History and Philosophy of Science

Bachelor of ArtsMajorYear: 2025

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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
  • Possess a deep knowledge of one of the following areas: history of science; philosophy of science; sociology of science or technology
  • Create sustained and critical arguments using appropriate knowledge and methods, culminating in independent and self-directed research
  • Develop an awareness of the relationship between HPS and other disciplines, especially the sciences
  • Demonstrate integrity and ethical awareness in all aspects of the programme's learning activities
  • Apply HPS knowledge to real-world practice, including the development of policy and the provision of informed comment about science, society and technology
  • 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 organisation
  • Reflect upon their own (individual) relationship with science and society.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Structure

100 credit points

This major requires the completion of:

  • 25 credit points of Level 1 electives and Arts Discovery subjects including:
    • A minimum of 12.5 credit points of Level 1 electives
  • 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:

Please note: Students must undertake an Arts Discovery subject as part of the course requirements and the Arts Discovery subject can be counted in one major only. For this major, you will need to complete two Level 1 subjects.

If you are completing a double major the correct enrolment for this major at level 1 is: An Arts Discovery subject and one Level 1 Elective subject for the first major and two Level 1 Elective subjects for the second major.

Level 1 electives

Code Name Study period Credit Points
HPSC10002 Science, Philosophy and Society
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
HPSC10001 Plato to Einstein: A History of Science
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ARTS10005 The Buddhist Universe
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 Sociology and Philosophy of AI
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
HPSC20020 God and the Natural Sciences
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
HPSC20026 Philosophy of Science
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
PHIL20033 The Philosophy of Mind
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
HPSC20023 Sex and Gender in the Sciences Not available in 2025 12.5
HPSC20024 Debating Science in Society
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
HPSC20025 Genetics, Biopower and History
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
HIST20080 Witch-Hunting in European Societies
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ARTS20003 Death
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ARTS20004 Wellness
June (On Campus - Parkville)
 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 Politics and Sociology of Science
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
HPSC30034 Magic, Reason and Science, 1450-1750
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
HPSC30019 Minds and Madness
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
HPSC30037 Copernicus to Darwin: A Cultural History
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
HPSC30038 Exploring Digital Realities
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
HIST30004 A History of Sexualities
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
HPSC30039 Bad Science
Winter Term (On Campus - Parkville)
 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: 9 April 2025