HPSC3108: Semester 1, 2025

Units HPSC3108 Semester 1 2025 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

HPSC3108: Evidence, Knowledge, and Methods in Science

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

This unit of study deals with some central problems in the history and philosophy of the natural sciences. It covers two areas in detail, and several others in less depth. The two main topics are (1) evidence in science, especially how evidence is understood within a Bayesian model, and (2) the representation of nature with scientific models and other theoretical tools. We will also look at the role of truth as a scientific goal, links between scientific theories and policy decisions, and the formation and role of consensus within science. Upon completion of the unit, students will have developed a range of skills that will allow them to explore the natural sciences with a more critical attitude.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	History and Philosophy of Science Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	HPSC1X01 or HPSC2X01 or PHIL2XXX
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Peter Godfrey-Smith, peter.godfrey-smith@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Essay Essay	25%	Formal exam period Due date: 10 Jun 2025 at 23:59	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Presentation Essay outline presentation in tutorial	25%	Multiple weeks	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Participation Participation	20%	Ongoing	Ongoing throughout course
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Short written exercise Based on close readings of course materials and seminar discussion	10%	Week -03 Due date: 14 Mar 2025 at 23:59	750 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Short written exercise Based on close readings of course materials and seminar discussion	10%	Week 05 Due date: 28 Mar 2025 at 23:59	750 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Short written exercise Based on course materials and seminar discussion	10%	Week 07 Due date: 11 Apr 2025 at 23:59	750 words
Outcomes assessed:
= AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Writing task (essay): This assignment will require you to integrate information from lectures and readings to create a concise written argument.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Overview of the Course	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	2. Earlier Views About Evidence	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	3. The Bayesian Model, Part 1	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	4. The Bayesian Model, Part 2	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	5. The Bayesian Model, Part 3	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	6. Values and Policy Choices	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	7. Values, Part 2	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	8. Truth, Part 1	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	9. Truth, Part 2	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	10. Models, Part 1	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	11. Models, Part 2	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	12. Social Structure and Consensus	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	13. Simplicity	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance policies will be discussed when we reach the start of term.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Readings will be made available on the Canvas website.

You should read the material for that week before the Monday lecture.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Understand a leading model of how evidence works in science (the Bayesian model) and how it relates to a variety of other problems and topics.
LO2. understand current views on the nature of scientific models, and how they represent the world
LO3. demonstrate an understanding of some of the most pressing issues in contemporary philosophy of science.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Only minor changes have been made since the last time the unit was offered.

Additional information

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links