Science, Technology and Society
About Science, Technology and Society
Our Program and Courses
Science, Technology and Society is an innovative program at F&M that investigates the nature of science and technology, the history and philosophy of science, and how science, technology and human society interconnect. The program is specially designed to offer you distinctive opportunities to take control of your education and customize your experience to your learning goals.
Joint Major in Science, Technology and Society
You can major in Science, Technology and Society by combining the field with another discipline. Examples include:
- Science, Technology and Society & Biology
- Science, Technology and Society & Environmental Studies
- Science, Technology and Society & Government
- Science, Technology and Society & Psychology
- Science, Technology and Society & Public Health
Minors in Science, Technology and Society
The Science, Technology and Society program at F&M offers three distinct minors: History and Philosophy of Science, Medicine in Society, and Science and Society.
History and Philosophy of Science
This minor blends Science, Technology and Society with philosophy and history. You’ll
study science revolutions, the history of medicine, environmental history, philosophy
of natural science, the Darwinian revolution, astronomy of ancient cultures, nuclear
technologies, occult science and pseudoscience, how the boundaries of science are
policed, climate change denial, and more.
Medicine in Society
Combining Science, Technology and Society with biology, public health, psychology,
and more, this minor examines the role of medicine in society and provides understanding
of epidemics, pandemics and the ecology of disease. You’ll take courses in the principles
of evolution, ecology and heredity; genetics; biostatistics; microbiology; biomedical
ethics; history of medicine; the history and philosophy of psychology; and more.
Science and Society
Examine science in society through a multifaceted lens of Science, Technology and
Society and government, economics, sociology, and more. You’ll study science revolutions,
nuclear technologies, the environment and human values, biomedical ethics, political
research, the Darwinian revolution, environmental history, government burning of scientific
books, denial of climate science, anti-vaccine activism, and more.
Curious what Science, Technology and Society classes are like? Take a look at our course catalog to see what’s available to you.
Learning Outside the Classroom
You’ll have ample opportunities to learn outside the confines of the classroom. With
F&M’s many research and study-abroad opportunities, you’ll find a variety of inspiring
ways to take what you’ve learned and apply it to the world around you.
Off-Campus Study
Off-campus study — internationally and in the U.S. — is highly encouraged. Students
minoring in Science, Technology and Society have studied in Chile, France, and Denmark.
Explore off-campus study at F&M
Research Opportunities
Every student at F&M has extraordinary opportunities to engage in independent or faculty-led
research.
Explore research at F&M
Success Beyond F&M
Faculty Spotlight
Seeking ‘Intersection of Science and Society’
Whether he’s leading ornithology studies in Latin America or Lancaster, the impact
of Franklin & Marshall Professor of Biology Dan Ardia’s research is palpable. “The
big question I'm interested in is how organisms respond to environmental change –
and I do that in a lot of different ways,” said Ardia. “I'm also really interested
in the intersection of science and society.”
Read More »
Related Fields of Study
Biology
The biological sciences expand and advance frontiers of knowledge about all forms of life. From molecules to ecosystems, from oceans to deserts, from the distant past to present day, biology gives you insights into other species, ourselves, and our world.
Public Health
Do you want to explore the fascinating connections between science and government? Study public health at F&M and challenge assumptions and structures as you develop a deep moral intelligence surrounding public health around the globe.
Public Policy
Government, economy, and society are increasingly reliant upon one another for ensuring the well-being of a community. When you study public policy at F&M, you’ll explore the methods and institutions through which governments, economies, and societies work together to support, regulate, protect, and communicate with diverse communities.
Science, Technology and Society in Action
April 7, 2023
Observing Disability Everywhere
At Franklin & Marshall's Phillips Museum of Art one recent morning, 22 students and their professor went downstairs to large tables spread with mostly black-and-white photographs. Franklin & Marshall College offers students a hands-on education that emphasizes close relationships with faculty. Students flourish in a supportive community that treats them as an individual, and their successes continue long after F&M. The College is a national leader in launching students and alumni to opportunities where they make a difference in the community and the world.
November 11, 2022
F&M Compost Co-Op Diverts Costs and CO2 in Lancaster
A Franklin & Marshall College compost initiative has evolved into a co-op saving the City of Lancaster $5,215 per year — all while diverting 16,638 pounds of food waste from the solid-waste...The Lancaster Composting Co-Ops (LCC) has grown to 250 households. Households drop off 199,656 pounds of food waste to compost yearly.