Science, Technology and Society
The public perception of emerging technologies has been considerably tested in recent years and it is imperative
that we learn from the earlier experiences. This module attempts to investigate the issues associated with
technology and society while developing the student’s ability to critically access and communicate on aspects of
science innovation and technology.
The aim of this module is make the student aware of the societal implications of science and technology in the
context of social, scientific, historical, political, ethical, and cultural ideas and to develop the student’s critical
assessment of aspects of technological development.
Clinical Measurement Science Professional Development Studies
Clinical Measurement Physiologists work as part of large multidisciplinary teams. They are responsible for the
diagnosis and monitoring of disease within Cardiology, Respiratory, Vascular and Neurophysiology.
In this module students will be introduced to each discipline within the Clinical Measurement Profession and
how their role fits in with other health and social care professionals. They will be introduced to DIT graduate
attributes, Continuous Professional Development, Reflective Practice and Communication and Ethics
within the Healthcare Environment.
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the area of professional Clinical Measurement and the
associated disciplines together with enabling the students to understand the nature of the profession they are
training for.
Science, Technology and Society
Topic 1: The History of Science, Technology and Society (1 hour)
· Examples of good and bad impacts –for example from the Nuclear industry, the communications sector
and the biotechnology revolution.
· How technological innovations contribute to progress? Technology in Culture
· How medical technology can be perceived as impacting both positively and negatively by society
· How will technology impact on the public – How might technology make a difference to society on a micro level and macro level?
· Nanoproducts and Medical devices on the market currently and what’s hyped?
· Science fiction: examples of nanotech in fiction and how this shapes perception.
· How medical technology is portrayed in films or dramas and how does this shape perception?
Topic 2: The Risks (1 hour)
· What kinds of risks are acceptable? How does industry (manufacturing companies, insurance
companies, etc.) asses risk? How is nanotech and medical technology and clinical investigations being approached in this context?
· Nanotoxicology. Is nano explicitly more dangerous than micro? What may make nanotech more toxic?
How does it differ from traditional toxic sources: chemical industry, air pollution, etc.? What research has already been done? How has it affected policy and public perception?
· What is medical technology and clinical instrumentation (ultrasound imaging, Spirometry) are they dangerous and do they have risks associated with them, does it have a large impact on society, and can it be avoided?
Topic 3: Ethics and public communication (1hour)
· Should the decisions regarding science be left to the scientists to make or should society decide?
· Ethics and culture, regional differences in what is considered ethical.
· Scientific Integrity
· Is the scientist always unbiased?
· Policy Reports and Reviews
· Environmental and societal groups reports, patient groups reports, concerns and opinions.
· Government Assessments.
· Reflections
·
Clinical Measurement Science Professional Development Studies
· The Clinical Measurement profession within the healthcare team, input to patient care and diagnosis
(1 hour)
· Case study preparation and presentation (1 hour)
· Graduate Attributes, Ethics and communication including Code of Conduct (2 hours)
· Continuing Professional Development and Reflective Practice (2 hours)
The module will also include a series of talks by the Clinical Tutors on the work of a Clinical Measurement
Scientist, and a hospital site visit to each specialist discipline.
Science, Technology and Society
The teaching methods employed in this module will consist of a combination of techniques aimed at giving the
student a thorough understanding of the module. The methods employed will consisted of lectures, group
discussions, debates, and self-directed learning.
Clinical Measurement Science Professional Development Studies
The teaching methods employed in this module will consist of a combination of techniques aimed at giving the
student a thorough understanding of the module. The methods employed will consisted of lectures, group
discussions, debates, and self-directed learning.
Students will receive one lecture in each of the main disciplines within Clinical Measurement Science and a
hospital site visit to each discipline will form part of this module.
Students will be required to produce written work throughout the module and also to read and prepare case
studies. They will also be required to give a class presentation and to work cooperatively.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |