Study Programmes 2016-2017
WARNING : 2015-2016 version of the course specifications
PHYS3017-1  
Physical science in an historical perspective
Duration :
30h Th, 1d Vis.
Number of credits :
Master in physics (120 ECTS)4
Master in physics (60 ECTS)4
Lecturer :
Martine Jaminon
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents :
Thorough reading of texts falling within the epistemology of sciences and / or the history of sciences.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit :
Traduire du texte ou une page WebThe aim is threefold:
- Appropriate ways of thinking and expression which physicists encountered very few in their study course
- Develop transferable skills reusable in other circumstances:
* Structuring and drafting of a final dissertation * Report writing internship * Report writing in professional life
- Put some scientific discoveries in their historical context and lay the groundwork for an understanding of the phenomena that govern the construction of knowledge.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Bachelor in sciences
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
- Reading text with production, by text or by chapter, of:
  • an outline of ideas
  • a summary of one page A4
Discussions and additional information in face- to-face sessions - improvement of the summaries.
Some of the readings will be chosen in consultation with students.
- Visit of the National Museum of Arts and Crafts, Paris, 1 day - minimum of 3 students
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
Homework with debriefing in face-to-face sessions
Recommended or required readings :
Required reading:
La structure des révolutions scientifiques, Thomas Kuhn, Flammariion, Coll. Champs Sciences
Assessment methods and criteria :
The final grade results from: - Assessment of the synthesis producted throughout the course and of the participation in the face-to-face sessions (75%) - Assessment in an oral examination on the texts that have been studied (25%)
Work placement(s) :
No training, but the visit of the Musée National des Arts et Métiers in Paris. Approximate cost of train ticket: from 50 to 60 €. Possible participation of the university.
Organizational remarks :
The first class meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2012 at 8: 30 at the Institute of Physics B5. It is still possible to register until Wednesday, September 23 by email: Martine.Jaminon@ulg.ac.be
Contacts :
Martine.Jaminon@ulg.ac.be
Tel : 04 366 37 20
Secretary: 04 366 50 04