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Philosophy of Science (HPSC20026)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable (login required)(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject is designed to equip students with an appreciation of the nature of scientific knowledge and practice. It revolves around four questions. What is science? Here we will investigate in what way is science is thought to be distinct from other ways of knowing. We will also consider how science changes, and what is meant by scientific progress. What is science for? Contenders include: Explaining the world, uncovering causal relationships, predicting outcomes, understanding phenomena, and making interventions. How does science work? Here we examine different modes of scientific investigation, looking at the strength and limitations of various research designs. We will also consider how bias can occur within the scientific method, and whether some research methods are hierarchically superior to others. What is the relationship between values and science? Here we consider how values influence science, whether it is possible for science to be value-free, and whether it is desirable for science to be value-laden or not.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject will:
- Gain a sound general comprehension of the major recent advances in our philosophical understanding of the nature and structure of science
- Develop critical thinking skills allowing them to assess and evaluate scientific claims, and their implications for society
- Develop an understanding of the goals, practices and constraints faced by scientists
- Develop an understanding of the role of diversity and values in science
- Develop improved general reasoning and analytical skills
- Have background in the philosophy of science on which to base further research and study in the area
- Develop improved written communication skills.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
PHIL20001
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
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Essay
| Week 7 | 20% |
Essay plan and annotated bibliography
| Week 10 | 30% |
Essay
| During the examination period | 50% |
Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. | Throughout the semester | N/A |
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Kate Lynch Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 35 hours: 2 x 1-hour lectures each week and 1 x 1-hour tutorial in weeks 2-12. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2024 to 26 May 2024 Last self-enrol date 8 March 2024 Census date 3 April 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024 Assessment period ends 21 June 2024 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Godfrey-Smith, Peter (2003) Theory and Reality (University of Chicago Press)
Martin Curd, J.A. Cover and Christopher Pincock (eds.) Philosophy of Science: The Central Issues (Norton)
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Philosophy Major Major History and Philosophy of Science Major Philosophy Minor Knowledge and Learning minor - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further 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