Homotopy theory is the study of continuous deformations. A geometric object may be continuously deformed by pulling, stretching, pressing or compressing, but not by tearing or puncturing (which are discontinuous). Two objects can then be regarded as equivalent if one can be continuously deformed into the other and vice-versa. The goal of homotopy theory is to determine which geometric objects are equivalent in this sense, or not. To do this, methods are needed which assign algebraic information to these geometric objects which are invariant (stay the same) under continuous deformations. Examples consider in the module are homotopy groups and homology groups.
Horror films have been one of the most consistent areas of cinema throughout its history. Despite horror quickly establishing itself in films, it was not until the 1930s and Hollywood's studio system that it became standardized as a genre with a repertoire of icons, themes and production techniques. There has been a constant drive for renewal and reinvention of the horror film in the face of perennial audience popularity. This module will deal with the breadth of the horror genre, looking at subgenres and historical developments as well as dealing with distinctive approaches to the horror film across the world. Topics will include German Expressionist films and the Gothic output of Hammer studios, while issues will include gender and the 'Final Girl' so common in slasher films, as well as representing 'the monstrous'. The variations of issue and film addressed by this module will enable you to gain a deeper understanding of the horror film as a complex of varied discourses and artistic currents rather than simply seeing the film as a moment of horrifying affect.
This module familiarises students with theories and evidence of consumer/household financial decision making. The module examines optimal and actual financial decisions by households, e.g. on borrowing and saving, and the role of financial service provision by firms and the government. The module also considers normative aspects, such as financial regulation. Students are strongly advised to have background knowledge of Finance/Financial Economics.
In this module, you will explore modern statistical learning and machine learning methods underpinning the recent AI revolution. The focus is on understanding how these methods work and the concepts that they use. While the methods depend on advanced mathematics, we will provide an overview that helps you understand the ideas behind them without needing a background in mathematics or computer science.
How are the arts getting back to work again after Covid-19? This is a critically important question for everyone who cares about them, artists and audiences alike. If you’re a student considering a career in the arts you’ll want to know where fresh opportunities are likely to open up and where perhaps they won’t. Will things return to “normal”, or are we living through a revolution from which there is no going back? Key concepts in cultural economics will be introduced to you. You’ll discover their explanatory power and use them (cautiously!) to predict the future. You will engage with art – live where possible, now also online – and you’ll review a selection of “real” and virtual arts events. Alongside lectures you’ll watch a series of specially-produced video conversations with artists and programmers who work in music, theatre and the visual arts – sharing their knowledge and passion, hopes and sometimes fears. We’ll keep government policy under review and see what difference policy interventions make if and when they happen. You’ll get seminar support either face-to-face or online, and the usual opportunities to discuss your written work with the module co-ordinator before handing it in. You’ll meet colleagues from the John Hansard Gallery and Turner Sims concert hall (both venues run by the University of Southampton and supported by Arts Council England): you’ll learn how they put programmes together, how they collaborate with other promoters nationally and internationally, how they reach out to audiences, and how you can get involved with the work they do.
Scientific literacy refers to the ability of individuals to understand, evaluate, and engage with scientific information and concepts in a meaningful way. It involves not only knowing scientific facts but also understanding the processes of scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and the nature of evidence in Ocean and Earth Science.
The module teaches how to formulate hypotheses and structure an experimental proposal, ultimately leading to data dissemination in form of a presentation / report / scientific paper. The module connects to real problems, where success in own experimental work drives learning. Teaching sessions will be accompanied by practical work which involves animal observation, with alternatives in place if required to meet minimum learning outcomes.
GGES3019 is a multidisciplinary unit designed for students with an interest in how individuals and societies understand and respond to environmental shocks and stresses, and their different capacities for adaptation. The focus of the module is on climate and weather hazards. Through lectures and seminars we will explore the key concepts of vulnerability and risk relating to environmental events. We will apply these concepts in a variety of applied contexts through case studies and seminars. Applied frameworks and real world observations lie at the heart of this module, and it is on these aspects that assessment is based. The module begins with an exploration of the key concepts that underpin adaptation, followed by an understanding of what adaptation looks like in practice, and ending with some considerations of future adaptation needs and realities. The module has a global focus and will consider adaptation in the UK and the rest of the world.
In Biomedical Engineering, it is essential to develop an in-depth understanding of human biology, anatomy and physiology, so that engineering expertise can be meaningfully applied to problems in human healthcare and disease as well as degeneration within the context of the life course. This ‘Human Biology and Systems Physiology’ module comprises a foundation in human cellular and molecular biology and how the body functions as a whole system. Particular attention will be given to five, key biological system strands: the Immune System, the Musculoskeletal System, the Cardiovascular System, the Respiratory System and Neurosensory Systems. In these key strands you will receive a more in-depth view of the relevant biology and physiology, existing concepts and models of the systems in health and in disease. Links are made throughout the module to allied engineering themes. There will be an integrated, cross-referenced, series of lecturers, first exploring the molecular and cellular characteristics of human biology, followed by multi-lecture strands covering the key human physiological systems. The system lectures will be supplemented with lectures with a biomedical engineering focus from recognised experts in the fields of tissue repair and microfluidics. The lectures will be combined with a presentation workshop and a tutorial involving team-based thematic oral presentations. This module is primarily aimed at students with an engineering and physical sciences background, wishing to apply their skills to biomedical challenges. It is not recommended for those who already have a background in medicine or biology This postgraduate module is designed to equip you with the knowledge to appreciate and understand the organisation of human physiological systems, with perspectives spanning molecules, cells, organs and their integration into functional systems. This is coupled with a mechanistic knowledge required to understand system function and the causes of disease and degeneration that represent the focus of the pre-clinical and clinical application of biomedical engineering. The module will give you the breadth of understanding and critical thinking skills to tackle modern challenges in biomedical engineering, solutions to which will deliver real clinical impact. Through this module you will be able to comprehend the nature of dysfunction of physiological systems in disease and degeneration that informs and underpins the use of biomedical engineering strategies taught throughout the other modules. The module provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate scientific understanding, biomedical knowledge, communication skills, and critical thinking qualities
Medical engineering requires an understanding of the human body, its structure and function in health, disease, dysfunction and with disability. This module will provide you with a conceptual background to aspects of human biology that are key in the use of healthcare technologies. We will therefore focus on some fundamental principles, such as metabolism and signalling between cells within organs and between systems and then focus specifically on systems of primary relevance in biomedical engineering, including the musculo-skeletal, cardio-vascular, respiratory and neuro-sensory systems, as well as the skin – the interface for many healthcare technology interventions. We will consider function in health and in some common impairments due to disease or injury and highlight the patients’, carers and clinician’s perspective of the condition. We will also consider the use of, or potential for, healthcare technology interventions in these conditions.
This module provides an introduction to the role human factors in Engineering. It demonstrates how the characteristics and capabilities of people can be taken into account to optimise the design of things used by people, the environments in which they live and work, and the organisation of systems.
This module provides an introduction to the role of human factors in engineering. It demonstrates how the characteristics and capabilities of people can be taken into account to optimise the design of things used by people, the environments in which they live and work, and the organisation of systems.
