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):
|
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.