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

? Special Arrangements for Entry : Maximum 250 students.

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 : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

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

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
19/09/2006	17:10	18:00	First Floor Lecture Theatre, Adam House	Central	(Mon. 18th Sept. is Edin. Autumn Holiday)

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

Two short written assignments of c.750 words each, submitted via WebCT (for up to 40% of overall mark) and a two-hour unseen exam (for the remaining 60% of the overall mark). Students must submit both written assignments by the specified cut-off date in order to be eligible to proceed to the exam.