The University of New South Wales

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Brave New World: Science Fiction, Science Fact and the Future - GENS4015
Students on quad lawn

 
Faculty: Faculty of Science
 
 
School:  School of Physics
 
 
Course Outline: http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 3
 
 
EFTSL: 0.06250 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 0
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

This wholly Internet-delivered course aims to give a big picture overview of the physical sciences at the dawn of the 21st century and beyond. The most common interface between the general public and science is often through science fiction; hence, science fiction is used as a
teaching aid to stimulate student interest and as a starting point from which to communicate the science, and its likely future development. This
course also examines the interaction between science and society, encouraging students to consider how culture influences science and vice
versa.

The areas covered are: the physics of space and time; astronomy; space travel and exploration; astrobiology: life in the Universe;
computers & robotics, artificial intelligence & human intelligence; the future of the human race.

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.