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Unit outline_

HPSC1901: What is this Thing Called Science? (Adv)

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This Unit of Study explores the very nature of science and how it is practised. Using contemporary and historical scientific examples, the unit looks into whether a sharp line can be drawn between science and non-science, and what criteria can be used to distinguish science from pseudoscience. Various tools of science will be examined philosophically and historically, including theories, models, explanations, data analysis and concepts. The unit also looks into the ways in which science is a social process, with an emphasis on values, biases, and the institutionalized organization of science. To complete this broad overview, topics such as science denialism (not accepting various bodies of scientific knowledge) and scientism (valuing science above all other knowledge systems) will also be addressed.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit History and Philosophy of Science Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
HPSC2101 or HPSC2901 or HPSC1001
Assumed knowledge
? 

(ATAR 90 or above) or equivalent

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Maureen O'Malley, maureen.omalley@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Maureen O'Malley, maureen.omalley@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Eamon Little, eamon.little@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Essay 3
Written essay: see Canvas
30% Formal exam period
Due date: 13 Nov 2023 at 23:59
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment Essay 2
Written essay: see Canvas
30% Mid-semester break
Due date: 01 Oct 2023 at 23:59
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Online task hurdle task Online exercises
Short online tasks. 8/10 must be completed.
10% Multiple weeks Multiple weeks. ~1hr each to complete.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Participation hurdle task Tutorial participation
Participation during in-class tutorials.
10% Ongoing Weekly. 80% attendance required.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3
Assignment Essay 1
Written essay: see Canvas
20% Week 05
Due date: 03 Sep 2023 at 23:59
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction; What is science? Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 02 Correlations and their interpretations Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 From correlation to causation Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 Evidence hierarchies Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 Explanations and inferences Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 06 Models and experiments Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 07 Data versus theory Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 08 Concepts and how they change Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 09 Science and social values Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 10 Bias in science Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 11 Abuse of science Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 12 Science denial versus scientism Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 13 Summary of course Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: Attending at least 80% of tutorials is mandatory to pass the course.
  • Online exercises: Students must complete at least eight of the online exercises to pass the course.
  • Assignments: Students must complete all three essays to pass the course.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit are available via links on the Canvas site.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. understand philosophical and historical discussions of science and critically assess arguments in these areas
  • LO2. write clear and well-organized responses to philosophical and historical discussions of science, and develop your own views on these issues
  • LO3. relate general philosophical and historical ideas about science to particular examples of scientific work.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Students will be reminded every week about assessment expectations. A revised essay marking rubric is in operation. Around Wk 9 teachers will identify students at risk of failing due to missing hurdle tasks, and will then work with students to achieve the hurdles.

See Canvas for all details about readings, timetable, assessments and how to do well in the course.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.