Bioscience and Society: Public Engagement, Policy and Funding

The purpose of this module is to explore the relationship between science and society in both an historical and contemporary context. Since the days of Christopher Columbus, right down to the Apollo Space programme and more recently the large Hadron collider at CERN, it is has become clear that ambitious scientific endeavour requires public confidence, communication and funding in order to get from the original idea to something which has an impact in society. These considerations are just as valid in biology and medicine as they are in the physical sciences.

This module will draw on the unique range of museums, learned societies and organisations based in London to enable students to experience and appreciate the relationship between science and society and the need for scientists to engage and communicate with the wider world.

Course leader

Dr. Mark Waugh

Target group

This is a level one module (equivalent to first year undergraduate). No prior subject knowledge is required to study this module but students are expected to have a keen interest in the subject area.

Course aim

Upon successful completion of this module, students will:

understand how scientific research is funded and the importance of public engagement with science
understand the role of government in supporting and regulating science
understand the historical context which had driven scientific and technological advances in the past 200 years
understand how learned societies support scientific communication and advances
be able to evaluate how the work of individual scientists has had a major impact on society

Credits info

7.5 EC
7.5 ECTS / 4 US / 15 UCL

Fee info

GBP 2350: Students who study for 6 weeks (2 modules) will receive a tuition fee discount.
GBP : Students will have the option of living in UCL accommodation, close to campus in vibrant central London.