MA History and Philosophy of Biology, University of Exeter
The Department of Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology
at the University of Exeter invites applications for its MA programmes in
History and Philosophy of Biology, Philosophy and Sociology of Science,
Anthrozoology and Social and Political Philosophy; and for our MRes programme
in Science and Technology Studies. A brief description of these programmes can
be found below; further details are available on the departmental website http://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/sociology/postgraduate/taught/
or from the Director of Postgraduate Studies, Dr Sabina Leonelli (s.leonelli@exeter.ac.uk).
MA History and Philosophy of Biology
Research under way in the life sciences is arguably a
source for some of the most extraordinary opportunities, and challenges, of our
time. This results in a strong demand for expertise in the conceptual and
practical constructions of the life sciences, both in science policy and
administration as well as institutions devoted to the public understanding of
science (media, museums, funding bodies). The University of Exeter hosts one of
the largest and most dynamic research groups in Europe dedicated to
understanding emergent forms of biological knowledge, practice and innovation;
their relation to wider developments in science and beyond, such as for
instance the advent of the internet and social media; their potential and
actual impact on society, at both the national and global levels; and their
historical roots and dynamic development. Our research is uniquely
interdisciplinary, bringing together perspectives from philosophy, sociology,
anthropology and history — as well as politics, geography, law and business. We
strongly believe that understanding the nature of biological research, the
significance of its results and the pace at which it is advancing involves
interdisciplinary interactions and collaborations; and we have a rich programme
of seminars, reading groups, research meetings and workshops, as well as a
steady flow of international scholars working in these areas who visit us and
contribute to our discussions. The MA
History and Philosophy of Biology will prepare you for further research or
employment related to the management and evaluation of science and its impact
on society - an increasingly important aspect of science policy. This programme
is unique in its close attention to the broader implications of the life
sciences and the social contexts in which they are developed. It covers a vast
range of biological sciences, from natural history to molecular biology, and
keeps pace with exciting developments in the newest biosciences. Topics such as
development, evolution, ecology, human nature and classification are just some
of the areas of investigation. The work
of influential biologists in the past, such as Charles Darwin, Gregor Mendel or
Francis Crick, will be studied in detail, but equal attention will be given to
cutting-edge developments in contemporary life sciences, such as synthetic
biology, the latest attempt to create life de novo. The programme gives special
emphasis to historically and philosophically neglected areas within the life
sciences.
MA Philosophy and Sociology of Science
The programme, unique in the UK for its combination of
philosophical and sociological perspectives on science and technology, examines
the concept of science, the knowledge it provides and the way in which the
production of knowledge is organised in society. In doing so, it will prepare
you for further research or employment in the management and evaluation of
science and its impact on society – an increasingly important aspect of science
policy. The programme draws on staff research interests and expertise in the
philosophy of biology, the mind, economics and social science, as well as in
the sociology of science and technology.
MA Anthrozoology – the interdisciplinary study of human
and animal interactions [Distance Learning]
The MA in Anthrozoology will be of interest to anyone who
would like to investigate the many and varied ways in which humans perceive,
engage, compete and co-exist with non-human animals in a range of cultural
contexts. The Distance-Learning MA Anthrozoology is especially relevant in
terms of Continual Professional Development for individuals who are involved
with the care of non-human animals in a professional capacity (eg, vets,
veterinary nurses/technicians, animal trainers, dog wardens, zoo keepers,
conservationists, charity workers etc.), as well as for students who have
completed social science undergraduate degrees or who have a science background
and would like to expand their research interests into the social sciences. The
distance learning format is sufficiently flexible to enable you to fit it in
around your existing professional and personal commitments. The MA has won a
Humane Society of the United States Distinguished Course Award and the
Programme Director is the winner of the Association of Social Anthropologists' Award
for Excellence 2011 and has recently published a core textbook on
Anthrozoology.
MA Political and Social Philosophy
The MA in Social and Political Philosophy combines
politics, philosophy, sociology, economics and law to investigate recent
debates in social and political theory. This programme draws on the diverse
research interests of our academics; references Anglo-American and Continental
literatures; and employs analytical and institutional approaches to explore
moral and political concepts and questions. As a graduate of this programme you
will have developed a critical awareness of questions about the relationship
between identity, power, meaning and knowledge; insight into recent critiques
of modern western societies and their values; and substantive knowledge of
social and political theorists, their significance and the major critical
positions adopted towards them.
MRes Science and Technology Studies
The programme will give you a broad-based knowledge of
the use of research methods in the social sciences, as well as core research
training in social scientific philosophy and methodology within a contemporary
sociology context. It will develop your understanding of the origins, history
and development of Science and Technology Studies as a discipline and its
theoretical underpinnings. It will equip you with the skills to go on to
doctoral research or to pursue a career as a professional researcher.