6th Century Courses

This course will provide students with a multi-disciplinary understanding of the impact of the digital society on individuals, organisations and society as a whole; and the main issues and challenges of the digital society. It will prepare students to be active citizens in a digital society and contribute to related debates.

A side effect of the success of modern technology is our growing insulation from engineering realities. The study of early technology exposes a comprehensible, non-mathematical world without the benefits of modern sources of energy.

In this course, we look at the concept of “objectivity” and what that actually means to us in our everyday lives.   We encourage the diverse cohort of students on the course to discuss these issues, and thus look at how those studying varying disciplines may, or may not, have different perspectives.

Mathematics is present in almost every aspect of our lives.  It explains physical, biological or economical phenomena and plays an essential role in the technological development. However, not many of us can explain which mathematical theories are present in a mobile phone or a personal computer, for example.

So, who is Vulcan and why is he restless?  In ancient Roman myth, Vulcan, the Blacksmith, was the god of beneficial and hindering fire. This included volcanoes. So, when  he gets restless, he tends to cause volcanic eruptions - or so the myth says. This is not a course on Roman mythology, but it is designed to dispel some of the scientific myths associated with volcanism, many of them generated by that hotbed of scientific rigour, the Hollywood movie industry.

The principal aim of this course is to instil an understanding of risk when analysing material together with an ability to realistically quantify and communicate the risk associated with a particular issue.

Please Note: this course will not run in session 2012/13

This course will introduce how the role of science in society is changing. Engagement of scientists with peers, the public and policy makers is becoming increasingly important to enhance the impact of research, increase public awareness and also to inspire the next generation of scientists.