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Unit of study_
HPSC3108: Evidence, Knowledge, and Methods in Science
2025 unit information
This unit of study deals with some central problems in the history and philosophy of the natural sciences. It covers two areas in detail, and several others in less depth. The two main topics are (1) evidence in science, especially how evidence is understood within a Bayesian model, and (2) the representation of nature with scientific models and other theoretical tools. We will also look at the role of truth as a scientific goal, links between scientific theories and policy decisions, and the formation and role of consensus within science. Upon completion of the unit, students will have developed a range of skills that will allow them to explore the natural sciences with a more critical attitude.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | History and Philosophy of Science Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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HPSC1X01 or HPSC2X01 or PHIL2XXX |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Understand a leading model of how evidence works in science (the Bayesian model) and how it relates to a variety of other problems and topics.
- LO2. understand current views on the nature of scientific models, and how they represent the world
- LO3. demonstrate an understanding of some of the most pressing issues in contemporary philosophy of science.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2025
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
