ECTS
ECTS Course Catalogue

Course details
Course code: BBS20248o12
Semester: 2012/2013 winter
Name: Methodology of Life Sciences
Major: Biology
Study Type: second cycle
Course type: compulsory
Study Semester: 1
ECTS points: 2
Hours (Lectures / Tutorials / Other): 30 / 0 / 0
Lecturer: dr hab. Krystyna Skurjat, prof. nadzw.
Language of instruction: Polish


Learning outcomes: Knowledge: Student: W1 - understands philosophical background of life sciences [KB2_W01, KB2_W04]. W2 - is able to use theoretical (philosophical) arguments, becomes familiar with the rules of forming and conducting successful criticism, place and role of control procedures in life sciences [KB2_W05]. W3 - becomes familiar with nature of questions and the rules of deductive and inductive thinking and will be able to use the rules of fruitful discussion knows character of relations between experimental research and theoretical research [KB2_W07]. W4 - acquires knowledge about permissibility, feasibility and sensibility of experiments [KB2_W03]. Skills: Student: U1 - will get to know methodology as a science about scientific research, the conditions of their efficiency and the factors determining their cognitive value [KB2_U01]; U2 - understands the relation between philosophy and detailed sciences, the notions of hypothesis, law and theorem [KB2_U06, KB2_U10].

Competences: Personal and social competences (attitudes and behaviors): Student: K1 - is aware of responsibility of team members for common goals [KB2_K02]. K1 – explains various theoretical position and practical attitudes. He/she skillfully uses specific literature [KB2_K01]

Prerequisites: none

Course content: The argument involving universal values. Notion (realism) – extreme and moderate, classical and modern version of this argument. the argument referring to ontological types. the question of truth, Argumentative order in science – interpretation, justification and acceptance. Structure and function of science. Types of questions. Explanation. Science as activity modelling reality. The problems connected with development of science - logic and history of development. Structure of theory and methodological relations in biology. Experiment versus theory. The problems of feasibility of experiments. Motivation of scientific cognition.

Recommended literature: 1. Buczyńska – Garewicz H., Rozum szukający i błądzący, Toruń 2007. 2. Filozofia a nauka. Zarys encyklopedyczny, Wrocław- Warszawa- Kraków- Gdańsk- Łódź 1987. 3. Carnap R., Wprowadzenie do filozofii nauki, Warszawa 2000. 4. Przybyłowicz J., Logika z ogólną metodologią nauk, Gdańsk 1995. 5. Skurjat K., Zaproszenie do filozofii, Wrocław 1999. 6. Skurjat K., Znaczenie i wartość, Wrocław 2002.

Assessment methods: Assessment: class -work ( written).

Comment: all specializations