2019 Undergraduate Courses
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

    However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

Science and Technology Studies Major | 2019 

At UOW, Science and Technology Studies addresses complex real world problems such as global warming, or how to regulate scientific research. It combines sociological and historical perspectives on science, technology, medicine, and develops the skills to analyse and advise on technological and environmental policy. Science and Technology Studies is a field that draws on the full range of disciplines in the social sciences and humanities to examine the ways that science and technology shape, and are shaped by, our society, politics, and culture. This degree explores current controversies, historical transformations, policy dilemmas, and broad philosophical questions. 

Entry Requirements & Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the UOW Course Finder.

Major Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this major students will be able to:

CLO Description
1 Critically evaluate key concepts from Science and Technology Studies that have contributed to research in its various sub-fields and how they are relevant to other areas of study
2 Exercise critical thinking and judgment to generate solutions to a range of problems in science and technology policy and decision-making processes
3 Create coherent analytical narratives which engage with key contemporary theories in Science and Technology Studies and related fields of study

Subjects Required for Major Study

Students studying the Science and Technology Studies major will complete at least 48 credit points as outlined below:

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points
Year 1 Core - A minimum of ONE from the following:
STC 100 Society, Culture and Technology 6
STS 112 The Scientific Revolution 6
Year 2 Core - A minimum of TWO from the following:
STS 209 Knowledge and Truth in the Natural and Social Sciences 6
STS 216 Environmental Sustainability, Risk and Governance 6
STS 286 Risk, Media and Communication 6
Year 3 Core
STS 302 Climate Change Policy, Possible Futures (Capstone) 6

Elective List

Plus a minimum of FOUR from the following. At least THREE must be at 300 level:

CST 244 The Secret Life of Policy 6
SOC 207 Introduction to Social Theory 6
SOC 234 Social Research Methods 6
SOC 251 Genetics, Biotechnology and Society 6
SOC 328 Social Policy, Neoliberalism and the 'Post-Welfare state' 6
SOC 329 Globalisation and Social Transformation 6
SOC 344 Emotions, Bodies & Society 6
SOC 347 Sociology of Health, Illness and Medicine 6
INTS310 Human Security, Global Capitalism and the Environment 8
A maximum of ONE of the following subjects can be included in the four electives:
GEOG336 Qualitative Research Design for Social Scientists 6
GEOG338 Planning Urban Futures 6

Click on subject codes in the above course structure for information on sessions of offer for each subject. To find out specific information on timetables, tutorials, and classes, visit the Timetable page.

Minor Study

A 24 credit point minor in Science and Technology Studies is available. Information is available on the 2019 LHA General Schedule of Minors page.

Students cannot complete both a major and minor in Science and Technology Studies.

Work Integrated Learning

Undertaking a work integrated learning experience during your university education is now a significant contributor to being competitive in securing employment in your field of choice when you graduate from UOW.

The Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts internship program provides students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their degree in a workplace setting.

Students are also encouraged to consider CRLP200 'Career Ready Learning and Practice' (6cp). CRLP200 includes a quality assured workplace internship or industry project to give you that competitive edge by developing your professional skills through authentic learning in a real world context. You will focus on your career goals and receive career direction guidance, strengthen your resume and gain skills to navigate the rapidly changing world of work, develop your communication skills and begin to build a professional network.

Honours

See Bachelor of Arts (Honours).

Other Information

For further information email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au

Last reviewed: 18 June, 2020