Risk and discussions around risk have become pervasive in public life over the last few decades. This module is designed to offer students a greater understanding as to why this is has occurred. It explores the public perception and management and of a range of environmental risks such as nuclear power and Gm Crops. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach - drawing on theoretical and methodological approaches from the social and natural sciences. We will explore the changing relationship between science, policy and society, and critically assess ‘technical’ and ‘democratic’ approaches to risk management