History of Science

None. Introductory Course

Participation and attendance, short presentations on selected readings

This course presents the rich history of scientific endeavors across various civilizations and epochs, exploring significant milestones and the individuals who shaped the science. From the zenith of Greek science to the breakthroughs in 20th-century biology and biotechnology, students will gain a general understanding of how scientific knowledge has evolved. The course highlights key periods, including Early Greek, Alexandrian, Islamic, and modern science, examining the interplay between scientific advancements and their cultural, philosophical, and technological contexts.

Course Objectives:

1) to understand the historical development of key scientific ideas and theories

2) to recognize the contributions of major scientists throughout history

3) to explore the cultural, philosophical, and technological contexts in which scientific knowledge developed

4) to analyze the impact of scientific discoveries on society and vice versa

1) The Cambridge History of Science, Volume 1: Ancient Science (ch. 11 Aristotle’s Physical Theory, ch. 12 Aristotle and the Origins of Zoology, ch. 13 Botany)

2) The Cambridge History of Science, Volume 1: Ancient Science (ch. 17 Hellenistic and Roman Medicine, ch. 18 Greek Mathematics, ch. 23 Greek Mechanics)

3) The Cambridge History of Science, Volume 2: Medieval Science (Chapter 2: "Islamic Mathematics" and Chapter 5: "Medicine in Medieval Islam").

4) The Cambridge History of Science, Volume 3: Early Modern Science (Chapter 17: "Natural Philosophy" and Chapter 18: "Medicine").

5) The Cambridge History of Science, Volume 6: The Modern Biological and Earth Sciences (Chapter 10: "Geology" and Chapter 14: "Evolution").

6) The Cambridge History of Science, Volume 5: The Modern Physical and Mathematical Sciences (Chapter 17: "Quantum Theory and Atomic Structure, 1900–1927" and Chapter 18: "Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics").

7) The Cambridge History of Science, Volume 6: The Modern Biological and Earth Sciences (Chapter 23: "Genes" and Chapter 27: "The Brain and the Behavioral Sciences").

Wiedza: W1, W2, W3

Umiejętności: U1, U2, U3

Kompetencje społeczne: K1, K2