Premium
MULTIDISCIPLINARY BIOLOGY TRAINING ‐ Undergraduate Student Perspective
Author(s) -
Candas Mehmet,
Sessoms Rebekah,
Lebens Kaylen
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.532.3
Subject(s) - multidisciplinary approach , bachelor , curriculum , perspective (graphical) , engineering ethics , undergraduate research , medical education , mathematics education , psychology , pedagogy , computer science , sociology , medicine , engineering , political science , social science , artificial intelligence , law
Majority of undergraduate students in biology prospect themselves toward a career in medical professions. However, biology is a vibrant discipline and a degree in biology prepares for careers in many other professions with opportunities in a wide range of fields. Therefore, it is imperative that undergraduate biology students are prepared to recognize the potential of biology background. A key factor in this preparation is an extensive curriculum that integrates contemporary, multidisciplinary concepts so that graduates become aware of issues in a number of fields and feel empowered with their knowledge. This also is critical to building student confidence and eliminating postgraduation uncertainty. Another key factor is the engagement of students in laboratory activities. Hands‐on technical exercises cultivate students’ capacity to work cooperatively, multitask, manage time and resources, and think about how concepts and applications are related. Finally, students feel stimulated when collaborations and interactions between students are nurtured since such an educational setting generates positive experience with greater sense of belonging. In conclusion, it is important that undergraduate biology students acknowledge the broad prospects of the bachelor's degrees in biology and the importance of multidisciplinary training in realizing the potential of biology in the 21 st century.