Information Package / Course Catalogue
Inventions That Shaped History
Course Code: KOC104
Course Type: Non Departmental Elective
Couse Group: Short Cycle (Associate's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 2
Prt.: 0
Credit: 2
Lab: 0
ECTS: 2
Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to analyze the scientific, social, and cultural impacts of inventions that have shaped human history and to evaluate how emerging and future breakthrough technologies may influence the world of tomorrow. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students gain technological literacy, innovation awareness, and critical thinking skills inspired by the history of science

Course Content

This course explores milestone discoveries in biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology that have significantly influenced the history of science. Students analyze the contributions of pioneering scientists and learn to evaluate technological developments from ethical and social responsibility perspectives. The course aims to develop critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and scientific foresight skills.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Identify the historical contexts of scientific and technological developments.
2.Explain the major inventions that shaped human history and their impacts on society.
3.Discuss future scientific trends and technological predictions..
4.Analyze contemporary pioneering technologies and their potential applications.
5.Critically evaluate technology from social, ethical, and philosophical perspectives.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Headrick, D.R. Teknolojinin Tarihi (Technology: A World History).
2.Mumford, L. Technics and Civilization. Routledge.
3.Landes, D.S. Revolution in Time: Clocks and the Making of the Modern World. Harvard University Press.
4.Günay, D., Çalık, A. "İnovasyon, İcat, Teknoloji ve Bilim Kavramları Üzerine".
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Introduction to the History of Science and Ancient Scientists (Hippocrates, Archimedes), Science in the Ottoman Empire, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance
Week 2 - Theoretical
Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and Leonardo da Vinci
Week 3 - Theoretical
Overview of the History of Science and Technology, The Invention of Writing and the Recording of Knowledge
Week 4 - Theoretical
Electrical and Mechanical Revolution: Faraday and Tesla, Industrial Revolution: Steam Engine and Industrialization
Week 5 - Theoretical
Mendel and the Discovery of Heredity – Introduction to Molecular Foundations (Quiz)
Week 6 - Theoretical
Louis Pasteur and the Foundations of Microbiology, Medical Innovations: Vaccines, Antibiotics and Hygiene
Week 7 - Theoretical
Historical Developments and Their Relationship with the Modern Era, Scientist Portfolio
Week 8 - Theoretical
Watson and Crick: The Double Helix Structure of DNA
Week 9 - Theoretical
The Birth of Biotechnology: Gene Cloning, PCR, NGS, Synthetic Biology, CRISPR and Genetic Design
Week 10 - Theoretical
Quantum Technologies and Advances in Neuroscience
Week 11 - Theoretical
Milestones in Medical History: Vaccines, Antibiotics and Organ Transplantation
Week 12 - Theoretical
Artificial Intelligence and Bioinformatics: Analysis of Molecular Data
Week 13 - Theoretical
Inventions of 2050, Synthetic Biology and Transhumanism, Ideas That Will Shape the Future
Week 14 - Theoretical
Inventions of 2050, Synthetic Biology and Transhumanism, Ideas That Will Shape the Future
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Assignment1%5
Quiz1%5
Midterm Examination1%30
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory140228
Assignment1112
Individual Work140114
Quiz1112
Midterm Examination1112
Final Examination1213
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)51
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
PÇ-14
PÇ-15
PÇ-16
PÇ-17
PÇ-18
OÇ-1
3
4
4
OÇ-2
3
4
4
OÇ-3
3
4
4
OÇ-4
3
4
4
OÇ-5
3
4
4
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026