MAR 316
Science in Society
This course was taken during the Spring semester of my Junior year. It was one of the required courses for my major. In addition to that it was also a very interesting course that taught me how science directly interacts with society. One book that was a great resource for showing this connection in the marine world was The Great Gulf. It provided examples and explanations to why the cod fishery in Massachusetts ultimately collapsed. It discussed how the mistrust of science by the fishermen and scientists lack of true understanding of how fishermen operate led to a great divide and many issues. This was extremely helpful in providing a dialogue of why scientists and people in society should be able to talk and trust one another. Until that happens more events like the fishery collapse could happen again. Overall this course offered a lot of unique ways in which science connects in society with a focus on the marine environment.
“In today’s society you are frequently faced with issues involving science, such as global climate change, diseases such as the Zika virus, food safety and many more. Often you are asked to assess science and make informed choices in your own day-to-day life, such as choosing what to eat, who to vote for, or whether to get a flu vaccine. Understanding how science works and how it fits into our society can help you make informed decisions. This course will use specific marine issues as examples of science in our society, such as ongoing debates in New England regarding fisheries management and the impacts of climate change on the marine environment. We will explore the roles that media coverage, politics and scientists play, as well as the role science plays in modern society. Students will research issues, learn about the context behind them, and develop critical thinking skills in examining the role science plays in marine management. As schedules and logistics allow, we will also take selected field trips to management venues to observe first-hand science applied to decision-making, and hear from invited expert guest speakers to provide a variety of perspectives.”
UNE Course Catalog Description
