STS 10/ Sci 10: Science, Technology & Society

Lecture, 3 units

Science Block Dr. Nina Rosario L. Rojas

School of Science and Engineering Department of Chemistry
Ateneo de Manila University Chair's Office
Schmitt Hall Room Ch-112
2nd Semester, SY 2019-2020 426-6001 local 5620
Section N nrojas@ateneo.edu
MWF 1400~1500 h (2:00~3:00 pm)
SEC-A123
classroom.google.com: fiqx73j
Previously used resources at
http://nrojas.wordpress.com/

In science one tries to tell people, in a way as to be understood by everyone, something that no one
ever knew before. But in poetry, it's the exact opposite.
-Paul Dirac

COURSE DESCIPTION

This course aims to present a synthesis of the most significant scientific principles of modern times, and
in doing so, discuss the impact of science on culture and society and provide a more holistic
understanding of the nature of science and technology. It also discusses the most significant theories of
science. The approach is interdisciplinary and shall cover the various sciences, including physics, biology,
chemistry, and earth and environmental science, as well as their sub-disciplines such as cosmology,
material science, and molecular biology. In line with the Ateneo LS vision, examples show the global
nature of S&T and how these affect the country and the Asian region, and bring into focus the values that
a Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit center of excellence of higher learning upholds. Activities highlight the
opportunities for transforming social habits and cultural mindsets.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Discuss general ideas about the practice of science. Students are expected to recognize and
explain scientific concepts and methods common to the different natural science disciplines.

2. Provide solutions to issues utilizing the learned concepts in science. Students should be able to
demonstrate the ability to situate issues in a particular context. They should be able to assess
potential measures and propose solutions to these contextualized issues. Students are also
expected to formulate these solutions using logical, analytical and critical thinking as shown in
the practice and process of science.

3. Demonstrate knowledge in contemporary issues in the realm of S&T. Students should be able to
perceive the interplay of predominantly non-science factors, as well as the resulting outcomes, in
providing insight to key issues in S&T. They are expected to distinguish the effects and
implications of the practice and development of S&T on the society as a whole.

4. Advocate personal and social values, particularly those intrinsic and imbued in the study of
scientific practices. In line with the Ateneo LS vision, students should be able to display and
commit to Ignatian values, especially values espoused in the discussions on S&T. They should
exemplify the role of the self and the current generation in the transformation of the society
through one’s profession and leadership.

COURSE OUTLINE & PROPOSED SCHEDULE (subject to change due to weather, holidays, etc.)

 Homework 1-A due via Google Classroom on Monday, January 27: Upload an ID photo (a selfie will
do): 5 points
 Homework 1-B due via Google Classroom on Monday, January 27: Answer the online Google Quiz
profile sheet

1
Module 1: The Practice of Science and Technology:
Science and the scientific method, technology and national development, intellectual property rights

Module 1 Long Quiz: Wednesday, Feb. 19

Module 2: Science, Technology, and Lifestyle:

Telecommunications, nanotechnology, packaging, smoking, the modern diet, biotechnology
Module 2 Long Quiz: Wednesday, March 18

Module 3: Environment and Sustainable Development:

The state of the environment, biodiversity, solid waste management, climate change, sustainable
development
Module 3 Long Quiz: Wednesday, April 15

Module 4: Beginning and Becoming:

Life and its origins, cosmology and the origins of the universe
Module 4 Long Quiz: Friday, May 8

Synthesis sessions
Final exams (see requirements)

TEXTS AND READINGS

Readings will be circulated by the instructor for the different topics. See also the Google Classroom page
for resources.

Supplementary text:
Cuyegkeng, Ma. Assunta C., editor. Stellar Origins, Human Ways: Readings in Science, Technology, and
Society. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press, 2011.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING

Requirement Points Allotted

(Class Standing B or
below)
Module 1 Long Quiz 100 points
Module 2 Long Quiz 100 points
Module 3 Long Quiz 100 points
Module 4 Long Quiz including "Big Picture" 100 points
Quizzes, HW, class activities, case studies, class participation 100 points
Final reflection project 100 points
TOTAL 600 points

The final reflection project is an individual or pair creative project and companion explanatory essay that
together present your take-away reflection on science, technology, and society in the context of your life
and your plans, hopes, and dreams for the future. Additional information about the project will be given
during the course.

Project Rubrics:
Points Description
50 STS/Sci 10 content: scope, depth, and accuracy
10 Creative concept, innovativeness, and coherence of concept with content
5 Appropriateness of form and content with assumed audience (children? college students? parents?
scientists?)
20 Overall quality of execution
15 Short summary of the project, which also includes an explanatory essay, sources/ bibliography,
and contributions of each member of the team for pair work (see template to be given)

2
GRADING SYSTEM

100 >A ≥ 93 > B+ ≥ 87 > B ≥ 80 > C+ ≥74 > C ≥ 68 > D ≥ 60 > F

Qualitatively, or how numbers are assigned to essays, orals, and exercises:
D Can reiterate the key points from the class material clearly and coherently
C Understands the facts and key points of the class material and dialogs with it on a personal level;
presents it clearly and coherently
B Understands the class material and analyzes it from various key perspectives, including on the
personal level; presents the material in a clear, organized, coherent, and creative way
A Understands the material, analyzes it from various perspectives and clearly explains why these
perspectives matter from a general and personal view; offers additional insights; presents the
material within a clear, coherent, and integrated framework.

CLASS POLICIES

Please see your student handbook for general class policies. The following are highlights and additions
that apply to this class.

ATTENDANCE
 CUTS. There is no distinction between excused and unexcused cuts for attendance. Attendance
is checked at the start of the class. If you are not present when your name is called, the seat
plan is checked, or when the attendance sheet is passed, you are considered absent.
 LATES. Those who come in late must tell the instructor at the end of the same class session that
they came in late. Otherwise, they will be marked as absent.
 Excused absences are still considered cuts, but any activity missed (quizzes, exams, etc. will not
be counted against the student’s grades. Students are excused for only the following reasons: (1)
Students who will represent the school in an official activity and present a letter endorsed by the
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; (2) Students who are ill and immediately present a medical
certificate attesting to the illness endorsed by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
 However, activities missed while during an absence may be done as homework for student
learning, and partial credit. Please check with the instructor regarding when this is applicable.

HOMEWORK AND OTHER ASSIGNMENTS

 In general, submissions after the deadline will be given a 20% deduction per 24-hours after the
deadline (electronic submissions) or for every day that the department office is open (physical
submissions).
 Note: Requirements that are time-sensitive (e.g., material needed for class time or certain papers
and exams with specific deadlines) are due as stated, with no late submissions allowed.

TESTS / QUIZZES/ OTHER INDIVIDUAL IN-CLASS REQUIREMENTS

 Please use BLUE or BLACK ink.
 For exams using scanned bubble sheets, pencils should be used (preferably #2 or HB). Improperly
filled information (e.g., missing or incomplete ID number, set, or other exam information) will
merit deductions. Papers that cannot be identified at all and cannot be scanned will receive a
score of zero.
 Absence during an examination or quiz merits a zero. Those who have ADAA-endorsed excused
absences (e.g., for representing the school) should schedule a make-up exam AHEAD OF TIME. In
case of serious illness of the student or serious illness or death in the immediate family, please
call or email the instructor or the department office BEFORE THE START OF THE EXAM and send a
letter with supporting documents to the ADAA, copy furnished to the instructor. Make-up exams
are normally scheduled the next class day after the regular exam schedule.
 In case classes are called off when an exam is scheduled, the next class meeting will be used for
the exam.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
 Academic integrity is being proud of one’s work and standing by it. When you put down your name
on a work, you are attesting your authorship. When you sign your name, you are asserting your
commitment to it.
 Thus, keep the habit of avoiding behavior that can cast doubt on your work by making sure you
document your sources, avoid looking around or communicating except with the instructors during
exams and individual activities, and making sure you contribute well to any group activities.

3
  To assist the community in keeping to standards of academic integrity, we may be using the
University’s TurnItIn account as well.
 The minimum penalty for dishonest behavior (e.g. cheating, generating false data, plagiarism,
etc.) is a grade of zero for the particular activity. Other university rules will also be enforced.

DATA PRIVACY

During the course of the semester, personal data may be requested from the students (e.g. contact
information and “in case of emergency” information) for the purpose of facilitating the delivery of the
course. Sensitive information will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed to other parties without
consent of the student.

Cameras and recording equipment should not be used without permission of the instructor or the
presenter or guest speaker. This is the proper and courteous thing to do.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES
 Cellular phones, music players, gaming or entertainment devices should not be used in class.
Phones have to be turned off or on silent mode.
 Cameras and recording equipment should not be used without permission of the instructor or
the reporter or guest speaker. This is the proper and courteous thing to do.
 Computers and other electronic equipment may be used only for class activities as noted by the
instructor.

ELECTRONIC REQUIREMENTS
 Electronic requirements are also subject to the same rules and regulations as regular paper and
inside-the-classroom requirements. Academic integrity should be maintained, regardless of
communication medium used.
 In general, Google Classroom or TurnItIn will be used for electronic submissions. Please see the
specific instructions.
 Some tips for electronic correspondence for school work: (also at
http://nrojas.wordpress.com/2011/09/08/some-tips-for-electronic-submissions/)
 Always cc yourself and your groupmates when sending files to your professors, clients, etc. so
you can test if the email service is working properly, if the attachments are attached
properly, etc.
 Use a proper subject line to avoid getting your mail classified as spam.
 Please include your full name, subject, and section in your correspondence.
 In the body of your message, say something about what you are sending, and who are sending
it (e.g., attached are files ____ from Group No. N, with members blah…, of course number XX
section YY).
 Rename the file you are sending in a way that makes sense to your recipient, so that it would
be easy to track. Your papers are more likely to get lost of they say homework.doc vs.
STS10_Activity1_Group15_appliancecalculation.doc, or your cv for internship if it says cv.doc
rather than DeLaCruz_Juan_cv2011.doc.
 Do use your Ateneo obf account for your professional life. Keep your sweetiepie@yahoo.com
account for personal matters. The Ateneo obf accounts are required for access to the Google
Classroom environment.

CONSULTATION HOURS

Consultation hours will be posted at our respective departments and Google classroom. You may also see
us by appointment. Please give your full name and your class and section in your emails.

GOOGLE CLASSROOM SITE (see class code in the header)

Make it a habit to check the site, especially for reminders and schedule concerns (e.g., what happens
when classes are suspended). This is also a venue for your comments and suggestions regarding our class.