136-442 Directed Study

Formerly available as 136-342 and 136-062. Students who have completed 136-342 or 136-062 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually completion of four history and philosophy of science subjects with an average of at least H2B. Admission into Directed Study is subject to severe restrictions. Students must apply in writing to the coursework coordinator at least one week prior to the semester in which they plan to enrol. Before doing so, they must obtain the written agreement of a member of the HPS program who is prepared to supervise the research project.

The content of this subject is dependent on the interests and expertise of the student. This subject functions to provide students with the opportunity to do supervised research on a topic not normally treated in the undergraduate curriculum. The student should gain skills in independent research and acquire the ability to apply historical, philosophical and social forms of analysis to a piece of scientific work of particular personal and intellectual interest.

• develop skills in written and oral communication;

• conduct independent research;

• make appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an argument;

• form defensible judgements based on a critical evaluation of conflicting arguments.

Written work totalling 5000 words 100% (due during the examination period).