Proposal Title
Create your own degree: Empowering students to find belonging in science
Session Type
Presentation
Room
Somerville House, room 3315
Start Date
13-7-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
13-7-2023 12:20 PM
Keywords
interdisciplinary, program design, curriculum design, student engagement
Primary Threads
Curriculum
Abstract
The Integrated Sciences specialization was introduced in recognition that the university was losing very talented science students who were frustrated by the constraints involved in following a traditional degree program. As such, it is an alternative to a traditional major or honours science program, and gives students the opportunity to design their own curriculum with the mentorship of a faculty member specializing in the chosen field of interest. Because the process of developing a degree program takes time, commitment, and effort, the students are highly motivated and engaged with their curriculum. As a result of the interdisciplinary nature of the program they graduate with a wide breadth of scientific knowledge. Almost all Integrated Sciences graduates go on to professional or graduate schools.
The specialization admits approximately 110 students per year, most at the end of their first year. Because of the small size the students develop a strong sense of belonging. This is reinforced by core ISCI courses, a peer mentoring program and a strong student club.
The main barrier to introducing a similar specialization at other universities appears to be the need for senate approval of new degree programs. We are fortunate that the founders of the specialization at the University of British Columbia (UBC) negotiated blanket approval for our student's individual programs. This interactive presentation will provide an overview of the Integrated Sciences specialization, discussion on supporting and empowering students throughout their degree, and modes of collaboration and mentorship amongst students, staff, and faculty to create a sense of belonging in science.
Elements of Engagement
We will open our presentation with an introduction to UBC’s Integrated Sciences specialization and opportunities and challenges we’ve faced. This will be followed with a discussion on opportunities and challenges audience members have experienced with interdisciplinary programs at their universities.
We will engage the audience with a video of Integrated Sciences students discussing their degrees and what belonging means to them in their programs and at UBC. This will lead into a broader discussion on what it means to belong at an educational institution.
Create your own degree: Empowering students to find belonging in science
Somerville House, room 3315
The Integrated Sciences specialization was introduced in recognition that the university was losing very talented science students who were frustrated by the constraints involved in following a traditional degree program. As such, it is an alternative to a traditional major or honours science program, and gives students the opportunity to design their own curriculum with the mentorship of a faculty member specializing in the chosen field of interest. Because the process of developing a degree program takes time, commitment, and effort, the students are highly motivated and engaged with their curriculum. As a result of the interdisciplinary nature of the program they graduate with a wide breadth of scientific knowledge. Almost all Integrated Sciences graduates go on to professional or graduate schools.
The specialization admits approximately 110 students per year, most at the end of their first year. Because of the small size the students develop a strong sense of belonging. This is reinforced by core ISCI courses, a peer mentoring program and a strong student club.
The main barrier to introducing a similar specialization at other universities appears to be the need for senate approval of new degree programs. We are fortunate that the founders of the specialization at the University of British Columbia (UBC) negotiated blanket approval for our student's individual programs. This interactive presentation will provide an overview of the Integrated Sciences specialization, discussion on supporting and empowering students throughout their degree, and modes of collaboration and mentorship amongst students, staff, and faculty to create a sense of belonging in science.