436-464 History Of Technology

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Semester

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Subject Description

Upon completion students should: comprehend the evolutionary nature of technology; appreciate the international and national milestones of technology history as a basis for understanding the role of technology in modern society.

Topics covered include: ancient technology, from Neolithic to Iron Age Technology in classical times. Technology in medieval times: influence of copper-based metals. Wind and water power. Cathedrals. Clocks. Mechanicians and engineers of the Renaissance. Engineering formalised during the 18th and 19th centuries: Steam power and the Industrial Revolution. 19th century technology: Engineering education, the advent of steel, new sources of power. Early 20th century technology: Professional institutions, growth of research, transport, nuclear power. Australian Technology.

Assessment

Engineering heritage stream: Written assignments to a maximum of 6000 words or equivalent. Technical history stream: A 90-minute end-of-year examination; written assignments to a maximum of 5000 words or equivalent. Students will be notified of the weighting of assessment components at the beginning of semester.