The 21^st Century world is at a crossroads:  it may lead to unparalleled prosperity or to collapse of civilisation as we know it.  Over the last few centuries, science and technology have increased human longevity and health and brought seemingly unlimited mechanical power and near total access of the world's resources. On the other hand, they have also ushered in the population explosion, drastically depleted non-renewable resources, polluted the environment and threatened the stability of the biosphere and climate, and provided a ready means of near annihilation of our species and fellow living creatures.

As it now threatens or promises yet much greater change over the 21^st Century, science presents a serious challenge: how do we harness and direct science for the benefit of the human condition and the very condition of the world environment?  Rising to this challenge involves the integration of the sciences, humanities and practical disciplines.  While science explores the mechanisms of the universe, the humanities explore the meaning of human life and practical disciplines such medicine, politics, law and business provide the means to effect change in the human world.

These new interdisciplinary units - Humanity in the 21^st Century and Human Action for World Futures- extend the idea of scientific inquiry to embrace values and purpose and what it means to be human. They explore the ways in which science, the humanities and practical disciplines can work together towards the best possible world futures.

For the furure scientist, they aim to provide a deeper understanding of the meaning and potential consequences of their chosen career.  For the student of the humanities, they provide an understanding of science and the urgency of connecting with science in shaping world futures.  For students of practical professions, they provide a thorough grounding in the sciences and humanities and new directions for future careers.  For all students, the units provide the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the emerging 21^st century world.