History and Philosophy of Science (HPSC40016)
HonoursPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
In this subject students will be introduced to a range of classic texts in the history and philosophy of science and science and technology studies. The subject is organized as a series of four three-week learning modules, each of which will be taught by one member of the HPS program with a focus on their particular area of teaching/research expertise. Each module will introduce students to a carefully selected seminal text, which has been the subject of considerable scholarly attention in a particular subfield.
Students will become familiar with the main issues arising from that text, and the different ways in which leading scholars have attempted to engage with it. In any given year, students will take four out of a possible six modules, depending on staff availability. The six areas are: (i) philosophy of science (ii) sociology of science, (iii) history of science, (iv) science and technology studies, (v) history of medicine, or (vi) metaresearch. Students taking this subject will acquire a deeper understanding of the issues that are of most pressing concern to scholars in these fields today, and will have an opportunity to develop their own critical analysis of what is at stake in current debates.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Describe and criticise various positions taken up in contemporary academic scholarship in the history, philosophy and sociology of science
- Apply the necessary critical acumen and relevant background knowledge in interpreting seminal texts
- Make an original contribution to contemporary debates in the history and philosophy of science
- Demonstrate an ability to conduct independent research at fourth year Honours level.
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject should:
- Develop skills in written communication
- Conduct independent research
- Make appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an argument
- Develop skills in synthesizing and analysing literature relevant to a specific discipline or topic
- Form defensible judgements based on a critical evaluation of conflicting arguments.
Last updated: 8 November 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
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 November 2024
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
An essay
| Week 7 | 50% |
An 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. | 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: 8 November 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Fiona Fidler Coordinator Cordelia Fine Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 24 hours - 1 x 2 hour seminar each week for 12 weeks 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
Email: fidlerfm@unimelb.edu.au
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.
Additional delivery details
This subject is for students admitted to fourth year Honours or the Graduate Diploma (Advanced) in the discipline of History and the Philosophy of Science
Last updated: 8 November 2024
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation PD-ARTS History and Philosophy of Science Specialisation (formal) History and Philosophy of Science Specialisation (formal) History and Philosophy of Science Specialisation (formal) History and Philosophy of Science Specialisation (formal) History and Philosophy 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 8 November 2024