Achievement

Following IGERT student input, the two-semester course Interdisciplinary Research Methods was revised and taught again during the 2011-2012 academic year by IGERT PIs Nilsa Bosque-Perez, Lisette Waits and Jo Ellen Force. The course included a review of interdisciplinary literature, presentations by project students from different disciplines to develop a common language, and lectures and team exercises to develop conceptual models for team research. Students engaged in critical review of proposals and research papers originating from the NSF Coupled Human-Natural Systems program and team exercises to develop interdisciplinary research proposals. They also attended a conflict resolution seminar. The course culminated with student team presentations of interdisciplinary research plans. The course has been a great vehicle to improve interdisciplinary team, critical thinking, peer review, proposal writing, and professional presentation skills. All 23 students in the project have taken it.