A Minor in History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine complements many Majors in the Sciences, History, and Philosophy.
Minor Requirements:
Students completing the Minor will take a total of 15 credits. Core courses focus on general problems related to scientific methods, reasoning, and research ethics, scientific values and policy issues, and the development of modern science.
Contact Information:
Dr. Jutta Schickore – Director of Undergraduate Studies
812-855-3622
Morrison Hall Room 302
Learning about scientific skills and research integrity: Much more than discussing conduct!
Scientists in the 2st century are facing unique challenges: Scientific practice is growing increasingly more complex and multi-disciplinary; and scientific research is intertwined with socio-political issues. The Minor “Scientific skills and responsible research” will help you navigate the complex world of today’s science.
Research integrity encompasses much more than avoiding fraud, fabrication and plagiarism. Research integrity is about conducting research reliably and responsibly, collaborating effectively, communicating transparently, and reflecting on the relevance of science in society.
This Minor will give you a broader understanding of the significance of rigor, repeatability, scientific failure and error, collaborative practices, and the role of values in science. You will learn about various ethical issues, including questions of scientific expertise and science policy decisions, authorship and publication ethics, and responsible communication both within science and beyond.
Who should take this Minor?
This Minor is for you if…
- You are considering a career as a scientific researcher
- You plan to work as a science policy advisor or scientific administrator
- You are interested in science communication and science journalism
- You plan to go to medical school
- You are curious about the complex roles science and scientific experts play in our society
What courses will you take?
You will take a set of courses on general problems related to scientific methods, reasoning, and research ethics, scientific values and policy issues, the development of modern science, as well as a tools skill course. Throughout the program, the focus will be on applications of these skills to your major program of study.
Core courses include:
Revolutions in Science: Plato to NATO: Understand the sources and evolution of modern scientific theories and practices.
Scientific Reasoning: Learn about patterns of scientific reasoning useful for understanding and evaluating scientific information of all sorts.
Scientific Methods – How Science Really Works: Reflect on the rules and procedures that make the pursuit of knowledge scientific.
Science and Values: discuss the roles that values play (or should play) in science. The emphasis will be on urgent questions about science in society – questions concerning regulation, responsibility, reliability, and sustainability.
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