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Thinking about Science: Past and Present (HPSC30037)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery
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Science, we are often told, rests on two central pillars – theory and observation. But science involves far more than just observing and theorizing. Indeed many scientists now spend their days at the computer running simulations or search algorithms. Moreover, observation itself is a complex and messy business, often requiring finely honed skills and a certain amount of theorizing. Indeed observation varies greatly across different fields. The molecular biologist who studies a new strain of virus using an electron microscope practices a very different craft from the archaeologist who inspects an excavation site to find clues to a lost civilization. In this subject, we go beyond the clichéd image of science, in attempting to answer the fundamental question: ‘how is knowledge produced?’ By drawing on recent scholarship in the history and philosophy of science, we will look at topics such as the different epistemic cultures of the laboratory and the field, the importance of visual and diagrammatic reasoning, and how scientists learn to ‘see’ and ‘think’ by engaging manually with instruments and models. By reframing traditional philosophical questions in terms of ‘what scientists do’ rather than ‘what scientists believe’, students will gain a deeper understanding of how different practices involving the hand, the mind and the eye actually generate knowledge.

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: 20 September 2022

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: 20 September 2022

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

3 x 500 word mini-papers

  • 1500 words (total)
Hurdle requirement: Students must complete and submit all pieces of assessment to pass the subject.		Due the week after the topic chosen by the student – presentation and feedback.40%

Essay

  • 2500 words
During the examination period60%

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 period0%

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: 20 September 2022

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorKristian Camilleri
    Mode of deliveryDual-Delivery (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 period28 February 2022 to 29 May 2022
    Last self-enrol date11 March 2022
    Census date31 March 2022
    Last date to withdraw without fail 6 May 2022
    Assessment period ends24 June 2022

    Semester 1 contact information

    kcam@unimelb.edu.au

Last updated: 20 September 2022

Further information

Last updated: 20 September 2022