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860-0004-00L 3 Credits MSC D-GESS

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Bridging Science, Technology, and Policy

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Thomas Bernauer

Only for Science, Technology, and Policy MSc and PhD. ISTP-PhD students please register via the Study Administration..

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Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:02

Abstract

This course focuses on technological innovations from the beginning of humanity through the industrial revolution up until today. It provides students with a deeper understanding of the factors that drive technological innovations, and the roles government policies, society, science, and industry play in this regard.

Objective

This course picks up on the ISTP Cornerstone Science, Technology and Policy course and goes into greater depth on issues covered in that course, as well as additional issues where science and technology are among the causes of societal challenges but can also help in finding solutions.

Content

Week 1: no class because of ISTP Cornerstone Science, Technology and Policy course Week 2: technology & society in historical perspective - technological innovations up to the industrial revolution Week 3: technology & society in historical perspective - technological innovations during the industrial revolution - engines & electricity Week 4: technology & society in historical perspective - from the industrial revolution to modernity - mobility and transport (railroads, ships, cars, airplanes, space) Week 5: food production: the green revolutions. Week 6: microelectronics, computing & the internet Week 7: life sciences: pharmaceuticals & diagnostic technology Week 8: energy: primary fuels, renewables, networks Week 9: automation: self-driving cars & trains, drones Week 10: communication & Big Data: semiconductors and software Week 11: military & security issues associated with technological innovation Week 12: possible futures (1): nuclear fusion, geoengineering Week 13: possible Future (2): information, communication, robotics, synthetic biology, nanotech, quantum computing

Resources

Lecture Notes

Skript: Course materials will be available on moodle.

Literature

Literature: Literature and references will be available on Moodle.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Registration & Places

Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
seminar	Bridging Science, Technology, and Policy	Tue 10:15-12:00 (ML F 39)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Science, Technology, and Policy Master
- Social Sciences (The Category "Courses in Social Sciences" (Sozialwissenschaftliche Fächer) in the study regulations 2019 corresponds to the former category "Core Coureses" (Kernfächer) in the study regulations 2015.)