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Faculty of Science Booklet, Session 2016/2017

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
STUDIES

In the beginning the Department was known as the History and Philosophy of
Science Unit and its administration was under the purview of the Dean’s Office of
the Faculty of Science. The History and Philosophy of Science Course was
introduced as a compulsory component of the B.Sc. and B.Sc. Ed. Degrees for the
term 1975/76 and it was offered throughout the four years of the undergraduate
curriculum.

The Department of Science and Technology Studies began to offer its own full-
fledged degree program upon accreditation and approval by the University
Academic Planning Committee and the Senate of the University of Malaya.

Henceforth the department began to offer both the Bachelor of Science Degree
(Science & Technology Studies) and Master of Science Degree (Science,
Technology and Sustainability).

Science and Technology Studies Program was offered as two modules (1) History
and Philosophy of Science and (2) Management and Policy S&T. The
Management and Policy S&T module represents a pioneering program both
nationally and regionally and it basically fuses both the management discipline and
policy studies in S&T.

In the present day the program is further enhanced by the introduction of a newly
reviewed curriculum of the Bachelor of Science in Science and Technology
Studies where the students are exposed to an integrated study of the philosophical
aspects of S&T and Management and Policy Studies in S&T. The new curriculum
was developed in reflection of current and latest advancements in S&T as well as
the management of research and development of S&T that draws upon global
awareness of the Sustainability of the Society and the Community. To add
dynamism and rigor to the program, guest lecturers from government and private
sectors as well as various relevant industries with expert knowledge in their fields
of specialization will periodically join the teaching staff.

Among the main objectives of Science and Technology Studies is to help expand
and enhance the mobility of the intellect of science students. By offering courses
that include the dimensions of history, philosophy, social science and policy as well
as pure and applied science courses in biology, chemistry, physics, geology and
mathematics, students will be able to attain soft skill, such as critical thinking and
life-long learning. Such skills and the mastery of reflective knowledge in S&T
Studies would prepare the student the necessary character-building as well as the
intellectual and mental energy to assist the nation to formulate and enact effective
policies related to the development of science and technology.

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