University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: TBC

The module examines the period from 1900 to the present day not from the point of view of a single nation but from the vantage point of a single, catastrophic weapon. It combines science with politics, diplomacy, culture and social history. The first few sessions will concentrate on the development of the bomb and its effect upon the scientific community. We will then move to the use of the bomb in 1945, the development of more powerful weapons and the effect of these on Cold War relations. The module also examines how the bomb affected the lives of ordinary people, particularly in the areas of civil defence, peace movements, and popular culture.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact:

Scheduled learning hours: 33

Guided independent study hours: 267

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews:

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 60%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 40%

Personnel