The UCL Department of Science and Technology Studies is an academic department in University College London, London, England. It is part of UCL's Faculty of Mathematics and Physical Sciences. The Department offers academic training at both undergraduate and graduate (MSc and MPhil/PhD) levels.
The department received its current name in 1994, renamed from the 'Department of History and Philosophy of Science' (originated in 1938), and previously 'the Department of History and Method of Science' (originated in 1921).
UCL was the first UK university to offer undergraduate degrees in this interdisciplinary subject, launching its BSc in History and Philosophy of Science in 1993. Two related BSc degrees followed shortly thereafter. At UCL, science and technology studies (abbreviated 'STS') includes the study of (1) history, philosophy and sociology of science, (2) science policy and governance, and (3) science communication, engagement, and evaluation.
Academic staff in the department in 2012–13 include: Dr Jon Agar, Dr Chiara Ambrosio, Dr Brian Balmer, Dr Karen Bultitude, Professor Joe Cain, Dr Brendan Clarke, Dr Andrew Gregory, Dr Phyllis Illari, Dr Inga Kroener, Dr Simon Jay Lock, Dr William MacLehose, Professor Steve Miller, Dr Jack Stilgoe, Dr Emma Tobin, and Dr Simon Werrett.
Other staff include: Professor Frank A. J. L. James (Visiting Professor in the History of Science), Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock OBE (Research Fellow), Dr Christine Aicardi (Research Fellow), and Dr Norma Morris (Research Fellow).
Emeritus staff include: Professor Hasok Chang, Professor Donald Gillies, Mr Nicholas Maxwell, Professor Arthur I. Miller, and Professor Piyo Rattansi.
Jon Agar is editor of the The British Journal for the History of Science.
Departmental offices are located in 22 Gordon Square, Bloomsbury, London.
Famous quotes containing the words department, science, technology and/or studies:
“We all live in a house on fire, no fire department to call; no way out, just the upstairs window to look out of while the fire burns the house down with us trapped, locked in it.”
—Tennessee Williams (1914–1983)
“When science drove the gods out of nature, they took refuge in poetry and the porticos of civic buildings.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
“Radio put technology into storytelling and made it sick. TV killed it. Then you were locked into somebody else’s sighting of that story. You no longer had the benefit of making that picture for yourself, using your imagination. Storytelling brings back that humanness that we have lost with TV. You talk to children and they don’t hear you. They are television addicts. Mamas bring them home from the hospital and drag them up in front of the set and the great stare-out begins.”
—Jackie Torrence (b. 1944)
“These studies which stimulate the young, divert the old, are an ornament in prosperity and a refuge and comfort in adversity; they delight us at home, are no impediment in public life, keep us company at night, in our travels, and whenever we retire to the country.”
—Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 B.C.)