Introduction to Scientific Methods and Creativity module (PI11008)

On this page
Credits

20

Module code

PI11008

  • Level 1
  • Semester 1
  • Philosophy - School of Humanities
  • Coursework 100%

Description

Paul Feyerabend, an anarchist and rebel among philosophers of science, once claimed that there was no absolute scientific method and thus no way to guaranteeing the discovery of truths. But whether we believe in absolute truth or not, we do rely on methods to make discoveries, in the Sciences as well as the Humanities. This module provides an introduction to methods, what they are and what they can and cannot do from an interdisciplinary perspective, combining expertise and experience from the Life Sciences with a philosophical approach. We will introduce relevant traditional as well as modern methodologies and discover their strengths and weaknesses in their practical application. The aim of this module is to enable students to engage critically with methods and their application in different disciplines.

Convenor

Dr Tina Rock

Teaching

3 hours per week over 11 teaching weeks.

In each week there will be a one-hour lecture and a two-hour workshop, to be assigned throughout the semester.

Assessment

100% coursework consisting of -

plan of a poster presentation (15%)

Poster presentation (35%)

Accompanying written report (35%)

Weekly class exercises (15%)

Reading

Access the online reading list system

Module Aims

The module aims to provide an interdisciplinary approach to modern scientific methodology, to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of different methods in their practical application and to enable students in Life Sciences and Humanities to engage critically with methods and their application in different disciplines.

Intended learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding.

A knowledge of the different methodological approaches in science.

An appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of those methodologies.

Subject-specific practical and intellectual skills and attributes.

Development of reflective practice through drafting a plan for a poster presentation and responding to formative feedback to develop the final presentation.

Transferable, employability and enterprise skills and attributes.

Development of the necessary skills to undertake collaborative group work.

Enhancement of presentation skills.