Natural Sciences: Global Challenges and Scientific Skills

Do you have an interest in the sciences and want to learn more about how the natural world works? Are you interested in scientific discovery and applying practical skills to solve global issues? Are you keen to see how fundamental principles of mathematics and physical science continue to affect and shape the world we live in?

This module gives an introduction to a range of sciences. It provides an understanding of the impact of interdisciplinary study in natural sciences on the world around us. Topics include atmospheric changes, chaos theory, the mathematics of voting systems and estimation. You'll explore global challenges including the use of agrochemicals and antibiotics.

The module will highlight the importance of communicating the benefits (and risks) of new technologies. You'll develop your science journalism and scientific writing skills. Students enrolled on the module will need to create a FutureLearn account.

Please note, the Leeds International Summer School runs for four weeks (2 - 30 July 2022). You can choose to study with us for two weeks or for the full four-week programme. Each module lasts two weeks so you study one module if you choose to attend for two weeks and two modules if you choose to attend for four weeks.

Course leader

Rob Sturman

Target group

Undergraduate/Bachelor students

Course aim

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- discuss examples of the historical and modern-day context of the contributions physical science has made to several distinct topics which impact on everyday life, and the principles underpinning these;
- use their mathematical and scientific skills to question and analyse phenomena around them;
- demonstrate their ability to communicate an example of the role mathematics and physical science has played in addressing a topic of general interest to a public audience in written form;
- communicate the context and scientific basis of a given problem to an audience of non specialists.

Credits info

5 EC
The module is worth 10 Leeds credits = 5 ECTS. You can transfer the credits earned back to your home degree subject to approval.

Fee info

GBP 1820: Leeds International Summer School (LISS) is an all-inclusive programme. Included in the programme fee is tuition, accommodation, breakfast and lunch, Monday to Friday, module field trips, weekend excursions, social programme and The Edge sports centre membership. The cost of flights, insurance and visa is not included.

Scholarships

If you have a GPA of 3.2 or above (or equivalent) you're eligible to apply for a Merit scholarship worth up to £500. We are also looking for LISS Champions to receive a scholarship of £1000 while sharing their experiences of LISS via different platforms.