Science & Technology Studies

In light of the importance of science and technology (S&T) in the world today, there is a need for scholarly work on its social dimensions. The Department of Science & Technology Studies is dedicated to research and teaching about scientific knowledge and technology in its social context. In their research, faculty members examine S&T both in contemporary societies and through historical investigations. The goal is to build a body of theory and empirical

findings about:

• The social processes through which scientific and technical knowledge—whether packaged into texts, people, machines, images, or other forms—is created, evaluated, challenged, spread, transformed, and fitted into social relations.
• The ways people use, reconfigure, and contest scientific knowledge and technology.
• The normative issues entangled in scientific and technological developments.
• The place of science and technology in the modern world.

Academics

It also has two undergraduate majors, Biology & Society and Science & Technology Studies.

The Biology in Science & Technology Studies Major is designed for students who wish to combine training in biology with exposure to perspectives from the social sciences and humanities on the social, political and ethical aspects of modern biology.

This major is intended for students who have an interest in law, medicine, health services administration and other professional schools and for preparation for graduate programs in various fields.

The Science & Technology Studies Major furthers students’ understanding of the social and cultural meanings of science and technology. It is ideal for students pursuing careers in law, public policy or management, as well as for scientists, engineers and others interested in science, technology and society.

The Minor in Science & Technology Studies also offers a way for undergraduates specializing in other fields to gain an appreciation for the social dimensions of science and technology.

Science and Technology have always been an integral part of Indian culture. Natural philosophy, as it was termed in those ancient times, was pursued vigorously at institutions of higher learning. The Government of India has spared no effort to establish a modern S&T infrastructure in the country. The Department of Science and Technology plays a pivotal role in promotion of science and technology in the country.This section offers detailed information pertaining to scientific education and scientific research & development. Details of policies, schemes, documents and programmes for scientists, researchers, scholars, students, etc. are also available.