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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Arts : History and Philosophy of Science
History and Philosophy of Science asks questions about the nature of science as an activity, and about the place of science in modern society. For example, how is scientific knowledge established? If science tells the truth, why do scientists sometimes say one thing (for example, that dinosaurs were cold-blooded) and then later say the opposite (dinosaurs were warm-blooded)? Or, when science and religion disagree, which should we believe? Or, can statistics lie? Or, how much influence in society should scientists have?
There are no specific requirements for entry into History and Philosophy of Science subjects. The normal prerequisite for second-year level HPS subjects is at least one first-year subject (12.5 points), but students who have done suitable alternative first-year subjects may be granted exemption from this.
A major in History and Philosophy of Science consists of at least five subjects at second and third-year level, totalling 83.3 points, including at least one of 136-321, 136-340 or 136-341. Intending Honours students must complete a major in HPS including at least one second or third-year level philosophy of science unit and one second or third-year level history of science unit.
In order to qualify for Honours, students must achieve a minimum H2B standard in the major in HPS. This will be calculated over the best five HPS subjects completed at second and third-year level including the Honours prerequisite subjects.
Four single-semester honours seminars, and an honours thesis of 10,000 words.
Full-time students formally enrol in:
136-404 HPS Pure Honours (66.7 points) and
136-400 HPS Honours Thesis (33.3 points)
Part-time students enrol in:
136-405 HPS Pure Honours (Part Time A) (33.3 points)
136-406 HPS Pure Honours (Part Time B) (33.3 points) and
136-400 HPS Honours Thesis (33.3 points)
Combined Honours students will take two HPS seminars.
Students should formally enrol in:
136-407 HPS Combined Honours (33.3 points)
and if undertaking the thesis in HPS
136-401 HPS Thesis (Combined Honours) (33.3 points)
The HPS Department will offer several semester-length honours seminar subjects every year. Details of the subjects on offer will be available in the department's course guide each year.
Each seminar will consist of one lecture-seminar a week during one semester, with written work in the form of seminar papers and essay work (a 5000-word essay or as otherwise arranged).
Students may gain credit for one of the seminars by undertaking a course of directed reading and essay work in an approved topic. Students taking this option will be assigned to a supervisor who will provide guidance, and the choice of essay topics will be subject to the supervisor's approval. Permission to undertake this option must be obtained from the fourth-year coordinator, subject to the availability of willing supervisors.
The Department offers the usual range of advanced studies for students who already have a degree: Diplomas, Masters (by coursework, by advanced seminars and shorter thesis, or by research thesis alone); Doctor of Philosophy. Students interested in postgraduate study should collect a copy of our separate postgraduate handbook, and contact the Departmental office to make an appointment to see our postgraduate coordinator.
For Further Information, please contact:
Department of History and Philosophy of Science
The University of Melbourne
PARKVILLE Victoria 3052
phone: (03) 9344 6556
fax: (03) 9344 7959
Internet: enquiries@hps.unimelb.edu.au
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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Arts : History and Philosophy of Science
Status: OFFICIAL 1997 Last Modified: Wednesday March 12 3:36 pm SGML to HTML Conversion: Information Technology Services Authorised by: Academic Registrar Email Enquiries: Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.