Undergraduate Minor

The minor consists of 14 credits of HSCI and/or HMED courses. One course (3-4 credits) may be taken at the 1xxx level. Remaining credits must be taken at the 2xxx-5xxx level. HSEM 2xxx level courses apply if taught by HSTM faculty. Not more than 3 credits may consist of Directed Study, Directed Instruction, or Independent Study credits. All courses in the minor must be completed with a grade of C- or better.

Students must work with the HSTM Director of Undergraduate Studies to create a coherent plan that builds some area of special interest. If you’re interested in joining the minor, contact Dr. Anna Graber. You can view our full list of courses at cse.umn.edu/hstm.

Why take a minor?

In many departments students are encouraged to develop a minor academic area. The purposes are several:

• Focus and specialize understanding in terms of subject matter and method; i.e., an engineering major might want to understand the social and economic context of modern technology, perhaps with special attention to ethical or policy concerns.
• Broaden a related major field and also build special competence; i.e., a history major might focus on early modern science, or a political science major might focus on the history of environmentalism and public health.
• Create a complementary area of interest; i.e., an arts major might want to explore how developments in biological sciences and anatomy shaped artistic views of the human body.
• Pursue a special interest project; i.e., develop a special research project exploring how geologists and archeologists combined their skills in the late nineteenth century to understand the earliest populations in the Minnesota region.

What is required for a minor?

The minor consists of 14 credits of HSCI and/or HMED courses. One course (3-4 credits) may be taken at the 1xxx level. Remaining credits must be taken at the 2xxx-5xxx level.

• HSEM 2xxx level courses apply if taught by HSTM faculty. See course catalog for complete listing.
• Not more than 3 credits may consist of Directed Study, Directed Instruction, or Independent Study credits.
• All courses in the minor must be completed with a grade of C- or better.
• Students must work with the HSTM Director of Undergraduate Studies to create a coherent plan that builds some area of special interest. The HSTM minor form is available online.

How can I get more information on a Minor in the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine?

Every faculty member in the Program can tell you more about courses and the weekly colloquia open to the public. You may also see a list of our weekly colloquium, special events and speakers on the website or pick-up a flyer from the Program office in 585 Shepherd Labs (612-624-7069).

The Director of Undergraduate Studies, Anna Graber, is available to explain the requirements and help students devise an appropriate list of courses.