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Interdisciplinary Earth (GEOL1040, introductory level)
Why:
We live in an era characterized by complex global challenges, that threaten the sustainability of the interconnected Earth system, thus the need for interdisciplinary approaches to scientific inquiry has never been more critical. To transcend disciplinary boundaries and address current environmental challenges, we require an understanding of the many facets in which sciences operate. This includes an understanding of natural science principles, but also requires a critical interrogation of origins and issues related to the prevailing, often exclusive, culture in natural sciences. It requires curiosity for disciplinary approaches and knowledge, but also humility and a true interest in understanding team functioning and effective communication to bridge disciplinary boundaries.
How:
Over the course of this semester, we will delve into the theory, practice, and real-world examples of advantages and challenges of interdisciplinary approaches. We will draw from examples in the geosciences and critical zone science, investigating the complex interactions between the Earth's surface and subsurface environments related to sustainability. You will learn about examples from medicine and engineering to evaluate where interdisciplinary approaches have led to transformative solutions, but also investigate situations where lack of humility, understanding and collaboration caused catastrophic outcomes.
What:
1. Nature and origin of natural sciences (N1): Demonstrate an understanding of origin and the nature of science, including challenges with hegemonic ways of knowing. Develop foundational skills in scientific inquiry, including deductive and inductive reasoning.
2. Quantitative approaches in natural sciences (N1, QD): Demonstrate the ability to evaluate a variety representation of data for deductive and inductive reasoning and problem solving. Demonstrate the ability to draw conclusions from your own data plots generated in excel.
3. Interdisciplinarity (N1, QD): Define and explain the concept of interdisciplinary sciences. Recognize the historical context and significance of science and interdisciplinary research. Demonstrate an understanding of real-world examples of interdisciplinary research in addressing current challenges using examples from geosciences, critical zone science and engineering.
4. Sustainability (SU): Demonstrate the ability to have an informed conversation about the multiple dimensions of sustainability and evaluate sustainability related to interdisciplinary sciences in the context of economic, ecological, and social aspects. Think critically about sustainability across values and scales including your own impact.
5. Communication and team dynamics: Critically reflect on the necessity of, and challenges with, effective collaboration with individuals from diverse academic backgrounds. Understand the importance of clear roles and communication within teams and demonstrate ability to communicate interdisciplinary scientific concepts to non-specialist audiences.
When:This course is typically offered in Spring semesters.
Who: This course is approved to meet the following UVM Catamount Core requirements: SU (Sustainability), N1 (Natural Science without lab), and QD (Quantitative and Data Literacy).
Why:
We live in an era characterized by complex global challenges, that threaten the sustainability of the interconnected Earth system, thus the need for interdisciplinary approaches to scientific inquiry has never been more critical. To transcend disciplinary boundaries and address current environmental challenges, we require an understanding of the many facets in which sciences operate. This includes an understanding of natural science principles, but also requires a critical interrogation of origins and issues related to the prevailing, often exclusive, culture in natural sciences. It requires curiosity for disciplinary approaches and knowledge, but also humility and a true interest in understanding team functioning and effective communication to bridge disciplinary boundaries.
How:
Over the course of this semester, we will delve into the theory, practice, and real-world examples of advantages and challenges of interdisciplinary approaches. We will draw from examples in the geosciences and critical zone science, investigating the complex interactions between the Earth's surface and subsurface environments related to sustainability. You will learn about examples from medicine and engineering to evaluate where interdisciplinary approaches have led to transformative solutions, but also investigate situations where lack of humility, understanding and collaboration caused catastrophic outcomes.
What:
1. Nature and origin of natural sciences (N1): Demonstrate an understanding of origin and the nature of science, including challenges with hegemonic ways of knowing. Develop foundational skills in scientific inquiry, including deductive and inductive reasoning.
2. Quantitative approaches in natural sciences (N1, QD): Demonstrate the ability to evaluate a variety representation of data for deductive and inductive reasoning and problem solving. Demonstrate the ability to draw conclusions from your own data plots generated in excel.
3. Interdisciplinarity (N1, QD): Define and explain the concept of interdisciplinary sciences. Recognize the historical context and significance of science and interdisciplinary research. Demonstrate an understanding of real-world examples of interdisciplinary research in addressing current challenges using examples from geosciences, critical zone science and engineering.
4. Sustainability (SU): Demonstrate the ability to have an informed conversation about the multiple dimensions of sustainability and evaluate sustainability related to interdisciplinary sciences in the context of economic, ecological, and social aspects. Think critically about sustainability across values and scales including your own impact.
5. Communication and team dynamics: Critically reflect on the necessity of, and challenges with, effective collaboration with individuals from diverse academic backgrounds. Understand the importance of clear roles and communication within teams and demonstrate ability to communicate interdisciplinary scientific concepts to non-specialist audiences.
When:This course is typically offered in Spring semesters.
Who: This course is approved to meet the following UVM Catamount Core requirements: SU (Sustainability), N1 (Natural Science without lab), and QD (Quantitative and Data Literacy).
