Science Fiction, Science Fact

• Topics

  • The History of Science Fiction
  • Suspended Animation & Cryogenics
  • Life, but not as we know it
  • Faster than Light Travel
  • Combat in space
  • Teleportation
  • Blackholes/Wormholes
  • Holography
  • Timetravel
  • Life in Zero Gravity

Entry Requirements

Others

A knowledge of secondary school mathematics is assumed

Special requirements

No special requirements

From Jules Verne to Star Trek, science fiction has proven to be remarkably prescient in developing new technologies, and shaping attitudes towards that technology. You will also study why certain predictions did not come true. This unit uses ideas from science fiction to inform and educate you about key concepts in science and technology in an on-mathematical way. You will explore not only the limits imposed by physics, but also some of the ways that science fiction has inspired ways to be at those limits. Examples include teleportation, quantum computing, time travel and warp drives.

This unit will enable you to better understand the role of science and technology  in shaping the future, gain an understanding of the scientific process, recognise the importance of multidisciplinary research teams for solving some of the society’s biggest technological challenges, and help them take their place in Designing the Future.

• Assignment 1 - 11 on-line tests (55%)
• Assignment 2 - (45%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.