An integrated approach to teaching physics

Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.52305/YOTK1453

As the global challenges we face become increasingly interdisciplinary and complex, college education must also evolve to prepare students for the real world. Recent years have seen a growth in the incorporation of integrated approaches in college science education, and the effectiveness of such approaches is now coming to light. At Sabancı University, we have been offering a uniquely designed integrated science course to all first-year students since 2014. The course aims to equip students with basic Physics, Biology, and Chemistry concepts as well as transferable skills such as scientific critical thinking, reasoning, problem-solving, and teamwork. Mandatory for all students (mainly engineering students), the course spans two semesters, designed around four global challenges: 1) Are we alone in the Universe? 2) Is Antibiotic resistance a big threat to humankind? 3) Can we stop/reverse climate change? and 4) Can we ever comprehend the workings of the brain? The basic science concepts are discussed through four questions, organized into four modules, using scientific tools to understand the real world. The course is taught in a student-centered, active learning environment format. Building on over a decade of experience, this chapter aims to share our approach to teaching basic physics concepts, such as mechanics, dynamics, energy, and field concepts, in various integrated-science contexts with real-world applications. We provide specific examples to highlight the importance of the integrated approach that promotes students’ intellectual curiosity and deeper conceptual understanding. We also present our students’ and instructors’ feedback on this approach and the assessment outcomes. Over the years, this course has become the flagship of innovative teaching practices at our university, positively impacting the learning culture on campus. Finally, we also explore our ongoing efforts to address challenges that keep emerging, especially in the face of scientific and technological developments.