History and Philosophy of Science (B-ARTS_MAJOR_18)

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Overview

The aim of History and Philosophy of Science is to understand science: how it works, its historical development and its function in modern society. History and Philosophy of Science integrates philosophical, historical and sociological approaches to the study of science. It thus provides students with an insight into scientific methods and objectives without actually having to do science. Students will gain analytical skills in evaluating scientific (and non-scientific) knowledge as well as a broad understanding of the historical development of science in its interactions with philosophy, religion and society.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this major, students will be able to:

possess a broad knowledge and understanding of the discipline and will be able to identify, understand and synthesise the major theoretical, philosophical, sociological and historiographical themes in HPS; and
possess a deep knowledge of one of the following areas: history of science; philosophy of science; sociology of science or technology; and
create sustained and critical arguments using appropriate knowledge and methods, culminating in independent and self-directed research; and
develop an awareness of the relationship between HPS and other disciplines, especially the sciences; and
demonstrate integrity and ethical awareness in all aspects of the programme’s learning activities; and
apply HPS knowledge to real-world practice, including the development of policy and the provision of informed comment about science, society and technology; and
develop a wide range of life skills including: life-long learning; excellent communication; effective collaboration in small and large groups; and a high-level of organization; and
reflect upon their own (individual) relationship with science and society.

Last updated: 12 November 2021

Structure

100 credit points

This major requires the completion of:

a minimum of 12.5 credit points of Level 1 electives
12.5 credit points of Arts Foundation subjects (MULT10016 Reason is recommended) for a single major, or 12.5 credit points of additional Level 1 electives for a double major*
37.5 credit points of Level 2 electives
12.5 credit points of Level 3 capstone subjects
25 credit points of Level 3 electives

Level 1 subjects must be successfully completed before progressing to Level 2 subjects; Level 2 subjects must be successfully completed before progressing to Level 3 subjects.

*Note:

Students must undertake one Arts Foundation subject as part of the course requirements and the Arts Foundation can be counted in one major only. For this major, you will need to complete two Level 1 subjects.

If you are completing a single major the correct enrolment for this major at level 1 is: One Arts Foundation subject and One Level 1 elective subject

If you are completing a double major the correct enrolment for this major at level 1 is: One Arts Foundation subject and One Level 1 Elective subject OR Two Level 1 Elective subjects

Level 1 electives

Code	Name	Study period	Credit Points
HPSC10002	Science and Pseudoscience	Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5
HPSC10001	From Plato to Einstein	Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5
HPSC10004	Bad Science	Not available in 2021	12.5

Level 2 electives

Code	Name	Study period	Credit Points
HPSC20015	Astronomy in World History	Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5
HPSC20002	A History of Nature	Summer Term (Online)	12.5
HPSC20009	Technology & Contemporary Life	Semester 1 (Online)	12.5
HPSC20020	God and the Natural Sciences	Not available in 2021	12.5
PHIL20001	Science, Reason and Reality	Semester 1 (Online)	12.5
HPSC20022	Electricity and Enlightenment History	Not available in 2021	12.5
PHIL20033	The Philosophy of Mind	Semester 1 (Online)	12.5
PHIL20030	Logical Methods	Semester 2 (Online)	12.5
HPSC20023	Sex and Gender in the Sciences	Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5

Level 3 capstone subject

Code	Name	Study period	Credit Points
HPSC30035	The Dynamics of Scientific Change	Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5

Level 3 electives

Code	Name	Study period	Credit Points
HPSC30023	Science and Society	Semester 1 (Online)	12.5
HPSC30034	Magic, Reason, New Worlds, 1450-1750	Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5
PHIL30016	Knowledge and Reality	Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5
PHIL30043	The Power and Limits of Logic	Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5
HPSC30019	Minds and Madness	Not available in 2021	12.5
HPSC30037	Thinking about Science: Past and Present	Winter Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5
ANCW30004	Beyond Babylon	Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5
GEND30005	Gender Diversity in the Workplace	Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5

Students are recommended to take one of the following subject sequences within their major:

Methodological Approaches to History and Philosophy of Science: PHIL20001, HPSC30023, HPSC30034, HPSC30035

History of Science: HPSC20015, HPSC20022

Science, Technology and Society: HPSC10003, HPSC20009, HPSC30023

Life Sciences: HPSC20002

Minds, Belief and History: HPSC20015, HPSC20020, HPSC30019, HPSC30034

Philosophy of Science: PHIL20001, HPSC20020, HPSC30035

Links

http://shaps.unimelb.edu.au/history-philosophy-science

Last updated: 12 November 2021

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