New Course in Science Policy Announced

COS 310/510:

INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE POLICY

INSTRUCTORS:

DR. LEE SOLOMON

DR. JENNIFER SALERNO

DR. JESSICA ROSENBERG

DR. JIM OLDS

FALL 2022

WEDNESDAYS 10:30 AM - 1:10 PM

ANGEL CABRERA GLOBAL CENTER 1302A

3 CREDITS

E-mail questions to lsolomo@gmu.ed

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Government policies affect all parts of society, including the scientific research enterprise. Reciprocally, science can be used to inform policy in myriad ways at different levels of government. This transdisciplinary course will address the longstanding gap between the production of scientific research and its perceived utility by decision- makers. Core topics on the structure and function of science and technology-related bodies in the U.S. government will be discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Understand theoretical framework of science-policy

• Compare and contrast the roles of the different

  branches of government in science

• Explain how evidence-based policy is generated and

  used in decision-making processes

• Apply STEM knowledge and skills to policy

  development and practices

• Recognize and contrast competing societal values on

  decision-making

• Understand and identify ways that science can be

  used to address societally impactful questions and

  develop methods to implement these approaches

• Synthesize disparate information to produce a

  technically accurate, but concise and understandable briefing document to be presented to decision- makers