HPSC0006

Science, Policy and Politics

Course Syllabus 2025

This course introduces ways of thinking about the role of science and technology in policy and the relationship between science and government. Science plays a vital role in shaping policy and society. At the same time, social, cultural and political forces shape the production of scientific knowledge.

We will focus on developments in science policy, using case studies and current theory in science policy research and STS, asking questions such as: What is the role of the state in regulating, promoting and funding science? What makes an expert? Should scientists be the only ones to make decisions about the direction of scientific research?

Aims & objectives

This course aims to introduce students to social and political thinking about science. Students will explore a range of case studies against a backdrop of theory in order to understand science as a social and political process; how science is funded; what science policy is and how it affects our lives; how decisions about science and technology are made; as well as thinking about questions such as: what makes an expert? Should scientists be involved in the policy-making process on science and technology; and to what extent should scientists be held to account in terms of their research?

By the end of this course students will:

• Be able to identify the main themes of science policy studies

• Be able to criticise popular but simplistic notions of the relationship between science, technology and society

• Have detailed knowledge of several case studies in science policy (and, in particular, the social and political dimensions of the cases)

• Have developed research skills through the seminar work and course assessment