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NAT-10001 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

NAT-10001 - Science & Society
Coordinator: Christopher Aris
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

In this module you will learn about the connections between people and research and the importance of ethics, good scientific practice, and collaboration. Together we will explore multiple different areas of science and where good practice has led to advancements in society. Through being exposed to multiple scientific fields you will be able to develop your critical thinking, learn to reflect on and challenge assumptions within science, and therefore thrive in your future research projects in later years of study.

Aims
This module will introduce you to interdisciplinary approach research and the multiple perspectives associated with combining different academic disciplines within the Natural Sciences and beyond. On this module you will be encouraged to explore the nature and significance of boundaries associated with their chosen major programme as well as those from other disciplines. Through this you will be encouraged to consider the societal relevance and importance of research outside of pure academics, such as impacts on culture, legislature, and local environments. You will also be introduced to key information literacy and academic reading and writing skills that underpin all scientific programmes.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Explain the benefits of an interdisciplinary approach to the 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 cultural, community, scientific, and global challenges facing society: 1

Study hours

Lectures: 9 hours
Seminars: 9 hours
Assessment preparation sessions: 2 hours
Presentation conference sessions: 3 hours
Guided independent learning: 127 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Presentation weighted 50%
Recorded Presentation
You will submit a narrated individual presentation (5-7 minutes duration) proposing a novel interdisciplinary approach to tackle an ongoing societal, cultural, and/or global issue. The issue will be selected from a range of recent news articles or article provided throughout the module or looked up independently by students.

2: Assignment weighted 50%
SciComm Assignment
You will submit a Science Communication Infographic (equivalent to 2500 words) to communicate the scientific results and impacts of interdisciplinary research to a general audience. This can be based on a topic discussed within the module, or on one researched independently as a part of wider reading. Appropriate direction/support will be provided to you on the level of information that you will be expected to extract from journal articles.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. 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/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025