Abstract
Numerous distinguished organizations, including the AAMC, AAAS, NSF, and NRC, have highlighted interdisciplinary research and education as vital for training future scientists and physicians. These recommendations are described in detail along with some examples of why interdisciplinary STEM education is needed for the 21st century. A review of a broad range of theories of multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and integrated science education is described, along with a taxonomy of methods for integrating curriculum in interdisciplinary or multi-disciplinary programs. A review of interdisciplinary science programs ranging from one semester to four-year durations gives examples of this new kind of education can be implemented, and how interdisciplinary science has transformed the landscape of science education. Case studies from a set of 12 interdisciplinary programs in 5 countries provide detailed information on the curriculum and the ways in which faculty prepare for teaching these programs. From the review of these 12 programs a set of “best practices” for interdisciplinary science is presented, with detailed recommendations for structuring faculty training and for organizing the curriculum and assessment of teaching and learning.
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Penprase, B.E. (2020). Interdisciplinary Science. In: STEM Education for the 21st Century. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-41633-1_6
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