Interdisciplinary Science
The Natural Sciences and Mathematics department offers a BA degree in Interdisciplinary Science. Following a curriculum that spans the natural sciences, students explore the connections between science and society by engaging with issues such as stem cell research, clean-water access, alternative energies, and nanotechnology.
The Interdisciplinary Science degree prepares students for science-based careers that depend on strong background in scientific and quantitative reasoning and an understanding of the relationship between the natural sciences and mathematics and the social sciences, humanities, and the arts. The curriculum helps students achieve this level of interdisciplinary understanding by explicitly connecting science and mathematics to social issues such as health, environment, education, ethics,
and policy.
Through sequenced courses and experiential learning opportunities, such as internships that address real-world problems, the Interdisciplinary Science curriculum helps students merge theory and practice and learn to appreciate the importance of a scientific approach when investigating problems. Student-centered seminars integrate key scientific concepts and methodologies with how the concepts and methodologies are applied. Introductory courses explore scientific and mathematical principles, theory, and methods while providing opportunities for students to develop problem-solving and laboratory skills. Intermediate and advanced courses build on foundational knowledge and emphasize the application of scientific and mathematical principles. In all courses, students are encouraged to move away from passive learning and memorization toward active understanding and practice of scientific and mathematical principles.
Graduates from the Interdisciplinary Science degree program are prepared to work in positions in health and environmental policy, advocacy, management, and education. They are also
prepared to enter interdisciplinary graduate programs in health, environment, and history and philosophy of science, or professional graduate programs such as law and business. Most graduates have chosen career paths and graduate programs that require scientific and quantitative understanding. Eugene Lang College’s strong emphasis on liberal arts ensures that students can pursue any career that requires a solid foundation in the liberal arts.
Students majoring in Interdisciplinary Science may qualify for the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant
(National SMART Grant).
Look here for more information.
Areas of focus
In consultation with a faculty advisor, students
may complete a general track within the major or a focused area of study in one of the following: Biology of Health (pdf), Science of the Environment (pdf), and History and Philosophy of Science (pdf).
Biology of Health
Students who choose this area are advised to take a series of courses in genetics, chemistry, and cell biology as
well as in the social sciences. Biology of Health students are well positioned to pursue graduate study in bioethics, medical anthropology, science journalism, or history and philosophy of science, or to work in policy making or bioethics research.
Science of the Environment
Students who choose the Science of the Environment are advised to take a series of courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics along with courses in the social sciences. With this background students are prepared for graduate programs in environmental
studies, policy, management, education, law, and business.
History and Philosophy of Science
Students who choose History and Philosophy of Science are advised to take a series of natural sciences courses as well as social science and humanities courses that focus on science, culture, and the history and philosophy of science. History and Philosophy of Science
students are prepared for graduate programs in science, technology, science studies, social science, and the history of science.
Minor in Interdisciplinary Science
In addition to the major, students have the option, if majoring in a different program, to elect an academic minor in
Interdisciplinary Science. Students interested in completing the minor should review the minor curriculum.
