Research Methods in History of Science, Technology and Medicine

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This innovative MSc programme aims to provide a comprehensive historical introduction to nineteenth- and twentieth-century science, technology and medicine in their wider social, economic, cultural and political contexts, including science communication and the relationship between science and the public. It also offers systematic training in historical approaches to a wide variety of scientific, technical and medical knowledge and practices. It is designed for students from a variety of disciplines. Currently we have students from arts, social science, natural sciences and engineering backgrounds on our programme. The programme is suitable for science graduates who have decided not to follow a career as a laboratory scientist, but who wish to stay in science and pursue other careers, and for humanities graduates interested in exploring the changing form and function of science, technology and medicine in societies past and present.

Course aims The course is designed to provides a comprehensive introduction to the nineteenth- and twentieth-century history of science, technology and medicine (HSTM) in their wider social, economic, cultural and political contexts, and to the growing field of science communication. A choice of specialised option units in the second semester, and a dissertation project, allow students to conduct specialised study in areas of current research interest. The Programme is designed to provide both a conversion course for those new to HSTM and Science Communication and advanced study for students with prior experience.

Course units

Taught components of the course:

All students take common core compulsory units in semester one, then choose from a range of options in semester two. The balance of these options and the topic of the dissertation determine the MSc awarded. CHSTM offers a friendly and supportive environment in which open and critical debate is encouraged, and deploys innovative teaching and learning methods wherever possible. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars and workshops.

HSTM60162 Medicine, Science and ModernityHSTM60182 Science communicationHSTM60212 20th century physical sciences and technologyHSTM60252 Medical History and HumanitiesHSTM60362 19th century physical sciences and technologyHSTM60511 Major Themes in the History of Science, Technology and Medicine HSTM60521 HSTM Skills 1: Methods and ApproachesHSTM60531 HSTM Skills 2: Practical Research SkillsSOAN70132 Memory, History and NarrativeSOCS70062 Computerised Qualitative AnalysisSOCS70511 Introduction to Quantitative MethodsSOCY60201 Doing Interviews

HSTM60262 Shaping the Sciences HSTM60272 Making Modern Technology

Research components of the course:

BIOL62022 History of Science Technology and Medicine Dissertation

Research project Your research project provides an opportunity for a more extensive specialist investigation, working with a member of staff with research interests in a relevant area. CHSTM is home to one of the largest research groups in the history of science, technology and medicine in the UK thus offering you a wide choice of research areas to choice from. Your project will start early in semester two and will continue until September including the time spent in writing your Dissertation.

Recent Projects have included:

* Paracelsus, Politics, Religion and Medicine in Seventeenth Century England.
* The influence of Sir H.E. Roscoe on scientific and technical education in th 19th century
* The development of Jungian psychology/psychotherapy medical practice in the UK 1945-80.
* Responses to scientific creationism in Britain and the US, and focused on the period from the 1960s onwards.

Academic entry qualification overview: An Upper Second-class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, in an appropriate discipline. An applicant may also be exceptionally accepted based on evidence of previous advanced study, research or professional experience, which the University accepts as qualifying for entry.English language: For MSc applicants whose first language is not English an IELTS score of 7.0, TOEFL 600 (paper based), TOEFL 250 (computer based) or TOEFL 100 (internet based) is required as a minimum. English Language Requirements CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 60 (Grade C)