The interface between science and political decision making is of fundamental importance to modern society. Yet while our techniques of scientific enquiry have allowed us to learn ever more about the world - and our collective ability to enact change has become ever more powerful - the relationship between scientific knowledge and political action has never been entirely smooth. Indeed, things may even be getting worse. This course traces the dynamics, contours and fractures of the interface between science and politics.
Topics covered include: uses of science in political decision making; differing attitudes to scientific advice and the values underpinning them; ways of countering hostility to science; the role of new technology in changing the dynamics of the relationship between science and politics. Case studies may include climate change, artificial intelligence, diversity in science, asteroid mining, recreational drugs, invasive species, genetically modified food.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will
have the knowledge and skills to:
- Locate and critically assess literature relevant to political debate and policy formation from a wide variety of sources.
- Drawing on a range of scientific and other sources, compose clear, persuasive and contextualised arguments for a range of audiences.
- Understand and describe the key issues guiding the science / policy interaction.
- Engage experts in debate by questioning and critiquing their presentations.
Indicative Assessment
- 5 Opinion pieces drawing on relevant literature to address key science policy questions (5 x 15%, LO1, LO2, LO3)
- Collaborative literature review (5% total, LO1)
- Questions and discussions with experts (5%, LO4)
- Reflective essay collating learning (15%, LO3)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
2 hour weekly seminar, 2 hours online discussion forum, 6 hours study time per weekRequisite and Incompatibility
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $3840 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $5460 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.