Course - Episodes from the History of Science - RFEL3093
Episodes from the History of Science
About
About the course
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
- Approved participation during seminars (including presentation)
- 75 % attendance is required
Further on evaluation
The exam consists of an assignment and a presentation of the assignment. The grade given on the assignment may be adjusted after the 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
Course code | Reduction | From |
---|---|---|
RFEL8093 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2008 |
RFEL8094 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2012 |
Subject areas
- Biology
- Pedagogical knowledge
- Physics
- Chemistry
Contact information
Course coordinator
Department with academic responsibility
Examination
Examination
Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025
Assignment
Submission 2025-11-24 Time Release 15:00
Submission 15:00 Exam system Inspera Assessment