Science, Technology and Society

The Bachelor of Science in Science, Technology, and Society at the University of Alberta offers students a unique interdisciplinary education that explores the complex relationships between scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and societal change. This program is designed for students who are interested in understanding how science and technology influence social, cultural, political, and ethical aspects of modern life, and how societal factors, in turn, impact scientific research and technological development. Throughout the program, students will examine a broad range of issues, including the ethical implications of technological advancements, the role of science in policy-making, environmental challenges, and the societal impacts of emerging technologies. The curriculum integrates courses from multiple disciplines such as history, philosophy, sociology, and environmental studies, providing a comprehensive perspective on the interactions between science, technology, and society. Students will develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and an understanding of policy processes, preparing them for careers in research, policy analysis, science communication, and education. The program emphasizes experiential learning through seminars, projects, internships, and research opportunities that connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. Graduates will be equipped to contribute thoughtfully to debates on scientific and technological issues, influence policy development, and address global challenges through innovative and ethical solutions. The interdisciplinary nature of this degree fosters versatility, making graduates adaptable to a range of careers in academia, government, industry, and non-profit sectors. With a focus on fostering socially responsible and informed citizens, the program encourages active engagement with current issues at the intersection of science, technology, and society, ensuring students are prepared to make meaningful contributions in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world.

The Bachelor of Science in Science, Technology and Society at the University of Alberta offers a unique interdisciplinary program designed to examine the complex relationships between scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and societal impacts. This program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how scientific discoveries and technological advancements influence cultural, political, economic, and ethical facets of modern life. Throughout the curriculum, students explore a variety of topics, including the history and philosophy of science, ethics in technology development, environment and sustainability issues, and the social implications of emerging technologies. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and an ability to evaluate the societal consequences of scientific and technological change.

Students have the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of courses spanning natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and policy studies, fostering an interdisciplinary perspective essential for addressing contemporary challenges. Core courses introduce foundational concepts in science and technology studies, while elective options allow students to tailor their education to their interests, such as environmental issues, health technology, information society, or science communication. The program also encourages experiential learning through seminars, projects, and potential internships that connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.

Graduates of this program are equipped to work in various fields including science communication, policy development, environmental consulting, technology assessment, and education. They are prepared to contribute thoughtfully to discussions and decision-making processes that require nuanced understanding of both scientific and societal dimensions. The program emphasizes developing skills in effective communication, ethical reasoning, and policy analysis, enabling students to become leaders in their respective fields who can navigate and influence the interface between science, technology, and society. Completion of this program provides a solid foundation for further studies or careers dedicated to fostering a sustainable and ethically responsible technological future.

Program Requirements:

The Bachelor of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) program at the University of Alberta is designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary understanding of the relationships between science, technology, and society. To successfully complete this program, students must fulfill a set of academic requirements structured to ensure comprehensive coverage of relevant topics and skills. The program typically requires students to complete a minimum of 120 undergraduate credits, which include core courses, electives, and a capstone or major project.

Students are expected to enroll in foundational courses that introduce key concepts related to science and technology studies, including courses in history, philosophy, ethics, and policy of science and technology. These foundational courses establish a theoretical basis for understanding how scientific knowledge and technological innovations influence social structures and vice versa. In addition, students must select a series of electives that deepen their knowledge in specialized areas such as environmental studies, technology assessment, science communication, or innovation management, depending on their individual interests and career goals.

The program emphasizes experiential learning; therefore, students are encouraged to participate in internships, co-op placements, or research projects. Such opportunities allow students to gain practical experience and build professional networks within industries related to science and technology. Completing a capstone project is a requirement for graduation, synthesizing learning through research or applied work in a topic relevant to science, technology, and society. This project is usually supervised by faculty members involved in interdisciplinary research.

Students are also required to maintain a minimum GPA of 60% across all coursework. Attendance at seminars, workshops, and guest lectures is highly recommended, as these are integral to gaining a broader perspective on current issues in the field. Moreover, students should be aware that some courses may have prerequisites or require approval from academic advisors. Successful completion of the program not only depends on fulfilling course requirements but also involves demonstrating critical thinking, effective communication, and ethical reasoning skills.

Overall, the Science, Technology, and Society program aims to cultivate graduates who are equipped to analyze and address complex societal issues related to scientific and technological developments, making them valuable assets in academic, corporate, governmental, and non-profit sectors. The program structure is designed to be flexible, enabling students to tailor their studies according to their interests while ensuring a broad, interdisciplinary education grounded in research and real-world application.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Bachelor of Science in Science, Technology, and Society at the University of Alberta offers students a range of financing options to support their educational pursuits. Students enrolled in this interdisciplinary program can access various forms of financial assistance, including scholarships, bursaries, awards, and loan programs. The university's scholarship office provides merit-based awards for both incoming and continuing students, often requiring students to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, or community involvement. In addition, need-based bursaries are available for students demonstrating financial need, which are designed to help cover tuition fees, educational supplies, and living costs.

Graduate and undergraduate students can also apply for federal and provincial student loans, which offer low-interest financing for post-secondary education. The Canada Student Loan Program provides financial support that must be repaid after graduation, allowing students to manage their educational expenses without immediate financial burden. The provincial Alberta Student Aid program offers similar support, with repayment terms tailored to students' income levels after graduation.

In addition to loans, the university encourages students to seek external funding. Many external organizations, foundations, and industry partners offer scholarships and grants for students pursuing studies related to science, technology, and society. Students are advised to explore options such as the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program or private sector awards relevant to their research interests.

Part-time work opportunities on campus also help students finance their education while gaining valuable experience. The university's career services can assist students in finding part-time employment related to their academic pursuits, which can supplement their income and reduce reliance on loans. Furthermore, financial planning and advising services are available at the University of Alberta's Student Funding and Financial Aid office, helping students develop a comprehensive plan to finance their degree and manage tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with their studies.

Overall, the University of Alberta provides a broad spectrum of financial resources and programs designed to assist students in completing their programmes in Science, Technology, and Society, ensuring access to education regardless of financial background.

The Science, Technology and Society program at the University of Alberta is an interdisciplinary degree designed to explore the complex relationship between scientific innovations, technological advancements, and societal development. This program aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of how scientific research and technological progress influence cultural, political, and economic aspects of society. It emphasizes critical thinking and informed decision-making, preparing graduates to engage with contemporary issues such as ethical dilemmas in science, sustainability challenges, and technology policy development.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to analyze the historical context of scientific discoveries and technological innovations, examining their societal impacts. The curriculum typically includes courses from diverse disciplines such as history, philosophy, sociology, and political science, providing a broad perspective on the role of science and technology in shaping modern life. Students may also have opportunities for research projects, internships, and community engagement activities that foster practical understanding and experiential learning.

The program is suitable for students interested in careers across various sectors, including science communication, policy analysis, ethics consultation, and education. It promotes interdisciplinary thinking and equips students with skills to critically assess the societal implications of scientific and technological developments. The degree prepares graduates to participate effectively in public debates on science and technology issues, contribute to policy formulation, or pursue further studies in related fields.

Graduates of the Science, Technology and Society program at the University of Alberta have gone on to work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, research institutions, and industry. They are well-positioned to address global challenges such as climate change, technological innovation, and health crises through informed and ethical approaches. The university’s supportive academic environment, combined with its focus on interdisciplinary education, ensures that students receive a well-rounded, comprehensive education that emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application.

Overall, the program fosters a nuanced appreciation of how science and technology intersect with societal values, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute thoughtfully and responsibly to contemporary debates and future developments in science and technology.