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Minor in Science and Values

This interdisciplinary program seeks to introduce students to the social, political, economic and ethical issues raised by the dominant place that science has assumed in our world. For this program, science is defined broadly to encompass both scientific theory and practical applications of scientific knowledge. The minor in science and values therefore includes consideration of technology, the practice of medicine, and aspects of the human sciences in addition to the traditional physical, chemical and biological sciences.

The purpose of a minor in Science and Values is to give students the skills to understand and to prepare for changes in science, technology and health care, and to evaluate the ways in which these changes impact society. A science and values minor provides an understanding of the pace of change in science and medicine, and develops critical thinking and writing skills applicable to a broad range of professional pursuits including technical writing, science journalism and patent law.

One specific aim of the program is to expose students to a wide range of courses offered by different schools throughout the University, while giving them a solid foundation in the humanistic tradition of the liberal arts. The course of study is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills developed in the student's major by providing a greater interdisciplinary scope and a consideration of ethical issues on topics relating to science, technology and health.

To complete a minor in science and values students are required to complete six courses (18 credits):

  • SV 101: Introduction to Science, Technology, Health and Human Values
  • SV 301: Science, Technology and Health Care: Present and Future Challenges.
  • In addition, students take 12 credits from the following list of approved courses, no more than six credits of which may be at the 100 level:

Course

Title

Credits

AN 337

Non-Western Medicine

3

BIO 117

The Human Organism

4

BMS 162

Human Health and Disease

4

BIO 205/PL 222

Bioethics

3

BIO 222

Evolution in Biology and Literature

3

ISM 101

Principles of Information Technology

3

GT 305

Death, Grief and Bereavement

3

HM 101

Organization and Agencies of Health

3

HM 202

Introduction to Public Health

3

HM 217

Health Economics

3

HM/PO 218

Politics of Health

3

HM 310

Health and Disease in Less Developed Countries

3

HS 330

The History of Western Medicine

3

PL 220

Ethics and Human Values

3

PL 234

Philosophies of Health, Healing and Medicine

3

PL 235

Philosophy of Science

3

PL 238

Philosophies of the Future

3

PS 325

Health Psychology

3

SO 266

Population and Society

3

SO 280

Illness and Disability

3

In consultation with the director of the program, students design a course of study with a coherent focus related to their interests and major field. These courses of study will have a central theme or area of study that falls within the general scope of the program.