860-0004-00L Bridging Science, Technology, and Policy
| Semester | Autumn Semester 2019 |
| Lecturers | T. Bernauer |
| Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Comment | Only for Science, Technology, and Policy MSc, MAS and PhD. |
| Abstract | This course focuses on technological innovations from the beginning of humanity through the industrial revolution up until today. It provides students with a deeper understanding of the factors that drive technological innovations, and the roles government policies, society, science, and industry play in this regard. |
| Learning objective | This course picks up on the ISTP Cornerstone Science, Technology and Policy course and goes into greater depth on issues covered in that course, as well as additional issues where science and technology are among the causes of societal challenges but can also help in finding solutions. |
| Content | Week 1: no class because of ISTP Cornerstone Science, Technology and Policy course Week 2: technology & society in historical perspective - technological innovations up to the industrial revolution Week 3: technology & society in historical perspective - technological innovations during the industrial revolution - engines & electricity Week 4: technology & society in historical perspective - from the industrial revolution to modernity - mobility and transport (railroads, ships, cars, airplanes, space) Week 5: food production: the green revolutions. Week 6: microelectronics, computing & the internet Week 7: life sciences: pharmaceuticals & diagnostic technology Week 8: energy: primary fuels, renewables, networks Week 9: automation: self-driving cars & trains, drones Week 10: communication & Big Data: semiconductors and software Week 11: military & security issues associated with technological innovation Week 12: possible futures (1): nuclear fusion, geoengineering Week 13: possible Future (2): information, communication, robotics, synthetic biology, nanotech, quantum computing |
| Lecture notes | Course materials will be given to the students prior to the start of each class |