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.

Our Faculty and Staff

Daniel R Ardia

Associate Dean of the Faculty and Charles A. Dana Professor of Biology

Biological Foundations of Behavior; Biology; Science, Technology and Society

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Melissa W Betrone

Academic Department Coordinator for Earth & Environment and Business Organizations and Society; Program Coordinator of STS

Business, Organizations and Society; Science, Technology and Society

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Justin D Brody

Assistant Professor of Computer Science

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Danel Draguljic

Associate Professor of Mathematics, Department Chair of Mathematics

Data Science

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Aaron F Howard

Teaching Professor of Biology

Biological Foundations of Behavior; Data Science

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Jing Hu

Associate Professor of Computer Science

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Yi-Ching Lee

Assistant Professor of Data Science

Data Science

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Brad McDanel

Assistant Professor of Computer Science

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Mike C Melusky

Adjunct Instructor of Computer Science

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Keith A Miller

Senior Adjunct Assistant Professor Science, Tech, Society

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John L Modern

Arthur & Katherine Shadek Professor of Religious Studies

Science, Technology and Society; Scientific and Philosophical Studies of Mind

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Ed Novak

Associate Professor of Computer Science, Department Chair of Computer Science

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Julie C Otter

Assistant Director, Quantitative & Science Center

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Iwan Praton

Professor of Mathematics, Program Chair of Data Science

Data Science

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Ellie Rice

Director, Quantitative & Science Center and Senior Teaching Professor of Biology

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Kelly L Smith

Academic Department Coordinator, Math and Computer Science

Computer Science

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James Strick

Professor, Program Chair of Science, Technology and Society

Earth and Environment; Public Health

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Jerry Tompkins

Adjunct Instructor, Computer Science

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Willie Wilson

Assistant Professor of Computer Science

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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

The tremendous success of F&M graduates demonstrates the tangible value of an F&M degree when compared to national outcomes. Within six months after graduation, 93% of the Class of 2023 were either employed or furthering their education. This is higher than the national average, which is typically in the mid-80% range.

Speaker Spotlight

How the Myth of the "Free Market" Blocks Climate Change Action

Science, Technology and Society at F&M hosts expert speakers who add depth and breadth to our students' understanding of important, timely issues. Recently, we hosted Naomi Oreskes, Henry Charles Lea Professor of the History of Science and Affiliated Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University. Oreskes discussed her most recent book, "The Big Myth: How American Business Taught us to Loathe Government and Love the Free Market." An internationally renowned scientist, historian, and public intellectual, Oreskes is a leading voice on the reality of anthropogenic climate change and the history of anti-scientific disinformation.
Watch a recording of the event »

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.”
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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 F&M’s Phillips Museum of Art, students in the course "Narratives of Disability” examined photographs depicting or associated with disability and later they viewed works created by artists with disabilities displayed in an upstairs gallery. "It is a special event because the students will use the knowledge developed during the course to interpret these rare images we have on campus," said Marco Di Giulio, associate professor of Hebrew Language and Literature. "Disability is everywhere once we begin to look for it."

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 stream each month. The Lancaster Composting Co-Ops (LCC) are a volunteer-led, community initiative enabling Lancaster residents to reduce household food waste by creating high-quality compost. Three students spent their summer evaluating and co-authoring a white paper documenting the LCC's first year in terms of cost savings and social impact.