Global Challenges in Science, Technology and Health

Catalog description

Science and technology play a vital role in addressing today's challenges such as environmental, energy, health issues, and resources management at both the local and global scale. Key developments in fields such as biotechnology, nanotechnology and information technology are important to address these challenges. Novel technologies are being applied to health in many ways, such as linking mobile phones to low-cost peripherals allows for portable, fast and cheap diagnosis of common diseases, especially in low income countries; biopharmaceuticals manufactured in living organisms through the use of recombinant technology, and stem-cell based tissue replacement and repair enabled by advances in biotechnology. The rapid change in environmental setting due to social and economic development and the global migration of rural populations to mega-cities has also created health issues associated with air pollution, water contamination, and inadequate sanitation. In many parts of the world, energy development is directly linked to water and air pollution, and consequently to human health degradation. The ability to continue developing energy resources and providing clean water and air is one of the major challenges of the 21st century and the key for the sustainability of the economic development. New functional materials from nanotechnology are becoming more important in addressing environment and energy challenges. This course will explore these challenges, but also will be forward-looking, as you prepare for your lives in a dynamic world, in which you must confront these global challenges. 001120