Undergraduate courses are, however, intended not primarily for prospective historians of science and medicine but for students with a variety of other interests. Courses in these fields can provide some useful insights and perspectives to those involved principally in others, both scientific and nonscientific.
Courses vary in topic and approach.
Other courses deal with topics accessible to students who have only limited knowledge of science and should be helpful to students of history, the social sciences, or literature in understanding the ways in which science, medicine, and technology have acquired their positions within a broader social setting. Unless otherwise noted, courses are open to all students. Students with a particular interest in the history of science or medicine may take courses in this field either in conjunction with the standard History major or as a separate major. The major in History of Science, History of Medicine is administered by the History department but includes relevant courses in the natural sciences and mathematics. The major in History of Science, History of Medicine requires completion of at least twelve courses in addition to the prerequisites.