Students are set discipline-specific problem-based exercises for completion during class. The objective is to craft a written response (1500 words) to the problem, or use group collaboration to develop and deliver a 10-15 minute presentation proposing a solution. This assessment requires active problem solving and engagement with relevant web sources.

Students complete a 3 hour in-class simulation where a hypothetical scenario occurs (in POLS7255, a foreign policy negotiation). Students form groups representing key stakeholders and must accurately represent their interests. Students prepare for the simulation (scheduled towards the end of semester) in advance and are assessed on preparation and participation.

SCIE1000 covers mathematics, computer programming, communication, science and modelling. The main goal is to help students see that similar tools and approaches can be applied in a wide range of discipline areas and contexts. So my goal was mostly to develop students’ abilities and confidence in transferring knowledge from one context to another context that may initially appear to be quite distinct, but in reality the same general approaches apply. This is important in this course because we teach students from all areas of science.