HON 389 - The Science Blender

Prerequisites, acceptance to the University Honors Program, consent of instructor. In the Science Blender, teams composed of 5 students from disparate majors within Schmid and the Honors program will be coalesced around “grand challenge” projects designed to leverage their growing individual (disciplinary) knowledge bases, skill sets, and problem-solving abilities. As the teams delve deeply into their projects, identify the current knowledge gaps that prevent simple solutions to the grand challenges, and then develop strategies to address those gaps, the students will become more conversant in the languages of the different disciplines and will develop a highly sophisticated appreciation for how team-based problem solving can have a maximal impact on a specific scientific pursuit. Instruction and discussion will be augmented with frequent participation of guest speakers who will serve as mentors and guides for the student teams. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits