Department of History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine

The term biology was first used at the turn of the nineteenth century to
distinguish a new scientific or philosophical approach to the study of
life, distinct from natural history, natural theology, and medicine. But what
did it mean to be scientific, either then or for the ensuing two hundred
years? Biology has continually transformed itself, in keeping with changing
ideals, ideas, institutions, and instruments.

This undergraduate seminar focuses on key individuals and pivotal moments
in the history of modern biology and biomedicine that have redefined its
scientific character, by either opening new lines of inquiry and explanation,
developing new kinds of instruments, practices, and infrastructure, or
changing the social role of the biological scientist.

There are no formal prerequisites, but knowledge of modern biology or
modern European or American history will be helpful.

• A&H
• What are CASE requirements?