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Scientific Practice and Human Inquiry (HPSC30035)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Email: kcam@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
One of the central insights to emerge from Thomas Kuhn’s landmark work, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, was the importance of attending to what scientists do, rather than simply what scientists believe. A new generation of scholars after Kuhn increasingly tuned their attention to scientific practice, and in the process, transformed our image of the dynamics of scientific research. This subject explores many of the new perspectives to have emerged from the ‘practice turn’ in the history and philosophy of science over the past two decades, and the new insights this has brought to the understanding of how knowledge is generated. Drawing on historical case studies and philosophical analysis, we focus on questions such as: How do scientists become convinced of the existence of a new entity? To what extent are the epistemic aims and practices of field sciences (like ecology and palaeontology) different from those of the laboratory sciences? How did the introduction of new forms of visual representation, such as diagrams, tables and maps, lead to theoretical advances in chemistry, evolutionary biology and physics? What can the study of laboratory notebooks reveal about the hidden dynamics of experimental research? Do computer simulations constitute a new form of inquiry?
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject will:
- become familiar with a range of different historical, philosophical, and sociological approaches to understanding the process of scientific inquiry;
- develop an appreciation of the social, historical and cultural contexts which shape the construction of scientific knowledge;
- develop the ability to engage in critical analysis of texts, through synthesizing and distinguishing between, a variety of arguments and ideas;
- gain the necessary critical acumen and relevant knowledge to be able to engage confidently and intelligently in contemporary debates in the history and philosophy of science;
- develop an ability to conduct independent critical research at third year level.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Students should have completed at least 2 HPS subjects at first and/or second level before enrolling in this subject.
This is the Capstone subject for the major in History and Philosophy of science. All students undertaking the major in History and Philosophy of science must enrol in this subject - normally in their final semester of enrolment. However, Bachelor of Science students doing the equivalent of a major in HPS may also take this subject. The subject also forms part of the Knowledge and Learning minor and from 2017 onwards, it will also form part of the BSc Program in ‘Human Science’.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Assessment
Additional details
- A 2000 word esay, due in week 7 (50%)
- A 2000 word essay, due at the end of semester (50%)
Hurdle Requirements:
- Students must attend a minimum of 80% of seminars in order to pass this subject.
- Students must lead the seminar in three separate weeks during the semester, by addressing a question relating to the readings set for that week.
Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five working days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Kristian Camilleri Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 24 hours - 1 x 2 hour seminar each week for 12 weeks Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 23 July 2018 to 21 October 2018 Last self-enrol date 3 August 2018 Census date 31 August 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 21 September 2018 Assessment period ends 16 November 2018 Semester 2 contact information
Email: kcam@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Subject readings will be available online
- Subject notes
This is the Capstone subject for the major in History and Philosophy of science. All students undertaking the major in History and Philosophy of science must enrol in this subject - normally in their final semester of enrolment. However, Bachelor of Science students doing the equivalent of a major in HPS may also take this subject. The subject also forms part of the Knowledge and Learning minor and from 2017 onwards, it will also form part of the BSc Program in ‘Human Science’.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Minor Knowledge and Learning Major History and Philosophy of Science - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Links to additional information
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 27 April 2024