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History and Philosophy of Science // Structure
History and Philosophy of Science
Contact information
Coordinator
Dr James Bradley
Email: jbradley@unimelb.edu.au
Currently enrolled students:
Future students:
Structure
75 credit points
To obtain a major in History and Philosophy of Science, students must complete:
- 37.5 credit points of Level 2 major elective subjects
- 12.5 credit points of Capstone subject
- 25 credit points of Level 3 major elective subjects
Foundation subjects
A Major begins at second year. Each discipline has one or more first-year Foundation subjects which provide excellent preparation for the Major.
| 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 major elective subjects
| 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 2026 | 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 |
Capstone subject
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPSC30035 | The Dynamics of Scientific Change | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Level 3 major elective subjects
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPSC30023 | Politics and Sociology of Science | Not available in 2026 | 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 |
Links
http://shaps.unimelb.edu.au/history-philosophy-science
Last updated: 6 November 2025