A Model of Interdisciplinary Curricular Collaboration: Inquiry Based Real-World Case Studies for Introductory Bioinformatics and Computer Science Courses

Description:

An interdisciplinary team of computer science and biology faculty is developing inquiry based real-world case studies for introductory bioinformatics and computer science courses. The collaboration was designed to provide a model of such work and explore its challenges, benefits and potential. The step-by-step process of curricular development is analyzed. It included the selection of a real-world science problem, the integration of the project into existing curriculum and the creation of a wide range of corresponding learning activities. Combining scientific inquiry, service learning and computer science tools and methodology is a promising pathway for bringing undergraduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education into the twenty first century. The guidelines for future partnerships are discussed.