How have the fields of science and technology evolved over time, and what does the future hold? How should societies manage those fields to achieve just and sustainable communities? The Science, Technology and Society (STS) major prepares students to address these important questions through an integrated approach to science, technology, and their relationships to culture, history, and society.
STS students work with faculty members trained in disciplines ranging from biology and mathematics to political economy and philosophy. Housed in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, the major enables students to develop their skills in scientific and technological research along with their capacities for critical, creative, and ethical reflection. Students leave the program with the capacity to make informed decisions about the responsible use of science and technology -- as professionals and citizens.
Graduating STS students are prepared for careers with a wide variety of for-profit, not-for-profit, and governmental organizations that analyze, produce, and use scientific and technical knowledge. These careers include planning and administration, public and investor relations, and advocacy and communications, among other areas. STS students also pursue graduate and professional education in such fields as law, education, policy studies, and media and cultural studies. For more information about career possibilities or pursuing graduate school please click here.
Prerequisites
1. Two quarters of a 100 or 200-level science sequence, which may be two courses from the same sequence OR the first course from any two different sequences.
- BIS 250 and 251 (How Things Work) are recommended to satisfy this requirement.
- Alternatively, students may take B BIO 180 and 200 (Introductory Biology) or their equivalents; B CHEM 142 and 152 (General Chemistry) or their equivalents; or B PHYS 114 and 115 (General Physics) or their equivalents; or B PHYS 121 (Mechanics) and B PHYS 122 (Electromagnetism & Oscillatory Motion) or their equivalents.
- Other science courses may be accepted if they have a laboratory component and are designed for students expecting to major in the science field in which the sequence is offered.
2. BCUSP 123 (Functions, Models, and Quantitative Reasoning) or pre-calculus.
STS Major Requirements
- BIS 300 Interdisciplinary Inquiry*(5 credits)
- BISSTS 307 (5 credits)
- BIS 315 (5 credits)
- BES 301 (5 credits)
- STS Courses (25 credits)
- BIS 499 Portfolio Capstone (3 credits)
- Additional IAS Coursework (20 credits)
- General Electives (22 credits)
TOTAL= 90 Credits
*Should be taken in the first quarter of IAS enrollment.
- The 70 major credits must be completed in MATRICULATED STATUS.
Admitted Prior to Autumn Quarter, 2010?
Students admitted prior to Autumn Quarter, 2010 who are interested in pursuing the major rather than the Bachelor of Arts with an option may choose to do so. Some courses have been delisted and will not count toward the major. They will count towardt he option ONLY IF TAKEN PRIOR to AUTUMN QUARTER, 2010. If taken AUTUMN QUARTER, 2010, OR LATER, they will not count toward the option. Click here for more information.
Areas of Knowledge
Within the above-listed 90 credits, students must complete 10 credits of each Area of Knowledge in courses offered by UW Bothell. The Areas of Knowledge are: Visual, Literary and Performing Arts (VLPA), Individuals and Societies (I&S), and Natural World (NW). Multiply-designated courses may not be double-counted as fulfilling two Areas of Knowledge.
Lower Division Credit Policy
Up to 35 credits of lower division (100-200 level) coursework taken at UW Bothell may be applied toward designated requirements within the 90 program credits. Please contact an IAS adviser for details.
Science, Technology, and Society Learning Objectives:
The Science, Technology, and Society curriculum advances the four core IAS learning objectives. Students taking courses and/or majoring in Science, Technology, and Society:
1) Think critically about how social processes shape mathematical, scientific, and technological knowledge.
2) Develop proficiency in cultural, social, and visual analysis of science, mathematics, and technology.
3) Develop proficiency in scientific and mathematical thinking through practice.
4) Be able to translate and communicate mathematical, scientific, and technological information to general and professional audiences.
5) Assess the risks, benefits, and ethical implications of applied science and technological knowledge.
Science, Technology and Society Core & Affiliate Faculty and Staff
Gwen Ottinger (faculty coordinator), Alex Barchechat, Warren Buck, Steve Collins, Johanna Crane, Colin Danby, Rob Estes, Ted Hiebert, Cinnamon Hillyard, Mark Kochanski, Gray Kochhar-Lindgren, Peter Littig, Gwen Ottinger, Becca Price, David Stokes, Mark Servetnick, Rob Turner and Bryan White.