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Thinking about Science: Past and Present (HPSC30037)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
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.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look 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
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
2 x 1000 word assignments (25% each)
| During the teaching period | 50% |
Essay
| During the examination period | 50% |
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 period | N/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 coordinator Kristian Camilleri Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 hours per week: 1 x 1.5-hour lecture per week and 1 x 1.5-hour tutorial per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2023 Census date 31 March 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023 Assessment period ends 23 June 2023 Semester 1 contact information
Last updated: 3 June 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Bachelor of Arts Major History and Philosophy of Science - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 June 2023