Undergraduate Sixth Century Courses 2021-2022

 • this 6th century course considers brain and mind from a variety of cross-disciplinary perspectives, with teaching delivered in an interactive and innovative manner

• the themes covered in the course include elementary brain structure and function, language, consciousness, creativity, and the power of the brain over disease

• assessments types are varied to increase the scope and diversity of the module design, and the transferable skills it delivers

• taken together this exciting course enhances curricular breadth, develops graduate attributes and widens perspectives beyond discipline boundaries in a unique and dynamic manner as we explore this fascinating subject.

The course explores the meaning, challenges and opportunities of sustainability, through a multi-disciplinary approach, including elements from education, politics, international relations, sociology, philosophy and biology.  We explore competing definitions of sustainability; the impact of personal, technological and economic actions and decisions on the environment; political strategies designed to improve sustainability; the emergence of international cooperation; and the roles and responsibilities of world citizens. Global and local case studies are used to illustrate the interconnectedness of the issues involved e.g.  climate change, food systems, energy, and economic development.

Working in interdisciplinary teams, you will investigate an array of real-world problems ranging from ocean ecology and governance to the consequences of seafaring and colonisation. Field trips and lectures introduce you to the complex interactions between society and the oceans, while also demonstrating different approaches to knowledge and how different disciplines work. Supervised workshops give the opportunity to interact with others from a wide range of backgrounds and provide a diverse set of learning experiences with feedback from teaching staff and your peers. Choice of the form of presentation of your project work gives you an opportunity to play to your strengths and develop transferable skills.

This is a course about human relations with other animals.  We begin by looking at how people have thought about humans and animals as both different and similar.  Then we explore the history of relations through hunting, domestication and social attitudes, before examining ethical and political questions about welfare, rights and conservation.  The course places a big emphasis on students debating ideas and thinking about their own relations with animals and is taught through a mixture of lectures, films and tutorials by staff from across the University.  

• this 6th century course, this is designed to consider the often complex and conflicting interface between science and the media

• as such it complements the development of graduate attributes and enhanced study by providing an opportunity to move outside disciplines and consider broader contexts

• using various examples, we determine how "the science" is determined and how different strands of the media, from academic to social, filter that message

• the themes addressed are topical for today’s society including scientific and media methods, genetically modified foods, vaccination, covid-19, global warming and fracking

• varied and novel assessment strategies further enhance the student experience providing a range of challenges for students from any discipline

The course explores global sustainable development by focusing on how development is advanced in international and national protocols and policies, mainly the Global Goals, which are championed by the United Nations and various agencies and national governments. Academic and policy texts as well as films are used on the course. Throughout the course there will be a focus on ethical development, equity and social inclusion, peace and justice, quality health and education and climate action. Case studies will be used to illustrate different actions and practices for sustainable development. Cultural, social, economic and political barriers to progress will be identified and critiqued. The course will conclude with critical suggestions for the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Science is constantly in the news, but how much do you know about how research gets to be news? How do you know you can trust what you read? If you have a great idea, do you know how to protect it and start a company? Science and Society will explain how the scientific media work and how to critically assess what you read. You will learn about scientific ethics by studying high profile cases of fraud. You will learn about intellectual property, how to protect it and how to use it from real-life entrepreneurs and those who support them.

In this course, students will learn about the mathematics which underpins our everyday lives. Each lecture will be taught by a different member of staff, some from the mathematics department, and some from other departments. Actual topics covered will depend on the staff involved, but may include Cryptography, Robotics, Probability and Special Relativity. Students will also learn how to use the computer program Mathematica.

The mystery of consciousness is one of the most exciting and challenging fields in human endeavour. Consciousness provides a truly inter-disciplinary topic with relevance across both the sciences and the humanities. This Sixth Century course aimed at level 3 and level 4 students will present cutting-edge research using a clear inter-disciplinary perspective. The course brings together the disciplines of divinity, psychology, and medicine, with a particular focus on the clinical and health-based aspects of consciousness studies. The assessment is a mixture of non-traditional (e.g. Self-reflective journal) and a traditional (essay).

Food sustains us, but contributes to climate change. There’s enough for everyone, yet many go hungry. It’s a vital cultural signifier, but its connections get overlooked. This course provides a multi-disciplinary exploration of food through regular small-group tutorials, self-directed learning, and lectures by staff from across the University. Topics covered vary according to staff availability, but typically include: the political economy of the food system; agriculture and climate change; food (in)security; food and the body; the right to food; the social construction of food choice; food and sustainability. Anyone studying at programme levels 3-5 is welcome on this course.