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Faculty of Science Booklet, Academic Session 2020/2021

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STUDIES

In the beginning the Department was known as the History and Philosophy of
Science Unit. Established in 1977, the unit 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 in
1997.

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.

Through the Bachelor of Science in Science and Technology Studies, students
are exposed to an integrated study of the philosophical aspects of S&T and
Management and Policy Studies in S&T. The curriculum is 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 specialisation 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 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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