Module PHIL1071: HISTORY OF SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT

Department: Philosophy

PHIL1071: HISTORY OF SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce students to the methodologies and major topics in the history of ancient, early modern and modern science.

Content

• The History of the Physical and Life Sciences
• The History of Scientific Methodologies
• The History of Scientific Institutions
• Biographical, Social and Cultural Contexts of Science

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will be able to discuss and research the history and contexts of the life and physical sciences with clarity and rigour.

• grasp, analyse, evaluate and deploy subject-specific concepts and arguments
• locate, understand, assess and utilise pertinent philosophical (and, where appropriate, historical) sources
• interpret and criticise relevant texts.

• express themselves clearly and succinctly in writing
• comprehend complex ideas, propositions and theories
• defend their opinions by reasoned argument
• seek out and identify appropriate sources of evidence and information
• tackle problems in a clear-sighted and logical fashion.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures deliver the content of the module via the use of illustrations (OHP), handouts, discussion, diagrams and terms written on the blackboard.
• Tutorials explore a set question and sources relevant to the module's aims and content. Each one begins with a brief presentation in which a student orally offers an answer to the set question. Once this is done, the other students are asked to respond to the presentation based on set sources they have read in advance of the meeting.
• Informal appointments made by the students with the lecturer allow them to discuss their essays in advance of writing them.
• The Formative essays provide the opportunity for students to test and extend their knowledge and understanding of the module content, and develops their ability to present and defend relevant arguments and theories using available learning resources, uninhibited by the need for summative assessment.
• The Summative essays test knowledge and understanding of the course material, and the ability to identify and explain issues covered in the module, and, using relevant research material, to present different approaches to those issues, and make reasoned judgement on the merits and demerits of such approaches.
• The unseen examination tests students' overall knowledge and understanding of the module content, and their ability to present a clearly written essay under the pressure of time.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One 1500 word essay

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University