The Master's programme in History and Philosophy of Science consists of two separate years. A student starts with the taught courses, then follows a year of research and research-oriented activities.
| Taught Part: | 8 courses |
| Required Courses | 2 courses |
| Primary Optional Courses | 4-6 courses |
| Secondary Optional Courses | 0-2 courses |
The required courses are Historical Role and Impact of the Natural Sciences (NS-HP401M) and Philosophy of Science (NS-HP402M).
The student will generally be expected to take primary optional courses. These are courses in the history and philosophy of science, as well as some philosophy and mathematics courses. The student can also take relevant courses from other universities, after consulting the student-advisor. The number of secondary optional courses is restricted. Upon successful completion of the taught part the student can engage in research.
The student can also take a restricted number of secondary optional courses, generally from other Master's programmes. In case of deficiencies the student may have to take certain courses from the Bachelor programs of Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics, Philosophy or History. This is to be decided by the selection committee. These courses will count as secondary optional courses, and their number cannot exceed 15 ECTS.
In the course list you can find the complete list of required and primary optional courses, and a number of suggested secondary optional courses. Other secondary optional courses may be chosen from
| Research Part: | Eq. of 8 courses |
| Research seminar | Eq. of 1 course |
| Thesis | Eq. of 7 courses |
Upon successful completion of the taught part the student can engage in research. The Research seminar History and Philosophy of Science (NS-HP501M) is a required course in this part of the programme. It prepares the student for his/her own independent research. Part of the requirements for this seminar is the attendance of several colloquia organized by the IGG. It is strongly advised to attend these colloquia also during the first year of study.
The student should write a substantial thesis (eq. 7 courses), potentially publishable, based on his/her own original research. Languages: English or Dutch. It must be approved by the thesis supervisor (normally a member of IGG or the Philosophy Department) and a second reader chosen by the examination committee. After approval, the student must hold a public colloquium about his or her thesis.
Research topics:
foundations of physics: space and time, philosophy of quantum mechanics, philosophy of statistical physics, probability and statistics
general philosophy of science: rationality, structure of theories, scientific realism, determinism
history of science: general history of science, history of physics, history of biology: the Darwinian revolution
philosophy of biology
history and philosophy of mathematics