Course description
First year subjects
Subject Semester Credit Points
136-105 Science, Philosophy and History
Many philosophical issues and problems arose in the course of twentieth century science. Ranging across the physical, biological, and social sciences we consider the work of a variety of twentieth century scientists and study some of the controversie... Semester 2 12.50
136-111 From Plato to Einstein
In this subject, we embark on a fascinating journey through the history of science, exploring changing ideas about the physical world from antiquity to the present day. Beginning with the birth of natural philosophy in Ancient Grecce in the sixth cen... Semester 1 12.50
136-029 Darwinism
This subject explores the origins and the implications of Charles Darwin's revolutionary theory of evolution by means of natural selection. It begins by examining the diverse sources from which the theory was constructed during the late 1830s: t... Semester 2 12.50
136-033 Science, Reason and Reality
This subject addresses some of the central issues in the philosophy of science. It will raise questions such as: What is the difference between science and non-science? Is there a universal scientific method? Or do the methods employed by scientists ... Semester 1 12.50
136-035 A History of Nature
This subject traces some of the historical changes in scientific and environmental thought that occurred over the last 500 years, as Europeans spread out from the continent during the voyages of discovery, and discovered new frontiers that challenged... Summer 12.50
136-037 Biotechnology in Modern Society
This subject will introduce students to selected research and commercial applications of modern biotechnology in order to discuss the broader issues that arise from them. A range of topics will be covered in this subject, which may include the recomb... Semester 2 12.50
136-040 The Ways of Science
This subject will not be available in 2009 12.50
136-205 Cybersociety
In this subject students will engage in a study of high-technology and information systems in a social and cultural context, and will examine critical issues which lie at the intersection of the social and the technical. Topics covered include cybern... Semester 1 12.50
136-207 Philosophy of Biology
This subject will not be available in 2009 12.50
136-208 History and Philosophy of Mathematics
This subject will not be available in 2009 12.50
136-209 Intimacy and Technology
Intimate Technologies are those that we use to understand ourselves, and that we use to establish and maintain our relations with others. The subject approaches technologies of intimacy through a wide variety of examples and case studies - technologi... Semester 2 12.50
136-210 Minds and Madness
What is the mind? What does it mean for the mind to malfunction? And how should it be treated when this occurs? “Minds and Madness” provides an historical over-view of responses to these questions by patients, medical practiti... Semester 1 12.50
136-211 Asian Civilisations and Science
This subject examines the development of science as a cultural phenomenon in Asian contexts. It is taught through contemporary and historical case studies. We examine ways sciences 'came to life' in particular places at particular times as ... Semester 1 12.50
136-213 Environmental History of Australia
This subject will not be available in 2009 12.50
136-216 Science and Society
The central focus of this subject is the relationship between science and society in our contemporary world. Science and its products are integral to our every day lives providing benefits but also risks and ethical dilemas. Understanding the relatio... Semester 1 12.50
136-217 Science: Revolutions and Evolutions
The rise of modern science in early modern Europe (roughly between 1500 and 1750) has had a crucial role for the development of modern society. This subject examines the causes and the consequences of this process. We will study the changes in scient... Semester 2 12.50
136-260 God and the Natural Sciences
This subject studies the complex relationship between religion, theology, and the natural sciences. Theological concerns guided the science of Kepler, Newton and many other early scientists. They held that studying the Universe demonstrated the attri... Semester 2 12.50
