Science, Technology and Society

Bachelor of Arts (also available as a Bachelor of Science)

(Faculty of Arts)

Science, Technology and Society is the study of the role of science as a cultural and political force in shaping modern society and the role social forces play in determining our science and technology. From the air we breathe and the food we eat to the conversations we share and the journeys we make, science and technology play a critical role in everyday life around the globe.

In Science, Technology and Society you will study and gauge the effects of science on our quality of life. By extension, you will learn to assess the benefits and drawbacks of innovation. You will acquire insight into human culture, values and concerns along with and how society shapes science’s potential and technology’s limitations.

You will also study how scientific knowledge and technological artifacts (products) are constructed, debated, developed, accepted or rejected and marketed.In an age of dizzying scientific and technological advances, we consider the question: what does it all mean? In looking for answers, this degree program examines the exciting and sometimes controversial relationship between people and the search for and development of scientific knowledge and technology. Our goal is to build a clear, informed understanding of issues and the basis for policy decisions.

To achieve this, program studies include:

• The history, philosophy, traditions and heritage of modern science and technology.
• Science and technology in society, Canadian scientific policy and technology development, and information technology in society.
• Study of one science area up to the 400-level.

Science, Technology and Society builds on the strong foundations of many disciplines from across the University of Calgary. The program includes optional courses in anthropology, geography, environment, innovation, health policy, sociology, economics and science. Science, Technology and Society is also a “stepping stone” to graduate studies in business, education, medicine, law, journalism and architecture.

The Co-operative Education version of either program will give you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in up to four paid work terms of three months each. For details arts.ucalgary.ca/co-op.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission applicants are required to present the appropriate high school subjects and a competitive average.

Application/Document Deadlines  

Why take this program?

Techno-science evolution
What would life be like without the telephone or the Internet? Many recent technological developments, such as the invention of computers, have forever changed the way we live and conduct business. Technological advancements have a profound effect on human culture, and it becomes increasingly important to study and gauge the impact of science on our quality of life so that we can assess the benefits and drawbacks of innovation. At the same time, we also need to be aware that society exerts an influence over science. For instance, regulation of biotechnology and the declining use of nuclear power demonstrate how social values and concerns have impacted development in these industries. 

The new frontier
Graduates of the STAS program are equipped for a wide range of careers in government agencies, private corporations, education, and research. The science studies field is an emerging discipline that holds numerous opportunities for academic discovery. For most majors, a Science, Technology and Society degree is the stepping-stone to a post-BA or BSc professional degree - but STAS also offers careers in government policy, private organizations and post-graduate research allowing for disciplinary contribution in a fascinating new field.

What will I study in my first year?

In your first year you will study Science, Technology and Society 201, an introduction to and examination of the natural sciences through issues of climate change, genetically modified food, and the dynamics of pharmaceutical innovation and the impact on public policy, value systems and public appreciation of science. 

You should also explore other introductory courses offered by the Faculty of Arts. The relatively open nature of the Communications Studies first year makes it an ideal time to explore a wide variety of courses in other areas that might interest you: Sociology, Art History, Languages, Philosophy, Literature, Development Studies, Canadian Studies, Law and Society etc -- try them all!

What will I study in later years?

In later years, you will analyze topics and issues central to how science and technology are integrated into our every day lives as well as the political, economic and social policies that must be addressed by new scientific and technological developments.

Science, Technology and Society 325 is an examination of the definitions of technology, theories interaction between technology and society, innovation and waves of technological change, technology as a system and automation and "post-industrial" society. Students will also be exposed to ideas around the impact of new technology on workplaces, its growth and limits, alternative technologies, energy technologies, biotechnology and the Green Revolution, human reproductive technology, information technology, controlling technology and ethical problems in technology.

Science, Technology and Society 327 links modern science to the evolution of western culture and the formulation of science policy.

In Science, Technology and Society 343 you will study and critique Canadian science policy and technology development including factors which influence policies and strategies, and factors which should influence them.

Science, Technology and Society 341 is a study of the implications of information technology for political, social and economic organization, individual psychology, and concepts of knowledge. Historical, ethical and legal implications are also discussed.
In Science, Technology and Society 407 students will examine scientific, legal, cultural, economic, management and normative perspectives regarding the care and use of the natural environment.

Science, Technology and Society 505 deals with the knowledge that shapes government, industry and public perceptions of science and technology issues, and how that knowledge is produced, interpreted and absorbed by the policy-making process.

Science, Technology and Society 591 is an advanced seminar on the central themes of science and technology studies. Students also have opportunity to study in special topics courses dealing with a particular current topic or supervised individual study on a specialized topic in Science, Technology and Society.

You may wish to add courses from complementary programs in the Department, such as Communications Studies, and Film Studies, to achieve a balanced understanding of a wide variety of issues surrounding the interconnections between science, technology and society including media and culture.

In addition, you will take a pair of courses that many students describe as life-changing experiences: General Studies 300 and General Studies 500.  These courses integrate a breathtaking sweep of knowledge and culture from the Greeks and Romans to present-day thinkers and artists into a personal search for meaning and place in an uncertain world. The courses expose you to the evolution of modern ideas through some of the most influential thinkers of the past.

In your final year, you may wish to take an Honours program.  Honours in Science, Technology and Society is excellent preparation for graduate school, but you may also be interested in Honours for the opportunity to explore a topic in depth for eight months in close consultation with a supervisor.  For details see http://www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/honours

What can I do with this degree?

Graduates with a major in Science, Technology and Society can look to a wide variety of possibilities for launching a career.

• The program provides tools for policy analysis - government work on economic development, health, energy, natural resources, and post-secondary education is open.
• In the private sector, program graduates are valuable strategic planners in large corporations and in management consulting firms. An MBA is an important supplement to the BA or B.Sc.  
• The program is a good "stepping stone" to post bachelor's degree opportunities. Recent graduates have gone on to graduate degrees including the MBA, Health Sciences, Education, Law, Journalism, Communication Studies, Project Management, or Architecture.
• Science Studies graduate programs at U of C and in Canada, the US, and Europe offer opportunities to become a research scholar and/or university instructor in this area.
• Some recent graduates currently work in: communications for a hi-tech firm, web design, medicine, architecture, business analysis, economic development policy, a research granting agency, and teaching.

To see a full list of potential skills, careers and industries available to you, take a look at the Career Services Science, Technology and Society Career Profile (PDF).

Additional Information

Science, Technology and Society Program