136-540 Science, Conflict and Globalisation

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours, or a postgraduate coursework program.

The subject examines controversies in which science and technology are central to the management of uncertainty and to decisions about how we shall live. It focuses on the relationship between expertise, policy, and citizenship. It introduces students to several case-studies, such as hazardous waste management, the siting of a nuclear facility, logging of native forests, uranium mining, the release of genetically modified organisms into the environment, the conservation and management of water resources. Students will examine how decisions are made when the science is intrinsically difficult and uncertain. They will evaluate methods of stakeholder engagement and resolution of conflict. They will trace and analyse the strategies and pathways by which outcomes are negotiated and consider the scope and effectiveness of citizen involvement in decision-making. On completion of the subject students will have gained a greater appreciation of the complex relationships between science, policy and citizenship in areas of decision-making where science and technology are central.

• have developed research skills;

• have developed critical thinking and analysis;

• be able to think in theoretical terms;

• be able to understand social, ethical and cultural contexts;

• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically;

• have developed public speaking skills;

• have developed written communication skills;

• have developed good time management and planning.

Two 500 word papers totalling 1000 words 30% (due during semester) and an essay of 4000 words 70% (due end of semester).

A subject reader will be available.