The Politics, Perception and Philosophy of Physics
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PHYS4032 | Physics and Astronomy | 4 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- PHYS4032
- School
- Physics and Astronomy
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
Science is the belief in the ignorance of experts RP Feynman (1918 ' 1988)
What is physics' More broadly, what is science' And what is it about the scientific method that has made it so successful in explaining the world, and the Universe, around us' Does Feynman's definition above really capture the essence of science'
Topics to be covered include: Communicating science, how science works (career paths, funding etc), the scientific method, what is the realm of science, how to use science to change the world, who decides what we study, bias, dealing with uncertainty in science, bad science and integrity, science in society.
Target Students
Students in the 4th year of MSci Physics, MathematicalPhysics, CMP and Natural Sciences programmes. Students in the 3rd yearof Physics & Philosophy programme.
Co-requisites
Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:
Assessment
- 40% Coursework 1: Tabloid type article
- 60% Coursework 2: Broadsheet type article
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
To provide students with an appreciation of the broad societal impact of physics (and science in general).To introduce students to the politics surrounding science policy (on, e.g., global warming/renewable energy R&D) and research funding. To provide an overview of some of the key ideas in the philosophy of physics and science, particularly as they relate to public perception of scientific research. To highlight issues surrounding research ethics (including, for example, the growing issue of data fabrication).To explore the concept of post-publication peer review and the effects that the web and social media are having on the evolution of science.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
On successful completion of the module students will have enhanced their:
A1 knowledge and understanding of the scientific method.
A2 understanding of how the basic principles of physics are applied in a range of situations.
A3 understanding of the philosophy of science, the process and importance of peer review, the political influences that can affect scientific research.
Professional/Practical Skills
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated their ability to:
D1 develop appropriate strategies for study, including the use of library, human, and electronic sources of information.
D2 meet deadlines and manage their time effectively.
D3 make effective use of general IT tools for acquiring, processing, and presenting information.
D4 communicate effectively in writing.
D5 effectively manage their time over a range of activities.