I. Tutorial discussion and participation: Preparation for group presentation including group discussion and debate in the tutorials. (20%)
II. 1.5 hour in-class quiz (8th lecture) consisting of MCQs/T/F and one set of questions on analytical skills/case study. (No book/handout/computer allowed) Scope of the quiz usually covers materials taught in lectures 4, 5 and 6: Please consult your own lecturer for specification of the exact scope and format because different lecture classes have different quizzes. (20%)
(i) A group (maximum 4 students per group; solo presentation allowed if the schedule permits) presentation in the last one or two tutorials based on research (15-20 minutes) on a particular issue, followed by a Q&A session (20%) (10% of which goes to individual performance, 10 % goes to group performance. Students performing solo presentation will have 20% for individual performance.).
(ii) A 1000-word group report on the presentation (students specifying individual contribution in the report may be assessed individually). Submitted latest within 2 weeks after the presentation to the tutor through Turnitin on SOUL. (20%)
IV Essay: In-class (during the entire 12th lecture) argumentative essay (no more than 1000 words) on a topic/issue assigned by the lecturer. (Books and hand-outs allowed but smartphone/computer/AI NOT ALLOWED) (20%)
This course delivers an interdisciplinary and multi-perspective view of the philosophical, cultural and historical factors shaping the contemporary understanding of nature, science and technology. Besides introducing students to the principles and methods of science, there will also be critical evaluations of the impacts major development of Western science have on our lives and self-understanding. Students completing this course will have attained a level of scientific literacy essential to their future career success in a technological world.