GIGO

Teaching Pseudo-Science

When is a science degree not a science degree? Not a trick question, but a matter for serious debate. Aoraki Polytechnic's intention to offer a Bachelor of Applied Science in naturopathy next year has raised questions regarding the ability and credibility of our education system.

Science is more than simply "knowledge" in and of itself. Rather, science is knowledge obtained through observation and experiment, through systematic testing and critical challenge, through trial and error, research and review.

From what I have seen of the many and varied modalities operating under the umbrella of naturopathy, there is precious little of this evident in the fields of herbalism, hydrotherapy, homeopathy and the like. Aoraki has argued that they can award the degree in anticipation of research being performed, but this raises the question of where real science enters the picture. In addition, one has to wonder how they can meet the legislative requirements of having a well-founded, recognised research background in the people teaching the degree.

It is true that some science components are planned, such as nutrition, anatomy and physiology, but is this adequate given the emphasis on the non-science major? One critic has likened this to believing that running on Lancaster Park while the All Blacks are training will make you a top rugby player...

Offering such courses as part of an overall health-related degree might be acceptable, but it puts me in mind of some American friends who have course credits in jazzercise and wine appreciation -- not a great deal of credibility is attached to the qualifications nor to the institutions which issued them.

It is likely that, with our educational institutions under increasing economic stress, we will see more subjects of dubious scholarship offered in the name of meeting market demand; it is no secret that already standards are being dropped deliberately in some places to encourage more students and, hence, more funds.

As we go to print, Aoraki's degree has yet to be approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. The result will be a real test of the Authority -- and a real indication of the direction in which New Zealand scholarship is heading.

Vicki Hyde is the editor of New Zealand Science Monthly.