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History and Philosophy of Science
Bachelor of ArtsMajorYear: 2023
History and Philosophy of Science
Contact information
Coordinator
Dr James Bradley
Email: jbradley@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 completion of this major, students should 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: 3 May 2024
Structure
100 credit points
This major requires the completion of:
- 25 credit points of Level 1 subjects, comprising of either:
-
12.5 credit points of Level 1 electives and 12.5 credit points of Arts Discovery (for a single major)
OR
25 credit points of 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 the Arts Discovery subject as part of the course requirements and the Arts Discovery 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: The Arts Discovery subject and One Level 1 elective subject.
If you are completing a double major the correct enrolment for this major at level 1 is: The Arts Discovery 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 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
HPSC10001 | From Plato to Einstein | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Level 2 electives
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
HPSC20015 | Astronomy in World History | Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
HPSC20002 | A History of Nature | Winter Term (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
HPSC20009 | Technology & Contemporary Life | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
HPSC20020 | God and the Natural Sciences | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
HPSC20026 | Philosophy of Science | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHIL20033 | The Philosophy of Mind | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
HPSC20023 | Sex and Gender in the Sciences | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
HPSC20024 | Debating Science in Society | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
HPSC20025 | Breeding Better Humans? A History | Not available in 2023 | 12.5 |
Level 3 capstone subject
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
HPSC30035 | The Dynamics of Scientific Change | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Level 3 electives
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
HPSC30023 | Science and Society | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
HPSC30034 | Magic, Reason, New Worlds, 1450-1750 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
HPSC30019 | Minds and Madness | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
HPSC30037 | Thinking about Science: Past and Present | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
HPSC30038 | Being Online | Not available in 2023 | 12.5 |
Students are recommended to take one of the following subject sequences within their major:
Methodological Approaches to History and Philosophy of Science: HPSC30023, HPSC20026, 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: HPSC20020, HPSC20026, HPSC30035
Links
http://shaps.unimelb.edu.au/history-philosophy-science
Last updated: 3 May 2024