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Cosmos and Culture - HPSC1100
The Quad

 
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of History and Philosophy
 
 
Course Outline: See below
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Equivalent: HPST1107
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

Examines the history and philosophy of science (including medicine) from antiquity to the twentieth century. Places special emphasis on contextual factors (social, political and cultural) and the role of technologies in the development of science. Topics include: Greek and Hellenistic natural philosophy; science in Late Antiquity; Medieval science; the Copernican Revolution; mechanical philosophy; the telescope and microscope; Newtonianism and the Enlightenment; natural history; Romanticism and the Counter-Enlightenment; the Darwinian Revolution; laboratory medicine; chemistry and industrial research; the twentieth-century physics revolutions and their impact on philosophy of science; the atomic bomb and Big Science.


Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course students should be able to:
  • understand key periods in the history of science, and how the discipline of history of science is practiced
  • analyse and think critically about the broad cultural, political and social contexts shaping scientific change
  • communicate effectively on the topic of science in social context
  • apply the historiographical awareness they have acquired to other historical materials and fields
  • understand the factors underlying historical change in a way that will contribute to their own ability to respond creatively to change.

Assessment

  • Two in-class tests - 50% (25% each)
  • Two tutorial papers - 40% (20% each)
  • Participation - 10%

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.