Interdisciplinary Laboratory Course Facilitating Knowledge Integration, Mutualistic Teaming, and Original Discovery.

Area of Science:

• Organismal Biomechanics
• Undergraduate Education
• Interdisciplinary Science

Background:

• Few courses offer authentic research experiences crucial for student scientists.
• Cutting-edge research increasingly demands interdisciplinary collaboration, often lacking in traditional courses.
• Departmental structures can limit exposure to diverse scientific approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel one-semester learning laboratory course in organismal biomechanics.
• To enable interdisciplinary teams of biology and engineering students to achieve intellectual growth and make original discoveries.
• To foster effective collaboration and authentic research experiences within an undergraduate setting.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a learning laboratory course training 20 students in organismal biomechanics.
• Utilized a dozen research stations with rotating teams of five students weekly.
• Integrated weekly discussion sections for knowledge exchange, experimental design guidance, data analysis, and scientific communication training.

Main Results:

• Students from biology and engineering collaborated effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
• The course facilitated intellectual growth and guided students toward authentic scientific discovery.
• The structure supported the development of critical thinking, experimental design, and scientific writing skills.

Conclusions:

• This interdisciplinary biomechanics course successfully provides authentic research experiences for undergraduates.
• The guided inquiry and collaborative approach foster intellectual development and original discovery.
• The course prepares students for advanced scientific research and communication, potentially leading to publication or presentation at national meetings.