Enhancing Interdisciplinary and Systems Thinking with an Integrative Plant Chemistry Module Applied in Diverse Undergraduate Course Settings

Abstract

To meet the complex global challenges that workers in STEM fields face, it is critical that today’s students develop integrative technical skills and cognitive competencies. As a highly interdisciplinary field, medicinal plant chemistry provides an exceptionally rich environment for such training. Here, we describe a hands-on medicinal plant chemistry laboratory module (Phytochemical Laboratory Activities for iNtegrative Thinking and Enhanced Competencies; PLANTEC) for undergraduates that targets the development of core competencies in (i) logical thinking and analysis of text and data, (ii) interdisciplinary and systems thinking, (iii) oral and written communication of science, and (iv) teamwork and collaboration. Each student determines the natural product profile of a plant species using thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Students work in pairs and small groups to analyze their data and interpret their findings in chemical, biochemical, and biological contexts. PLANTEC is scalable and so can be offered in laboratory or lecture courses, and even partially or entirely online. We implemented this module in an undergraduate biology lecture course over six 50 min lessons in the fall semesters of both 2018 and 2019. We also experimented with modifications of PLANTEC to tailor learning objectives and thereby emphasize different disciplines during data interpretation (e.g., plant chemistry, ecology, evolution). Students consistently responded that PLANTEC increased not only their confidence in analyzing, interpreting, discussing, and writing about new kinds of data and complex ideas but also their interest in medicinal plant chemistry. Interdisciplinary laboratory modules of this type will be particularly useful in developing an innovative and versatile STEM workforce of the future.

Slovenian Primary School Teachers' Opinion on Interdisciplinary Approach Between Fine Art and Science Education

“…Science offers many opportunities for an interdisciplinary approach as it can be associated with many subjects (Barton & Haslett, 2007). Interdisciplinary work in science develops systematic thinking, which involves the analytical decomposition of a problem into smaller units and the ability to synthesise different results that can describe a particular phenomenon (Barton & Haslett, 2007;Beane, 1997;Busta & Russo, 2020). Pupils who are not confident in scientific areas can bring their knowledge from their strengths into a scientific context.…”

Teaching Sustainability and Environmental Justice in Undergraduate Chemistry Courses

“…Integrating systems thinking into chemistry curricula introduces students to a more holistic understanding of the role and impacts of chemistry in society. A systems thinking approach emphasizes the interdisciplinary relationships between structure and behavior. , When applied appropriately, the systems thinking approach goes beyond providing students context but teaches the students to recognize the components, their relationships, and the complex network of dynamic systems. ,− These systems include physical, biological, environmental, political, and societal systems. An effective pedagogical tool to teach systems thinking is utilizing a student-centered learning strategy like project and problem based learning (PBL) approaches.…”

Discipline and Work Environment Affect Employee Productivity: Evidence From Indonesia

“…The work environment is everything around the workers that can influence him in carrying out the tasks carried out (Cooper et al, 2020;D'Intino et al, 2020;Mylona & Mihail, 2020;Sarro et al, 2020;Silva-Romo et al, 2020;Velicu & Barca, 2020). The work environment is: "Tools and materials faced, the surrounding environment in which a person works, his working methods, as well as working arrangements both as an individual and as a group" (Apaolaza et al, 2020;Busta & Russo, 2020;Mackert et al, 2020;Pogodziński et al, 2020;Sampson et al, 2020;Susanto, 2020).…”

“…The discipline of work is very important because, without the discipline of work, every job will not be completed properly (Abell & Sevian, 2020;ĐorĎević, 2020;Lund et al, 2020;Mphatheni et al, 2020;Richter et al, 2020;Serebryakov, 2020). Thus it is undeniable that work discipline is the determining factor of success in a company; if the discipline of work is ignored will hinder and harm the company (Busta & Russo, 2020;Charity Hudley et al, 2020;Hu & Liu, 2020;Martino, 2020;Rodriguez et al, 2020;Wang et al, 2020). Because without discipline, it will decrease employee performance so that the company's target will not be achieved (Björkhagen Turesson, 2020;Farley-Ripple et al, 2020;Fitzgerald & Jiang, 2020;Martimianakis et al, 2020;Millstein et al, 2020;Rodríguez-Araya et al, 2020).…”