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 136-052 Science as Practice and Culture

Note

Formerly available as 136-321. Students who have completed 136-321 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. A student cannot receive credit for this subject if the student has already received credit for 136-321 (Science As Practice, Culture and Politics) before 1999.

Availability

3rd year

Credit Points

12.5

Coordinator

Dr Helen Verran

Prerequisites

At least two second year HPS subjects see Prerequisites

Semester

2 (view timetable)

Contact

A 2.5-hour lecture/seminar per week

Subject Description

The focus of the course is the many and heterogeneous standardisations which feature in the workings of laboratories. We consider the nature, the functions and consequences of standardizing in scientific work in both the practical and theoretical arena. The content is delivered in supporting students in carrying out a research project where they undertake participant observation in a laboratory. Part of the task is finding a laboratory to research and negotiating the study. In the study students will be expected to observe how people in the laboratory spend their time, to interview scientists and others, and to study the archives of the laboratory. The assessment of the course is tied directly to this research study.

Assessment

Written work totalling 4000 words.

Prescribed Texts

  • A Clarke & J Fujimura, The Right Tool for the Job.
  • J Law, Organising Modernity.


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Status:                   Official 1999
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Authorised by:            Academic Registrar
Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au