Science, Philosophy and Society (HPSC10002)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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What is science? What makes knowledge ‘scientific’? And what roles does scientific knowledge have in our society?

In this subject, you will explore the nature of science and its function in the modern world. The public rely on the results of scientific research, but also face controversies about the legitimacy of statements made with the claim of scientific expertise, for example, whether climate change can be attributed to human activities, and whether vaccines cause autism. We will study how philosophers of science have characterised the nature of science and how they attempted to demarcate it from other forms of human activity. We will look at the way science is demarcated in practice, by scientists themselves and by the public. We will look at various case studies ranging from string theory to psychology, to acupuncture to climate change scepticism.

The subject will introduce you to current approaches in philosophy and sociology of science in order to gain a better understanding of how science operates. It provides a platform to build your broader academic skills and collaborate with peers, setting you up for success at university.

Science, Philosophy and Society is available as a Bachelor of Arts Discovery subject, supporting your introduction to university and fostering connections within your course. If you are taking this as your Discovery subject, you will need to concurrently complete the three compulsory Joining Melbourne modules. 

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Explain central theories in philosophy and sociology of science
  • Evaluate scientific evidence using philosophical concepts and theories
  • Describe the difference between scientific and non-scientific knowledge
  • Analyse and assess arguments made in the scholarly literature
  • Create well-reasoned arguments about the scientific status of a field of knowledge
  • Discuss the role science has in modern society

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Analyse and assess arguments made in the scholarly literature
  • Demonstrate high level research skills, including the ability to extend their knowledge-base beyond subject materials using web-based research tools
  • Collaborate across various disciplines
  • Generate original ideas and solutions
  • Communicate effectively in written presentation skills
  • Collaborate constructively within the classroom
  • Critically interpret reading materials.

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 take-home test

  • 400 words (equivalent)
Hurdle requirement: Must be submitted.		Week 610%

Two short written assignments about the lecture content from weeks 1-8

  • 1400 words (total)
Hurdle requirement: Must be submitted.		From Week 8 to Week 1035%

An essay plan with annotated bibliography

  • 600 words
Hurdle requirement: Must be submitted.		Week 1115%

An essay on one of the major themes of the subject

  • 1600 words
Hurdle requirement: Must be submitted.		During the examination period40%
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 1
    CoordinatorGerhard Wiesenfeldt
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 hours: Two 1 hour lecture and a 1 hour tutorial for 12 weeks.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    Dr Gerhard Wiesenfeldt: gerhardw@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