BS8003 Science and Fiction - Biology in Popular Media

Lessons:
3-hr lecture per week
(2 to 3 E-learning weeks)

Assessment:
Finals 100%

Exam Format:
Finals - 50 MCQs

Description:

This module is about analysing the biological content in sci-fi films. In my opinion, it is a very interesting module, especially if you are a hardcore sci-fi lover and wants to get insights about the scientific validity in films. This module helps to strengthen biological knowledge through content featured in films, and also the inaccuracies presented that you may not have even considered when you watch the films. It will be beneficial if you have biology background, but not necessary provided enough effort was put in. 

Lectures consist of film screening and a lecture. Some films are shown in whole, whereas some are shown in excerpts. Examples of films are Jurassic Park, Outbreak, etc. Format of E-learning is the same.

Readings will consist only of lecture notes, so it isn't a heavy module. But do not read your lecture notes at the last minute because it takes time to understand some of the concepts, and you may forget what the movie is about. Even though you can search for the movie online, you may end up spending more time watching the whole movie, which is not helpful if you are facing lack of time. The professor is very approachable so do ask for help if you find it hard to understand. 

There is no mid-terms, all of the grade is based on your finals, which are completely MCQs. On the good side, not much memorising needed. Understanding is more important, and there are Past-Year Papers that you can refer to to know more about how you will be tested. On the down side, the bell-curve will be steep, so you need to be careful of carelessness.

For the finals, the MCQs will consist of both single answers and multiple answers questions