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History and Philosophy of Science minor
Bachelor of ArtsMinorYear: 2021
History and Philosophy of Science minor
Contact information
Coordinator
Dr Gerhard Wiesenfeldt (semester 1) Dr Kristian Camilleri (semester 2)
Email: gerhardw@unimelb.edu.au kcam@unimelb.edu.au
Currently enrolled students:
Future students:
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 minor, 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
75 credit points
This minor requires the completion of:
- 12.5 credit points of Level 1 electives
- 12.5 credit points of Arts Foundation Subjects (MULT10016 Reason is recommended)
- 25 credit points of Level 2 electives
- 25 credit points of Level 3 electives
Level 1 electives
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
HPSC10001 | From Plato to Einstein | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
HPSC10002 | Science and Pseudoscience | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
HPSC10003 | Debating Science in Society | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
HPSC10005 | Eugenics: A Biopolitical History | 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 |
PHIL20033 | The Philosophy of Mind | Semester 1 (Online) |
12.5 |
HPSC20022 | Electricity and Enlightenment History | Not available in 2021 | 12.5 |
PHIL20001 | Science, Reason and Reality | 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 electives
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
HPSC30037 | Thinking about Science: Past and Present | Winter Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
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 |
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 minor:
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
Last updated: 12 November 2021