History and Philosophy of Science minor
Bachelor of ArtsMinorYear: 2025
History and Philosophy of Science minor
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 minor, 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
75 credit points
This minor 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
- 25 credit points of Level 2 electives
- 25 credit points of Level 3 electives
Level 1 electives
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPSC10001 | Plato to Einstein: A History of Science | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| HPSC10002 | Science, Philosophy and Society | Semester 1 (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 |
| PHIL20033 | The Philosophy of Mind | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| HPSC20026 | Philosophy of Science | 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 electives
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPSC30037 | Copernicus to Darwin: A Cultural History | Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| 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 |
| 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 minor:
Methodological Approaches to History and Philosophy of Science: HPSC30023, HPSC20026, HPSC30034
History of Science: HPSC20015
Science, Technology and Society: HPSC10003, HPSC20009, HPSC30023
Life Sciences: HPSC20002
Minds, Belief and History: HPSC20015, HPSC20020, HPSC30019, HPSC30034
Philosophy of Science: HPSC20020, HPSC20026
Links
Last updated: 9 April 2025