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The Dynamics of Scientific Change (HPSC30035)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery
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Over the course of history, scientific knowledge has undergone a series of significant, and sometimes quite dramatic, changes. Some of these, like the Copernican shift from an earth‐centred to a sun‐centred cosmos, have been labelled as scientific revolutions, while others, such as the emergence of the biological concept of heredity, have attracted less attention, but are no less significant. But how do such changes occur? In this subject we examine the dynamics of large-scale scientific change, by focusing on three key questions:


• How is scientific knowledge shaped by the wider social, political and cultural context?
• How do new objects of knowledge come into being in different historical eras?
• How do scientific theories, concepts and goals change over time?


To address these questions, we will work our way through a series of case studies, beginning with the recent scholarship on the origins of early modern science. Other historical episodes include the reception of Darwin’s theory of evolution in the nineteenth century and the impact of second wave feminism on science in the 1970s. Students taking this subject will acquire a deeper understanding of the social, intellectual and cultural conditions under which forms of knowledge come into being.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this major, students will be able to:
  • Apply a range of different historical, philosophical, and sociological approaches to understanding the drivers of scientific change
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the social, historical and cultural contexts which shape the historical development of scientific knowledge;
  • Engage in critical analysis of texts, through synthesizing and distinguishing between, a variety of arguments and ideas;
  • Engage confidently and intelligently in contemporary debates in the history and philosophy of science;
  • Conduct independent critical research at third year level.

Last updated: 8 August 2023

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

This is the Capstone subject and only available to students in the major of History and Philosophy of Science or Knowledge and Learning minor within Bachelor of Arts or in the History and Philosophy of Science specialisation in Graduate Diploma in Arts/Graduate Certificate in Arts. It is not available to students in other minors or as breadth, except students in the Bachelor of Science, who are taking the equivalent of a major in History and Philosophy of Science by special arrangement with the Science Faculty.

Bachelor of Arts students in the HPS major are required to complete the Level Two requirements before enrolling into this subject.

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

Bachelor of Arts students are required to complete the Level Two requirements for the HPS major and be completing the final year of the degree.

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: 8 August 2023

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Mini-paper

  • 500 words
Hurdle requirement: Must be submitted		Week 3-5 (depending on choice of topic) 15%

Mini-paper

  • 500 words
Hurdle requirement: Must be submitted		Week 6-9 (depending on choice of topic) 15%

Mini-paper

  • 500 words
Hurdle requirement: Must be submitted		Week 10-12 (depending on choice of topic) 15%

Final essay

  • 2500 words
Hurdle requirement: Must be submitted		During the examination period55%
Hurdle requirement: Students must participate in 80% of lectorials and seminars to pass the subject. Students must satisfactorily complete all pieces of assessment to pass the subject. 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.From Week 2 to Week 12N/A

Last updated: 8 August 2023

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorKristian Camilleri
    Mode of deliveryDual-Delivery (Parkville)
    Contact hoursThe subject will be taught as a one-hour lectorial/reading lab early in the week, followed by a 2-hour seminar later in the week.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period25 July 2022 to 23 October 2022
    Last self-enrol date 5 August 2022
    Census date31 August 2022
    Last date to withdraw without fail23 September 2022
    Assessment period ends18 November 2022

    Semester 2 contact information

    Email: kcam@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

Last updated: 8 August 2023

Further information

Last updated: 8 August 2023