The Biology & Society Major is designed for students who wish to combine training in biology with perspectives from the social sciences and humanities on the social, political and ethical aspects of modern biology. Students examine the impact of genetic engineering and new medical technologies; the influence of heredity versus environment on human behavior; issues surrounding environmental quality and sustainability; and the ethical, legal, and social aspects of modern medicine.
Students who complete the requirements for the Biology & Society major leave Cornell with well-developed writing and analytical skills and with the ability to confront complex issues.
Biology and biotechnology are major sources of influence on personal and social life. Additionally, social and historical conditions have profound influence on biological research, and on the applications of such research in medicine, agriculture, and other fields. Biological research itself is a social process involving personal and commercial competition, different styles of work and interpretation, and complex human interactions. This course aims to introduce students to basic science and technology studies (S&TS) perspectives on biological knowledge and biotechnology.
Politicians, scientists, and citizens worldwide face many environmental issues today, but they are neither simple nor straightforward. Moreover, there are many ways to understand how humans have, do, and could value the environment from animal rights and wise use to deep ecology and ecofeminism. This class acquaints students with some of the challenging moral issues that arise in the context of environmental management and policy-making, both in the past and the present.
Review the CALS Academic Experience section to learn more about what you will study as a CALS student.
Evaluate your interests and goals. If, as a Biology and Society major, you want to examine environmental ethics, environmental policy, sustainable development, and population dynamics, the CALS offerings in areas such as Environmental Science and Sustainability and Developmental Sociology could enhance your studies in this major.