Project Supervisor(s) Professor Susan Molyneux-Hodgson, University of Sheffield (s.hodgson@sheffield.ac.uk)
Professor John Leach, University of Leeds (J.T.Leach@education.leeds.ac.uk)

Application Deadline 30 April 2009

Project description:
Currently there is little cross over between research within the tradition of science studies and work within the realm of science education. While the latter is concerned with key matters of individual learning, the social conditions that facilitate this, and an emphasis on compulsory schooling, the former´s concern is largely with the practices and cultures of existing science communities. This disconnect leaves a large gap in understanding which in the 21st century is imperative to address.

What transitions - in worldview, in identity etc - come to be necessary as a person moves from the periphery of a broad area, towards expertise in a narrower discipline? Alongside, is the longstanding tension between evermore scientific specialisation at frontiers of disciplines, and an education system largely designed to meet comprehensive aims. Many areas of science are perceived to be developing at increasingly rapid rates - biotechnology being one such area. How can education in formal settings ever be a preparation for handling the changing nature of scientific knowledge production; especially given the uncertainty of what science will be like in the future?

The student will study science currently emerging at the nexus of existing disciplines and will develop understandings of identification processes.

• In what ways can disciplinary identities be characterised?
• How do identities transform as existing disciplines come together to develop novel research fields?
• What practices must be learnt anew by actors within emergent disciplines, and how do prior experiences support, or raise problems, for the pursuit of cutting edge science?

The project will utilise well established techniques of collecting observational and interview data. The work will draw on ideas of epistemic communities and legitimate participation in order to develop an analytical framework. The research will generate recommendations for future policy and practice in science and science education.

How to apply:
Interested candidates can make informal enquiries to the project supervisor. To apply for this studentship, please refer to the University of Sheffield website at http://www.shef.ac.uk/pgresearch/studentships/whiterose0910.html.

Funding notes:
This project is part of the White Rose network ‘Engaging young people in science; key issues across secondary and tertiary phases', a collaboration between the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam and York.

Students are expected to register from October 2009 for a three year full-time MPhil/PhD degree. Funding includes UK/EU tuition fees, maintenance expenses of £13,290 and training costs.

Overseas students can apply but they will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees.