Course content

This course describes the ideas, culture and trends in social historical aspects within the development of the natural sciences particularly after the Enlightenment. Topics include the scientific revolution, the chemical revolution, the periodic system, electricity, theories of life and the evolution of life, radioactivity, and aspects of 19th and 20th century chemistry and physics. Interdisciplinary topics such as women in science and the history of Trondheim as a city of knowledge will be treated as well. Teaching methods include lectures, student led seminars and excursions. Guest lectures may be included.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student

• has acquired knowledge of important aspects in the history of chemistry, physics and biology from the scientific revolution up until today
• is able to view the history of chemistry, physics and biology in context and identify trends in 18th, 19th and 20th century history of science

Skills

The student

• has experience in reading journal articles about the history of science, interpreting the texts and being critical of them
• is able to present journal articles orally as well as in writing, discuss the contents and connect the texts to the rest of the syllabus
• has acquired experience in writing a historical text

Compulsory assignments

• 75 % attendance is required
• Approved participation during seminars (including presentation)

Recommended previous knowledge

Undergraduate courses in natural science or history. A course in science education is desirable.

Course materials

Textbook, book chapters, journal articles as well as primary sources from the 16th through the 20th centuries. In order to include new trends in historiography, the syllabus will vary from year to year.

Credit reductions