Plato to Einstein: A History of Science (HPSC10001)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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In this subject, we embark on a fascinating journey through the history of science, with a particular focus on how ideas about the nature of physical reality have changed over time. We begin the story with the birth of philosophy in ancient Greece in the sixth century BC and end in the twentieth century with Einstein’s revolutionary theory of gravity. Along the way, we will examine the enormous influence of Aristotle’s philosophy on Western thought, the revival of magic in the Renaissance, and the emergence of a new mathematical understanding of nature. Here we pay particular attention to the shift that took place in European thought in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, which saw the acceptance of the idea that the earth is a planet revolving around the sun. 

Students taking this subject will be introduced to the way in which philosophical and cultural movements, changing social and economic conditions, and new inventions all played a crucial role in shaping the development of modern science and our basic concepts of matter, force and energy. This subject provides a deeper understanding of the way in which the history of science has been shaped by wider social and intellectual contexts.

Intended learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to: 

  • Articulate the major conceptual shifts that occurred in the history of physical thought
  • Identify the way in which wider intellectual and cultural movements shaped knowledge of the physical world in different historical eras
  • Compare the different forms of explanation and modes of inquiry in the physical sciences
  • Understand the thoughts and attitudes of people historically remote from us
  • Acquire skills in writing clear, coherent and persuasive analyses of ambiguous and difficult issues
  • Comprehend the meaning and historical significance of texts.

Generic skills

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to: 

  • Apply research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources
  • Conduct Critical analysis of texts, images, and objects
  • Consolidate multiple viewpoints in a responsible and ethical manner
  • Develop problem-solving and analytical skills. 

Last updated: 4 April 2025

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: 4 April 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

A written passage analysis assignment, assessing material covered in weeks 2-4

  • 600 words
Week 515%

A written passage analysis assignment, assessing material covered in weeks 5-9

  • 800 words
Week 920%

A written passage analysis assignment, assessing material covered in weeks 10-12

  • 600 words
Week 1215%

An essay

  • 2000 words
During the examination period50%
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 periodN/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 semesterN/A

Last updated: 4 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorKristian Camilleri
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 hours: 2 x 1-hour lecture and 1 x 1-hour tutorial per week for 12 weeks.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025
    Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025
    Census date 1 September 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 September 2025
    Assessment period ends21 November 2025

    Semester 2 contact information

    kcam@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.

Last updated: 4 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 4 April 2025