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) option within the Interdisciplinary Studies 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 degree option 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.
Prerequisites for both the Option and the Major
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 BES 180 and 200 (Introductory Biology) or their equivalents; BCUSP 142 and 152 (General Chemistry) or their equivalents; or BCUSP 143 and 144 (General Physics) 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
Transition from Option to Major
Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences is transitioning its Science, Technology, and Society (STE) option within the Interdisciplinary Studies major to a major in Science, Technology, and Society. Students who are admitted for Autumn Quarter, 2010, and subsequent quarters must declare the major. Students who declare the Science, Technology, and Society option prior to Autumn Quarter, 2010, may choose to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with an option in Science, Technology, and Society or may declare the major and graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Science, Technology, and Society. The prerequisites and requirements for the option and the major are the same, but please note course delistings at the bottom of this page.
STS Option Requirements
- BIS 300 Interdisciplinary Inquiry*
(5 credits)
- BISSTS 307 (5 credits)
- BIS 315 (5 credits)
- BES 301 (5 credits)
- STS Option Courses (25 credits)
- Senior Seminar (5 credits)
- Additional IAS Coursework
(20 credits)
- General Electives (20 credits)
TOTAL= 90 Credits
STS Major Requirements
- BIS 300 Interdisciplinary Inquiry*
(5 credits)
- BISSTS 307 (5 credits)
- BIS 315 (5 credits)
- BES 301 (5 credits)
- STS Option Courses (25 credits)
- Senior Seminar (5 credits)
- Additional IAS Coursework
(20 credits)
- General Electives (20 credits)
TOTAL= 90 Credits
- *Should be taken in the first quarter of IAS enrollment.
- The 70 major credits must be completed in MATRICULATED STATUS.
Delisted Courses
As of Autumn Quarter, 2010, some courses will NOT count for either the STS major or the STS option. If taken prior to Autumn Quarter, 2010, the courses will count for the STS option, but will NOT count if the student decides to declare the major. Click here to view the delisted courses.
Areas of Knowledge
Within the above-listed 90 credits, a minimum of ten (10) credits must overlap with Visual, Literary and Performing Arts (VLPA), Individuals and Societies (I&S), and Natural World (NW). They must be taken in IAS courses at the 200, 300, or 400 levels. Multiply-designated courses may not be double-counted as fulfilling two Areas of Knowledge.
200-level Coursework
Up to 35 credits of 200-level coursework taken at UWB may be applied toward designated requirements within the 90 program credits. Please contact an IAS adviser for details.
Science, Technology and Society Core & Affiliate Faculty and Staff
Steve Collins (faculty coordinator), Warren Buck, Colin Danby, Rob Estes,Ted Hiebert, Cinnamon Hillyard, Mark Kochanski, Gray Kochhar-Lindgren, Peter Littig, Becca Price, David Stokes, Mark Servetnick, Rob Turner