UNIV 205 - Introduction to Interdisciplinary Research

Description:
An introduction to the research methods involved in tackling interdisciplinary topics that combine skills and knowledge from the natural and social sciences. Includes data collection and analysis for a group project. Grade will be S or U. Permission by instructor. Course will be offered every year (Spring).

Credits: (2)

Learner Outcomes, Activities and Assessments

Learner Outcome

Activity (optional)

Assessment

Describe research methods used to address interdisciplinary questions.

Students will read about and discuss a variety of research methods, including experimentation, modeling, comparative analysis, surveying, etc.

Reading quizzes and online discussion threads.

Recognize and explain ethical behaviors in scientific research.

Students will take the Responsible Conduct of Research Tutorial and Sexual Harassment prevention training. They will read about and discuss scientific ethics.

Tutorial and training completion; reading quiz and online discussion thread.

Utilize the primary literature.

In consultation with a faculty mentor, students will identify and summarize important background literature for their research project.

Paper summary.

Describe their own research project and the methods they will use.

Students will work individually with a faculty mentor to develop a research proposal and a timeline for achieving the proposed work.

Project proposal and work-plan.