08/03/2026
The Inside Scoop on Societal Health 🍦
STS/APS 3124 | T/R 11a–12:15p
Curious what students actually say about this class? Here’s the scoop, straight from them! ➡️
Develop Critical Thinking:
A sophomore in Electrical Engineering reflected: “I learned about the effects that environment, social interaction, and systematic institutions play in the health of individuals and populations… This encouraged us to think critically… and root out the causes of health complications so that we may find solutions to the problem, not the symptom.”
A senior double-majoring in Public Relations & Humanities for Public Service added: “This class is applicable to every student here at Virginia Tech… Having a biosocial approach creates a more empathetic and impactful workforce, as people can target the root causes of issues.”
Community Engagement:
A senior in Aerospace Engineering shared: “With in-class discussions and direct community action, this class broke away from the conventional learning model… It showed me that to really understand a problem, you have to not only learn about that problem from multiple spheres of society, but you also have to engage with that problem firsthand.”
A Public Health senior said their favorite part was the trip to Welch, WV: “It was an experience unlike anything I had done in other classes. It gave us the opportunity to learn by being immersed in a community… For the weekend, we were able to see the challenges people face firsthand.”
And a Public Health junior put it this way: “Being physically present in a community, engaging with people face-to-face, and seeing what health challenges look like beyond textbooks made me realize that I want a career that is hands-on. I want to be actively doing something for real people, on the ground, where it matters.”
What’s the class about?
APS/STS 3124 looks at health across different communities in North America, examining how inequity and injustice shape health outcomes and the roles that mutual aid, social movements, and collective action play in addressing them. Students explore a biosocial approach that connects biology with social, environmental, and historical context, working toward real solu
