Science, Technology and Society Courses

VIC452H1F
Science, Technology & Society Internship
Professor Hakob Barseghyan
R 3-5

VIC302H1S
Science Policy
TBA
M 10-12

CRE210H1S
Holography for 3D Visualization
Prof Emanuel Istrate
T 10-12

An introduction to the theory and practice of holography. We will make holograms and use them as an introduction to concepts of optical physics, human perception, 3D visualization and the creation of art. As this is an interdisciplinary course combining concepts of both science and art, students will work in interdisciplinary teams. In their teams, students will complete two holography projects, which include the proposal and development of a concept, the execution of the hologram, and the presentation of their result to the rest of the class. Holograms will be produced from real-world objects, and also from 3D computer-graphics models. This will give students the opportunity to explore 3D modelling software. No specific background or preparation in the sciences or arts is required for this course. There will be a mandatory Materials Fee to cover non-reusable materials. The fee will be included on students' ACORN invoice.

Exclusion: JOP210H1, IVP210H1
Distribution Requirements: Science
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

CRE235H1F
Innovation in Society
Professor Sunil Johal
R 6-8

This course investigates innovation as it relates to emerging social, scientific, and environmental trends. Students will acquire key frameworks for understanding the evolution of innovation, the place of creativity, and the social impacts of disruption. Through case studies of innovation (such as the sharing economy and cryptocurrencies) and considering related issues (such as ethics and inclusion) students will develop approaches to understanding the societal impacts of creative disruption.

Exclusion: VIC235H1, MUN101H1, MUN102H1
Distribution Requirement Status: Social Science
Breadth Requirement: Society and its Institutions (3)

CRE247H1F
Creativity in the Sciences
Professor Emanuel Istrate
T 10-12

This seminar course explores various aspects of creativity in the sciences. We will discuss how to define the term “creativity” and will use the definition to compare creativity in the sciences to creativity in the arts, business and engineering. Using as examples major developments in the history of science, we will consider factors that enable creativity in scientists. We will also contrast the kinds of creative work scientists do in different areas of science, and at various stages of a project. To better understand creativity, we will use results from psychological and neuroscience studies of creativity. We will discuss various ways in which the creativity of a scientist can be evaluated, and will use this as a starting point to evaluate the importance of scientific discoveries more generally, in both fundamental and applied science areas. We will consider the timing of scientific discoveries, looking at “ideas whose time has come,” to discuss whether creative discoveries happen at random, or if they occur at predictable times. Students will perform research on the major developments in an area of science, analyzing the types of creative work that were done, along with factors that enabled the developments. They will be encouraged to “represent” that area of science in class discussions during the term.

Prerequisite: Any 1.0 credit combination of courses carrying a breadth requirement (BR) category of 4 or 5.
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

CRE335H1S
Creativity and Collaboration in Social Enterprise
Professor Sunil Johal
R 6-8

REN242H1S
Scientific Worldviews of the Renaissance
Professor Hakob Barseghyan
F 11-1

VIC207H1F
Genetic Technologies: Scientific Promises and Ethical Dilemmas
Professor Marga Vicedo
F 1-3

This course examines the ethical dilemmas raised by new genetic technologies. It explores the scientific possibilities they open as well as the moral questions they raise. The topics covered might include: Eugenics, the human genome project, behavioral genetics, genetics and race, genetic screening, gene editing and therapy, gene doping in sports, animal and human cloning, and genetic enhancement.

Distribution Requirements: Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

VIC245H1F
Science Wars: Society and the Limits of Scientific Knowledge
Professor Hakob Barseghyan
F 11-1

An introduction to competing conceptions of scientific knowledge and the role of sociocultural factors in shaping scientific methods, theories, and evidence. Can science provide objective knowledge of the external mind-independent world, or are the empirical aspirations of science limited by the social, cultural, economic, political, and religious contexts that shape “science” itself? Can scientific knowledge reach certainty? How do sociocultural factors affect the process of theory acceptance? This course considers “science” as an epistemological battleground from 17th century debates on inductive reasoning to contemporary arguments about “alternative” science.

Breadth Requirement: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

HPS courses are offered by the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology (IHPST).

Eligible HPS courses are listed under the Science, Technology, and Society program requirements.

Course descriptions and information (including class times) may be found on the IHPST website.

 

VIC377H1S
Special Topics on Wearable Technology through the Ages
Prof. Lee Emrich
T 12-2