Useful links
Unit of study_
HPSC1001: What is this Thing Called Science?
This Unit of Study explores the very nature of science and how it is practised. Using contemporary and historical scientific examples, the unit looks into whether a sharp line can be drawn between science and non-science, and what criteria can be used to distinguish science from pseudoscience. Various tools of science will be examined philosophically and historically, including theories, models, explanations, data analysis and concepts. The unit also looks into the ways in which science is a social process, with an emphasis on values, biases, and the institutionalized organization of science. To complete this broad overview, topics such as science denialism (not accepting various bodies of scientific knowledge) and scientism (valuing science above all other knowledge systems) will also be addressed.
| Code | HPSC1001 |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | History and Philosophy of Science Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
?
|
None |
|---|---|
|
Corequisites:
?
|
None |
| Prohibitions:
?
|
HPSC2101 or HPSC2901 or HPSC1901 |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. understand philosophical and historical discussions of science and critically assess arguments in these areas
- LO2. write clear and well-organized responses to philosophical and historical discussions of science, and develop your own views on these issues
- LO3. relate general philosophical and historical ideas about science to particular examples of scientific work.
Unit outlines
Unit outlines will be available 2 weeks before the first day of teaching for the relevant session.
- Semester 2, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
- Intensive February, 2021 [Block mode] - Remote
- Intensive February, 2021 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
- Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote
- Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
- Intensive February, 2022 [Block mode] - Remote
- Intensive February, 2022 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
- Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Remote
- Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
- Key dates
Key dates through the academic year, including teaching periods, census, payment deadlines and exams.
- Student administration
Enrolment, course planning, fees, graduation, support services, student IT
- Expectations of student conduct
Code of Conduct for Students, Conditions of Enrollment, University Privacy Statement, Academic Integrity
- Academic appeals
Academic appeals process, special consideration, rules and guidelines, advice and support
- Learning and teaching policy
Policy register, policy search
- Financial support
Scholarships, interest free loans, bursaries, money management
- Study resources
Learning Centre, faculty and school programs, Library, online resources
- Health and support
Student Centre, counselling & psychological services, University Health Service, general health and wellbeing
