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Improving Student Outcomes with an Adaptable Molecular Cloning Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience
Published on: November 15, 2024
Building interdisciplinary research models: a didactic course to prepare interdisciplinary scholars and faculty
Elaine L Larson1, Timothy F Landers, Melissa D Begg
1School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. Ell23@columbia.edu
Clinical and Translational Science
|February 26, 2011
Summary
Successful interdisciplinary research requires specific, learnable competencies. A new course trains students and faculty in these skills, addressing challenges in cross-disciplinary collaboration and institutional support.
Area of Science:
- Interdisciplinary Research
- Higher Education
- Skill Development
Background:
- Academics often assume interdisciplinary research requires no special training, overlooking the need for specific competencies.
- Universities face structural and interpersonal challenges in fostering effective interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Existing institutional strategies often lack adequate faculty preparation and support for interdisciplinary science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development and implementation of a course focused on interdisciplinary research skills.
- To address the need for explicit training in core competencies for interdisciplinary scholars.
- To provide a model for enhancing interdisciplinary research capabilities among students and faculty.
Main Methods:
- Designed and delivered a didactic course for Master's, pre- and postdoctoral students, and research faculty.
- Focused the curriculum on models and core competencies of interdisciplinary research.
- Identified and navigated institutional and interpersonal challenges during course implementation.
Main Results:
- The course successfully provided a structured approach to learning interdisciplinary research skills.
- Challenges related to institutional structures and diverse student backgrounds were encountered and managed.
- The development highlighted a gap in faculty preparation and support for interdisciplinary endeavors.
Conclusions:
- Successful interdisciplinary research necessitates the cultivation of specific, learnable competencies.
- Dedicated courses are effective in enhancing interdisciplinary research skills for trainees and faculty.
- Institutions must prioritize direct support and training for faculty engaged in interdisciplinary science, alongside addressing structural barriers.
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