Beyond Science: Cultivating Interdisciplinarity with First-Year Chemistry Undergraduates

Summary

Interdisciplinarity in Beyond Science is...  

“...different disciplines bringing their knowledge together to synthesise new ways to understand the world in an applied, hands-on way that builds confidence and skills.”

Tom discusses interdisciplinary learning in the Chemistry department’s module for first-year undergraduates Beyond Science: Collaborative Student-Led Challenges. In the module, students work in teams to develop a research project that responds to a real-world issue. The teams work with mentors from across different disciplines at Warwick and have to engage with industrial partners as part of their learning. Students on the module are also given access to professional coaching sessions and have had different student engagement opportunities at Warwick integrated into their weekly lectures. This helps to build a holistic learning experience for students as they begin their academic journey at Warwick. Finally, Tom explains how to further principles of co-creation into the continued development of the module. Beyond Science offers a model for how departments can effectively foster interdisciplinarity with first-year students entering Warwick, setting students up for success in their future studies and careers.

Students Say...

"Got a problem you are not sure about, speak to Tom. He may not be able to sort it, he may not even have an idea what it is about initially, but you can be guaranteed that he’ll find a solution or research the issue and propose a method to resolve it. He is this sort of anchor that no matter what issue I have, I know with confidence that there is someone who won’t just listen but help with it and as a first-year student, living away from home for the first time, that sort of assurance is extremely reassuring."

Student Nomination (WATE 2024)

"I usually find it difficult to approach such a project, but with the Wednesday sessions hosted by Tom and Adam Alcock, it was made more accessible. As an autistic student I often misinterpret instructions, but knowing I could ask Tom without being concerned as coming across as if I wasn’t listening or trying helped me be more successful and comfortable. I wouldn’t have applied for the URSS if Tom hadn’t been so supportive. Tom’s patience and kindness creates an environment where I feel seen and supported as a student."

Student Nomination (WATE 2024)

Dr Tom Ritchie

Dr Tom Ritchie is Reader and Director of Student Experience in the Department of Chemistry. In addition to convening the Beyond Science module, Tom convenes the Innovation 101 module and is co-convening a new IATL module focusing on AI Ethics.

Tom is also the academic lead for the We Are Chemistry Student Experience and Community Engagement project.

Tom was Highly Commended for the SEM Faculty Teaching Award as part of the University of Warwick WATE Awards in 2024.

See Tom's full bio here.