The History of Science uses the methods and techniques of history to study scientific ideas and practices from a broad cultural perspective. It explores some of the key questions of Western thought. Why did the scientific ideas of Galileo challenge the Church? Why did Newtonian physics revolutionize ideas about the role of man in the universe? How did modernity become synonymous with technology? Why is the theory of evolution still debated? The undergraduate major in the History of Science gives students the historical, methodological and conceptual tools to investigate these and other questions. It allows students to combine studies in the sciences and the humanities into a rewarding and challenging exploration of the cultural and historical context of science. We encourage general history majors to take a few classes in history of science to learn what the field is all about.
Students come to this program interested in exploring a wide range of topics and will find faculty specializing in many of their interests. Our faculty is especially strong in history of science from the early modern period to the 20th century, with particular emphasis on the Scientific Revolution (check out Dr. Hatch’s page), early modern scientific practices, geography and cartography, science during the Enlightenment, science and religion, 19th and 20th century physical sciences, 19th and 20th century biology and evolution. The interests of the faculty range widely from the development of scientific ideas themselves to the analysis of the mutual interaction of science and culture. The section’s geographical focus is on Europe, North America and Latin America. Students will also be able to take classes in History of Technology, with focus on the United States and Latin America. The History of Science major recognizes the benefits of interdisciplinarity and therefore allows credits from other departments in historical studies of science to count towards the major.
The History of Science major at the University of Florida is one of about two dozen such undergraduate programs in the nation. U. F. is home of the History of Science Society, the discipline’s professional association of national and international scholars in the field. The History department also offers a Ph. D. program in History of Science.
Undergraduates
have traditionally gone on to careers in law, medicine (Medical school or
Public Health), business, government, museums, and in academia by earning
graduate degrees in this and other fields. Students who supplement the major’s
required courses with pre-med course work (and do well in their MCATs) are
generally well positioned for applying to Medical school.
Requirements
The History of Science major differs slightly from the general history major.
Students who wish to concentrate in the history of science, technology and
medicine should contact a faculty member in the field or discuss requirements
with an adviser in that concentration. Please use the following checklist to
track your progress.
- 35 hours minimum in history, 26 at the 3000-4000 level, including History Practicum and History of Science Research Seminar.
- 18 hours in history of science, technology and medicine, including at least three hours in history of technology or history of medicine.
- These courses also meet the history of science requirement: AST 3043 (History of Astronomy), BSC 3402 (Theory and Practice in the Biological Sciences ), LIT 4431 (Literature of Science), PSY 4604 (History of Systems of Psychology) and MHF 4404 (History of Mathematics).
- 9 hours in history courses at the 3000-4000 level outside the history of science. Select from courses with the following prefix: AMH, EUH, LAH, AFH, ASH and/or WOH.
- 9 hours of science or mathematics that are listed as requirements for majors in that discipline.
