GLOBAL CHALLENGES

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr C Gibbins

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

Only available to students registered for the Global Challenges degree programme. Students wishing to take this course but registered for other programmes must take the equivalent Geography course, GG 1006. This course cannot be included as part of a graduating curriculum along with GG 1006.

Overview

Working with the theme of 'science, society and environment; this course examines major global issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. Related study blocks will address:

• How the plant works. The interdependence of natural and human systems: interaction of atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, world cultures, economic and political systems.


• Global environmental change. Atmosphere and oceans. The relationships between land cover and land use, population, and development. Political, economic and ethical consequences.


• Energy. The science, technology, politics and economics of fossil fuels and alternative energy sources.


• Resources, development and environmental degradation. Natural resources as the foundation of persperity and human well-being. Agricultural and industrial development, social and environmental justice.


• Globalisation, society and lifestyles. What are the impacts of global economic and technological change? What is sustainable development and is it achievable?

Structure

Two hours of lectures per week plus six two-hour, tutor-led workgroups. Students will produce a portfolio of coursework attached to these workgroups.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (67%) and in-course assessment (33%).

Resit: Resit examination - 1 two-hour written examination (67%) PLUS original in-course assessment carried forward (33%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr A M D Gemmell

Pre-requisites

None - but GC 1001 recommended

Notes

Only available to students registered for the Global Challenges degree programme. Students wishing to take this course but registered for other programmes must take the equivalent Geography course, GG 1507. This course cannot be included as part of a graduating curriculum along with GG 1507.

Overview

Working with the theme of 'Scotland in Transition' this course examines how global processes produce and reflect local-scale changes. Related study blocks will address:

• Environmental change and landscape response. Topography, climate, reconstruction of past relationships between humans, plants and animals.


• Landscape and society.Environment - opportunity or risk? Resources and hazards as local manifestations of global drivers. People, land, water, soils - who controls what?


• Globalisation - the economics and politics of urban industrial change.Agents and scales of change: nations and states; local government; multinational corporations and local entrepreneurialism. Regional development and the post-industrial economy.


• New social and cultural spaces. Mobility and difference; poverty and exclusion; imaginative geographies: unequal power relationships; memories, places and nations.

Structure

Two hours of lectures per week plus six two-hour, tutor-led workgroups. Students will produce a portolio of coursework attached to these workgroups.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (67%) and in-course assessment (33%).

Resit: Resit examination - 1 two-hour written examination (67%) PLUS original in-course assessment carried forward (33%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr E Molyneux and Dr L Storey

Pre-requisites

Overview

Science communication is a two-way process. This course will examine the intricate relationship between scientists and the public, both past and present.
- The birth and evolution of science communication
- Public perception of science/scientists
- The philosophy of science communication - Why bother?
- Development and popularization of science communication and the science movement:
* Why the need for public understanding of science matters?
* Science in politics
* Science in popular culture
- The role of the media in promoting science (and condemning it)
- Science funding - who gets it, who pays for it?
- Science's moral obligation to the public
- Different routes to communicate science
- Different modes of communication
- University of Aberdeen's current science communication activities
- Examination of the skills required to deliver good science communication

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week plus 6 two-hour workshops spread throughout the course.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (50%); continuous assessment (50%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (50%); continuous assessment (50%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr E Molyneux and Dr L Storey

Pre-requisites

GC 2001

Overview

- The production chain, from concept to delivery - how to plan, co-ordinate and carry out a science communication piece/event in it's entirety
* Market Research; Planning & Gant charts; Written Communication; Visual Communication; Scientific/Political Validation; Technical Production; Distribution; Advertising; Evaluation
- Introduction to different types of communication media, how they work and their individual advantages and disadvantages for communicating science
* Television
* Radio
* Newspapers/Magazines
* Webpages
* Press Releases
* Video
* Press Conference
* Museums/Exhibits
* Hands on Workshops
* Debates
- Budgets/Funding
* Realistically how much does a TV programme/museum exhibition/science event cost
* Sticking to a budget
* How do you attract a sponsor?
- Who is your audience?
* School students - what ages?
* Possible sponsors/industry representatives
* Politicians and VIPs
* Science community
* The general public
* What is the level of their knowledge?
* How to build a rapport with your audience and deliver to their level
- Why do demonstrations work?
- The benefits of science communication to students Personal Development Programmes

Structure

1 two-hour workshop a week plus 12 lectures spread out over the term.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment (100%)

Resit: Continuous assessment (100%)