Faculty of Science
History and philosophy of science

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Faculty of Science

History and Philosophy of Science (HPS) provides science and other students with an understanding of the philosophical, social and historical dimensions of science. Put simply History and Philosophy of Science completes the picture. It encompasses five main areas; history of science, philosophy of science, sociology of science, history of medicine and environmental history.

History and Philosophy of Science asks questions such as:

In what ways are scientific understandings, and the way we view and interact with the non-human world around us, culturally determined?
How do cyborgs, virtual reality, and cyberspace re-make human identity?
How has the definition of insanity been altered by the rise of science and the decline of magical beliefs?
How do the new genetic technologies define what it means to be human?
If science tells the truth, why do scientists sometimes say one thing (for example, dinosaurs were cold-blooded) and then later say the opposite (dinosaurs were warm-blooded)?
What determines which diseases are given priority in medical research?
Can science usefully work with Aboriginal beliefs about nature to better conserve the environment?
Is it really true that people in medieval Europe believed the earth was flat?
When science and religion disagree, which should we believe?
How has science influenced our attitude towards women, religious or racial minorities?
Are science students well trained to think for themselves or are they just trained to apply the current popular scientific theories?
How much influence in society should scientists have?

1. Suggested subjects

Students should consult the full list of history and philosophy of science subjects and their detailed descriptions (see History and Philosophy of Science).

Not all history and philosophy of science subjects receive science credit. The history and philosophy of science subjects listed below do qualify for science credit towards the Bachelor of Science. Where a student elects to complete a history and philosophy of science subject that does not appear in this list, science credit will be not be awarded towards the Bachelor of Science degree.

Note:

Students enrolled in a combined Bachelor of Science course are not entitled to count non-science points towards the Bachelor of Science component.
History and philosophy of science subjects cannot count toward the science component of the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science combined course or the science requirement of the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences course.

Science students are able to major in history and philosophy of science, but they must also have qualified for a second science major, as detailed in Planning a science major.

1.1. 100-level subjects

All 100-level subjects are available to science students without prerequisites.

1.2. 200-level subjects

Students are generally required to have completed at least 75 points at the 100-level before enrolling in 200-level subjects. Completion of 100-level HPS is not required.

1.3. 300-level subjects

Students are required to have completed at least 25 points (two subjects) of 200-level HPS subjects before enrolling in 300-level HPS subjects.

It is recommended that students wishing to study HPS as a science major complete 37.5 points (three subjects) of 200-level HPS subjects.

2. Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours)

For information about the faculty and departmental entry requirements for honours, please refer to Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours) and Bachelor of Information Systems (Degree with Honours). These requirements should be considered when planning your course.

3. Further information

History and Philosophy of Science
Ground Floor, Old Arts Building
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010
Tel: +61 3 8344 6556
Fax:+61 3 8344 7959
Web: http://www.hps.unimelb.edu.au

HPS subjects available for science credit

Careful attention should be paid to the level and number of science credit points that will be awarded for the completion of these subjects.

Note: History and philosophy of science subjects count toward the Bachelor of Arts component of either the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science combined course or the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences course. Refer to the arts section of this Handbook for points details.

Status:                   Official 2007
Last Modified:            Tuesday October 31 22:21
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Authorised by:            Academic Registrar
Enquiries:                http://unimelb.custhelp.com/

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