In a global society, how informed are the citizens in terms of the basic concepts of science applied in the latest trends in technology that would create an impact in their daily lives?  What are the social implications in this context? How scientifically, technologically and sociologically knowledgeable are these individuals in addressing everyday issues and problems through responsible decisions and actions like climate change, human health, and food security?

 

Inspired by the Vatican Encyclical Laudato Si and the Global Citizenship Education philosophy, this three unit interdisciplinary course is designed for both science and non-science major students enrolled in the post K-12, tertiary general education program.  The course aims to give the learners a comprehensive study of the influences of the past and contemporary scientific and technological developments that resulted to the present environmental problems and societal issues in the Philippines and global contexts; as well as the societal influences i.e, cultural, economic, political, religious and ethical in reciprocating on the developments in science and technology in addressing the same.  Also, the following, current issues arising from the application of Science and Technology issues are tackled, i.e., food security, water resources, management, biodiversity conservation, bioprospecting for pharmaceutical products, human health & reproduction, neuroscience, weapons of mass destruction including bioterrorism, mining and the modern society, waste management including waste-to-energy conversion, climate change, exobiology, and nanotechnology.

 

At the end of the course, students are expected to make informed decisions, take responsible citizen actions to address such issues through their developed STS capacities.