HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE

HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE

NOTE(S): THESE COURSES ARE OFFERED BY CULTURAL HISTORY. STUDENTS INTERESTED IN THESE OPTIONS MIGHT WISH TO CONSIDER THE COURSES OUTLINED IN THE CULTURAL HISTORY SECTION OF THIS CATALOGUE

Level 2

HS 2003 - HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE I
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Dr B Marsden

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 2 or above.

Co-requisites

None.

Overview

Topics from the history of science from antiquity to the early eighteenth century, with particular emphasis on the Scientific Revolution of 1500-1700. The course offers two complementary perspectives: (i) an introduction to the history of science in a social, cultural, and intellectual context focusing on well-known figures (Copernicus, Galileo, Newton), topics (astronomy, alchemy, medicine), institutions (Royal Society of London, court culture), practices (experiment, instruments), and other themes (the role of women, science and religion); and (ii) an introduction to central themes in the philosophical understanding of science and its methods (induction, deduction, Popper, Kuhn).

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week and 1 one-hour tutorial per fortnight.

Assessment

1st Attempt: One 1½-hour written examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%) of which essay (2,000 words, 30%) and tutorial assessment (10%).

Resit: One 1½-hour written examination (100%).

Feedback

Essay: feedback is provided through the standard History essay feedback form which indicates student achievement in key areas (sources, language, argument etc).

Tutorial: each student is asked to do a presentation and to participate meaningfully in class discussion (on set readings, and peers' presentations); the tutor provides ongoing verbal feedback regarding class discussion; and feedback verbally or via e-mail on strengths and weaknesses of presentation.

HS 2503 - HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE II
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Dr B Marsden

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 2 or above.

Overview

This course offers an introduction to the history of science, technology and medicine from the late eighteenth century to recent times. It focuses on key historical topics, including: science and cultures of improvement in the Enlightenment; James Watt and revolutions in industry; evolution and its impacts before and after Darwin; scientizing the human mind and body (including intelligence testing and eugenics); medicine in history; ethical issues in contemporary science (eg. 'Big Science' and the making of the atomic bomb). Students are asked to consider the nature of scientific and medical change; the relationship of science and medicine to wider cultural forms; and the impacts of science and medicine in everyday lives.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week and 1 one-hour tutorial per fortnight

Assessment

1st Attempt: One 1½-hour written examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%) of which essay (2,000 words, 30%) and tutorial assessment (10%).

Resit: One 1½-hour written examination (100%).

Feedback

Essay: feedback is provided through the standard History essay feedback form which indicates student achievement in key areas (sources, language, argument etc)

Tutorial: each student is asked to do a presentation and to participate meaningfully in class discussion (on set readings, and peers' presentations); the tutor provides ongoing verbal feedback regarding class discussion; and feedback verbally or via e-mail on strengths and weaknesses of presentation.