex societal challenges: 1Discuss academic conceptual frameworks on societal challenges and interdisciplinary practice: 1Critically evaluate information in evidence-based arguments: 1,2Communicate evidence-based evaluations effectively in both written and oral forms: 1,2
Lectures 8 hoursWorkshops 14 hoursAttendance of a minimum 5x Grand Challenges lectures and receptions (or watching online recordings when unable to attend) 5 hoursIndependent study for workshops and assessments 123 hours
Description of Module Assessment
1: Essay weighted 50%Essay2,000 word essay evaluating the role of interdisciplinary science in addressing key major societal challenges
2: Portfolio weighted 50%PortfolioPortfolio of materials intended for a general audience publicising the Grand Challenges lecture series at Keele¿s Institute of Liberal Arts & Sciences (ILAS). Consisting of: (a) a 1000 word report on a Grand Challenges lecture of the student¿s choice; (b) a short video summary (3 minutes) of a Grand Challenges lecture of the student¿s choice