| Unit name | Philosophy of Science |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHILM0033 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Tho |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of Philosophy |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Philosophy of science examines philosophical questions that arise in relation to scientific enquiry. What constitutes a good explanation? When, if ever, can we trust inductive reasoning? Are there laws of nature? What is a model? How do scientific theories change? Are theories always underdetermined by evidence? Do scientific theories tell the truth about the world? How should we measure and assess risk? How do probabilistic forms of reasoning work? What is the role of analogy in scientific reasoning? What philosophical issues arise in relation to simulation and experimentation?
In this unit we examine central topics in contemporary, generalist philosophy of science. This unit complements units in particular sciences (e.g. Physics and Biology) but is a stand-alone unit, focusing on metaphysical, methodological and epistemological questions that cut across the sciences.
The unit therefore aims to:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Lectures, small group work, individual exercises, seminars and virtual learning environment.
Group project (20%)
4000 word essay (80%)
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the form or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are normally confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the academic year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHILM0033).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
