History of Science and Technology (BA)(BSc)
Explore how science, medicine, and technology have changed the way we live, work, and understand the world, and how people and society have shaped these changes in return.
Why choose this program?
Science and technology shape the world around us. Explore how they change society, and how society shapes them in return.
From alchemy and ancient medicine to artificial intelligence and science fiction, you'll explore the ideas, discoveries and technologies that have changed how we live and understand the world. You'll look at science and technology from different perspectives, connecting ideas from history, medicine, the humanities, and more.
Along the way, you'll build skills in research, critical thinking, communication, and working with evidence. These skills can be useful in many areas, from science and healthcare to law, education, business and public policy.
“HOST taught me to see science […] as an ongoing and deeply human undertaking” – Michael Kishchuk, Class of '21
Careers
Science and technology are part of almost every career and field of study. History of Science and Technology (HOST) helps you understand how they shape our world while building skills in research, critical thinking, communication, and evaluating information.
As a complement to your Honours or Major, HOST gives you a broader understanding of science, medicine and technology and how they shape society. You'll explore ideas from different fields while developing skills that can support further study or a wide range of careers.
HOST can be a strong foundation for graduate or professional programs, including medicine and law, as well as careers in education, healthcare, scientific research, communications, and public service.
What you will learn
From Babylonian omens to artificial intelligence to climate change, you'll explore how people have developed, shared, and challenged ideas about science and technology. You'll learn how to research questions, evaluate evidence, understand different perspectives and communicate your ideas clearly.HOST gives you opportunities to explore your interests across different subjects. In small seminar classes, you'll have conversations with your classmates and get to know your professors.
Sample courses
- Introduction to the History of Science I
- Introduction to the History of Science II
- Beginnings of Wisdom: Science in the Pre-modern World
- Origins of Modern Medicine
- Science in the Media
- Imagining Artificial Intelligence
- The Scientific Revolution
- In Search of the Philosopher's Stone: The History of European Alchemy
- History of Biology
- The History of Prediction
- Science and Nature in the Modern Period
- Honours Thesis in History of Science and Technology: Thesis and Defence
- Interdisciplinary Humanities Internship
HOST gives you opportunities to explore your interests across different subjects. In small seminar classes, you'll have conversations with your classmates and get to know your professors.
Get paid work experience
Dal Arts students can apply for the FASS Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Pilot Program, which offers a one-semester paid work term where you put what you learn in the classroom into practice, build career-ready skills and gain experience in the workplace.
Learn beyond the classroom
You can gain hands-on experience through an internship, take part in faculty research, or explore your own research interests through Honours and other advanced projects.
Customize your degree
Build a degree that reflects your interests. HOST is a joint program offered by tv University and the , bringing together courses and perspectives from both institutions.
You can combine HOST with another Honours program in Arts and Social Sciences or Science, or add a HOST minor to many other degrees. You can also explore topics such as medical humanities or esoteric and occult traditions through additional programs and certificates.
- BA Combined Honours
- BSc Combined Honours
- Minor
- Minor in History of Science and Technology
- Minor in Esoteric and Occult Traditions
Interdisciplinary Humanities Internship (see Academic Calendar for more details.)
History
Philosophy
Sociology
Science
Engineering
Health
Environmental Studies
Build a degree that brings together your interests in science, medicine, technology and society with the subjects you enjoy. Along the way, you'll develop skills in research, critical thinking, and communication that you can use in further study and many different careers.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many tv programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Minimum overall average: 70%
Academic English 12
Four additional academic subjects
