History and Philosophy of Science
Study in the discipline of History and Philosophy of Science is offered by the School of History and Philosophy and Science in the Faculty of Science. Units of study in this major are available at standard and advanced level.
About the major
A major in History and Philosophy of Science (HPS) will allow you to enrich and deepen your knowledge of science and its place in modern society. The study of HPS also allows you to stand back from the specialised concerns of other subjects by gaining a broader perspective on what science is, how it acquired its current form, how it fits into contemporary society, and to analyse the ramifications of scientific developments in a social, cultural, and ethical perspective.
Graduates emerge with an ability to identify and examine the conceptual and social dimensions of science and technology in an historical perspective using a variety of scholarly techniques. History and Philosophy of Science is a valuable field of study for any career requiring an understanding of science, with particular relevance for careers in government or industry that require addressing and managing complex problems.
Requirements for completion
A major in History and Philosophy of Science requires 48 credit points, consisting of:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level core units
(iii) 24 credit points of 3000-level core units
A minor in History and Philosophy of Science is available and articulates to this major.
Pathway through the major
The requirements for a major in History and Philosophy of Science are spread out over three years of the degree (possibly four years if students are completing a combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree).
A sample pathway for the History and Philosophy of Science major (over three years of a degree) is listed below.
Sample pathway: History and Philosophy of Science major (48 credit points)
|
Year |
Session |
Units of study |
|---|---|---|
|
First |
Semester 1 |
Core: HPSC1X00 Bioethics |
|
Semester 2 |
Core: HPSC1X01 What is This Things Called Science? |
|
|
Second |
Semester 1 |
Core: HPSC2X00 The Birth of Modern Science Core: HPSC2011 Science, Ethics and Society |
|
Third |
Semester 1 |
Core: HPSC3108 Hist and Phil of the Physical Sciences Core: HPSC3023 History and Philosophy of Psychiatry and Psychology |
|
Semester 2 |
Core: HPSC3002 Hist and Phil of the Biomedical Sciences Core: HPSC3016 The Scientific Revolution |
Please Note. This sample progression is meant as an example only. Depending on unit prerequisites, students may be able to complete these units in a different sequence from that displayed in the table above.
For details of the core and selective units of study required for the major or minor please refer to the History and Philosophy of Science section of the unit of study table, Table S, in this handbook.
Fourth year
The fourth year is only offered within the combined Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies course.
Advanced coursework
The Bachelor of Advanced Studies advanced coursework option consists of 48 credit points, which must include a minimum of 24 credit points in a single subject area at 4000-level, including a project unit of study worth at least 12 credit points. Space is provided for 12 credit points towards the second major (if not already completed). 24 credit points of advanced study will be included in the table for 2020.
Honours
Requirements for Honours in the area of History and Philosophy of Science: completion of 24 credit points of project work and 24 credit points of coursework.
Honours units of study will be available in 2020.
Contact and further information
T +61 2 9351 4226
Address:
Unit of History and Philosophy of Science
Level 3, Carslaw Building F07
University of Sydney NSW 2006
Learning Outcomes
Graduates emerge with an ability to identify and examine the conceptual and social dimensions of science and technology in an historical perspective using a variety of scholarly techniques. It is a valuable field of study for any career requiring an understanding of science, with particular relevance for careers in government or industry that require addressing and managing complex problems.
It is especially usefully for science students in that it allows reflective exploration of the practices and theories within various scientific fields. However, any student with a genuine interest in science will derive benefit from study in HPS.