History of Science 1 (SU0003)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : SPS-1-SUSCI1h

Introductory survey of the development of physical and biological thought from the Renaissance to the twentieth century. The course aims to show how non-scientific factors like magic and religion have had a profound effect on the development of science, as well as considering the impact of science on society in modern times. The course is appropriately combined with History of Medicine 1h.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Science Studies Unit, (School of Social and Political Studies, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 1st year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	17:10	18:00	Central
Lecture	Tuesday	17:10	18:00	Central
Lecture	Thursday	17:10	18:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Students who have successfully completed the course will be able to:
1. describe the main stages in the changing nature and organisation of Western science, from the Ancient Greeks to the early Twentieth Century;
2. discuss the dominant idea about the nature of the physical world in different historical periods, and appreciate how these ideas change over time;
3. discuss how ideas about the natural world and practices associated with those ideas relate to the wider social and cultural context in which they are articulated;
4. critically evaluate the use of historical evidence in historical argument.

Assessment Information

Continuously assessed by submission of one short essay of 1,000 words max., to be submitted via WebCT to a deadline date approx. midway through the course (for up to 40% of the overall mark); and a longer final 2,000 word essay, also submitted via WebCT to a deadline date, for the remaining possible 60% of the overall mark.