People have been studying at Aberdeen for over five centuries and Sixth Century Courses are exciting cross-disciplinary courses that place you at the cutting-edge of modern learning.
They invite you to consider different approaches to knowledge and enquiry as you look at issues affecting the world in which we live today. They are designed to help you develop a deeper critical understanding of your chosen area of study by setting the subject in a wider context. You will normally be expected to take one of these courses during your degree programme.
All Sixth Century Courses are taught using innovative techniques and students are continually assessed throughout the course.
15 credits
Level 1
Second Term
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).
15 credits
Level 3
First Term
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.
15 credits
Level 3
First Term
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.
15 credits
Level 3
Second Term
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).
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