Technology, Theory, and Practice in Interdisciplinary STEM Programs

This book highlights models for promoting interdisciplinary thinking and an appreciation for interdisciplinary understanding among students in STEM-related fields. Studentsmajoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics often perceivethat courses in their major are not related to the general education liberalarts courses required for their degrees. This separation prevents the transfer of skills between their generaleducation courses and their degree pursuits. The false dichotomy is particularlyimportant because solving the daunting challenges of the twenty-firstcentury—such as drug-resistant bacteria, scarcity of natural resources, andclimate change—requires global citizens armed with robust, complex abilitieswho can integrate interdisciplinary concepts with bold technologies.Contributors to this book explore ways in which this dichotomy can be overcome.