1. Handbook
  2. Subjects
  3. Thinking about Science: Past and Present
  4. Print

Thinking about Science: Past and Present (HPSC30037)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2023 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks
Summer Term, January and February subjects, where the teaching ends prior to the commencement of Semester 1, 2023, will be taught on campus with some subjects offered in dual-delivery and online modes.
From Semester 1, 2023 our undergraduate programs will be delivered on campus. Graduate programs will mainly be delivered on campus, with dual-delivery and online options available to a select number of subjects within some programs.
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.

Overview

Availability
Semester 1
FeesLook up fees

This subject gives students an introduction to recent developments in the philosophy of science, with a particular emphasis on the process by which scientific knowledge is continually transformed. Beginning with Thomas Kuhn’s concept of ‘paradigm shifts’, we will explore some of fascinating new perspectives to have emerged in recent years, which challenge many basic assumptions about the way science works.

Drawing on a series of case studies, we address questions like:

  • To what extent are scientific discoveries made by individuals, or are they best understood as collective achievements that only gradually take shape over longer periods of time?
  • How do drawings and diagrams shape the way scientists think, and what role do they play in the development of new concepts?
  • How have computer simulations enabled scientists to understand processes that cannot be observed directly, such as the formation of galaxies over millions of years?
  • How have social movements, such as second wave feminism, shaped the development of sciences like primatology and archaeology?
  • How do researchers specialising in different fields overcome conceptual and linguistic barriers in collaborating with one another in interdisciplinary research?

This subject is essential for anyone interested in the social and intellectual dynamics of scientific change.

Intended learning outcomes

Students completing this subject will:

  • demonstrate ability to engage in critical argumentation both in the context of discussion and in self-directed written research ;
  • develop in-depth understanding of contemporary developments in philosophy of science;
  • acquire written and oral communication skills, effective collaboration in small and large groups;
  • possess an awareness of the relationship between philosophy of science and other disciplines, such as epistemology, political theory, sociology, ethics, and gender studies;
  • apply philosophical perspectives to real-world scientific practice through the treatment of case studies.

Generic skills

  • Critical thinking
  • Analysis and assessment of arguments
  • Oral and written communication skills
  • Constructive collaboration and measured disagreement
  • Confidence in voicing an informed opinion

Last updated: 3 June 2023

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: 3 June 2023

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

2 x 1000 word assignments (25% each)

  • 2000 words (total)
Hurdle requirement: Students must complete and submit all pieces of assessment to pass the subject.		During the teaching period50%

Essay

  • 2000 words
Hurdle requirement: Students must complete and submit all pieces of assessment to pass the subject.		During the examination period50%

Attendance

Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass this subject.		During the teaching periodN/A

Additional details

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five working days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

Last updated: 3 June 2023

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorKristian Camilleri
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours3 hours per week: 1 x 1.5-hour lecture per week and 1 x 1.5-hour tutorial per week
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023
    Last self-enrol date10 March 2023
    Census date31 March 2023
    Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023
    Assessment period ends23 June 2023

    Semester 1 contact information

    kcam@unimelb.edu.au

Last updated: 3 June 2023

Further information

Last updated: 3 June 2023