Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Science and Technology Policies

Science and Technology Policies
3
12535
4
First semester
OB
TRANSVERSE TRAINING
BUSINESS AND SOCIETY
Main language of instruction: English

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish

Teaching staff


Dr. PEREZ ANTOÑANZAS, Roman - rperezan@uic.es

Please send an email to make an appointment to 

M. Cerrolaza  mcerrolaza@uic.es   

Introduction

Science and technology policy is about the distribution of resources to focus research on the objective in order to better serve the public interest and society. The themes involved, include the financing of science, scientific careers and the implementation of scientific discoveries related to technological innovation to promote the development of commercial products, competitiveness, economic growth and development. 

Science and technology policy is focused on the development of knowledge and the influence of knowledge networks, collaborations and the complex distribution of experience, teams and knowledge. Understanding the process and the organisational context for the generation of new and innovative ideas in science and technology is a central concern in policy-making.


Pre-course requirements

None

Objectives

Introduction to science and technology policy and how this is formulated at the national and international levels. The student will understand the organisational context, depending on the different levels of interest, and how to make use of these bodies to generate, publicise and implement innovative scientific and technological ideas. Different competencies will be developed to familiarise the student with the real-world dynamics, and prepare for entry into the labour market.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • CB1 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study based on general secondary education. This knowledge should be of a level that, although based on advanced textbooks, also includes some of the cutting-edge elements from their field of study.
  • CB3 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) and to issue judgements that include a reflection on important issues that are social, scientific or ethical in nature.
  • CE5 - To promote entrepreneurship and acquire knowledge for the organisation and management of Bioengineering companies while paying attention to their legal framework and the regulations in force at the time
  • CG4 - To resolve problems based on initiative, be good at decision-making, creativity, critical reasoning and communication, as well as the transmission of knowledge, skills and prowess in the field of Bioengineering
  • CG6 - To apply the necessary legislation when exercising this profession.
  • CG7 - To analyse and evaluate the social and environmental impact of technical solutions
  • CG8 - To apply quality principles and methods.
  • CG9 - The ability to organise and plan in the field of business, as well as in institutions and organisations.
  • CT1 - To understand company organisation and the science that governs its activities; to apply work-related rules and understand the relationship between planning, industrial and commercial strategies, quality and profit.
  • CT2 - The ability to link welfare with globalisation and sustainability; to acquire the ability to use skills, technology, the economy and sustainability in a balanced and compatible manner.
  • CT3 - To know how to communicate learning results to other people both verbally and in writing, and well as thought processes and decision-making; to participate in debates in each particular specialist areas.
  • CT4 - To be able to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team, whether as a member or by management tasks, with the aim of contributing to undertaking projects based on pragmatism and a feeling of responsibility, taking on commitment while bearing the resources available in mind.
  • CT5 - To use information sources in a reliable manner. To manage the acquisition, structuring, analysis and visualisation of data and information in your specialist area and critically evaluate the results of this management.
  • CT6 - To detect gaps in your own knowledge and overcome this through critical reflection and choosing better actions to broaden your knowledge.

Learning outcomes of the subject

Understand the fundamentals of a professional and innovative activity, as well as its basic and specific terminology. Other aspects that will be worked on are: 

  • The student will know what is a scientific organisation, which types of organisation exist, how they are structured and organised, what problems they have and what are the criteria and resources for their management and optimisation.

  • The student will know the social, technological and competitive environment in which these organisations operate and the role they play. 

  • The student will know the fundamental aspects of technological surveillance.

  • The development of the following competencies: observation, analysis, opportunity detection, problem solution, change management, leadership and communication. 

  • The development of teamworking based on the paradigms of the "new" society of information and knowledge. 

  • Providing the students with basic knowledge on the management of security based on the law and royal decrees in the area of labour health and risk prevention. 

  • Response to claims from users, recognise and apply criteria and procedures of action.

Syllabus

  • The impact of technological innovation and how to integrate it into society

  • European politics on science (knowledge economy)

  • The structure of national and international organisations/ scientific agencies

  • Function of management: information systems and control management

  • Selection; orientation; situation and assessment of the job and remuneration

  • The conditions of security and the concepts of risk prevention. Risk analysis and applicable techniques. Security in the work place. Management and integration of risk prevention. 

  • External communication abilities (professional impact)

Teaching and learning activities

In person



The Science and Technology Policies course has a highly applied and practical approach. The basis will be a series of lectures with theory from which the student is expected to study real cases or projects in greater detail.

  • Master classes

  • Individual projects

  • Team projects

  • Group work in class

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



  • Submissions: 40%

  • Class assistance: 10%

  • Final report: 50%

A mark higher than 4.5 must be obtained on the final report and participation in all submissions and work groups has to be 100% to pass the course. The same criteria will apply for the second sitting. 

 

The working groups will be planned according to the development of the syllabus.

Important considerations:

  1. Plagiarism, copying or any other action that may be considered cheating will score zero in that assessment. Moreover, plagiarism during exams will mean the immediate failure in the whole subject.

  2. In the second-sitting exams, the maximum mark students will be able to obtain is "Excellent" (a mark with honours distinction will not be possible).

  3. Changes of the calendar, exam dates or the assessment system will not be accepted.

  4. Exchange students (Erasmus and others) or students resitting will be subject to the same conditions as the rest of the students.

Bibliography and resources

  • Articles/papers
  • Book chapters
  • Information on real-life cases
  • News and news papers

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E1 16/01/2023 P2A02 10:00h
  • E2 22/06/2023 A04 10:00h
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