Undergraduate Learning in Science Project
September 1994 - September 1999(Contact: Dr Jim Ryder)
Funded By: University of Leeds Academic Development Fund, School of Education, School of Biology, School of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry and School of Earth Sciences.
Other project members:
Professor John Leach
Dr Jenny Lewis
Terry Kee - Department of Chemistry
Alan Radford - Department of Biology
Ed Wood - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Joe Cann - Department of Earth Sciences
Introduction - Page 1 | Publications - Page 2
Introduction - Page 1
Aims
The Undergraduate Learning in Science Project (ULISP) is an interdepartmental collaboration at the University of Leeds carrying out research into undergraduate learning in science. Of particular interest are students' views about the nature of science and how these influence their learning. Research findings arising from the project are being used to inform new teaching strategies leading to improved undergraduate learning.Background
From the start of their university courses undergraduate science students are required to engage in experimental work, data analysis, tutorial discussions and problem solving. All of these activities require the student, at some level, to think and act as a scientist. Teaching staff have an implicit understanding of what this means based on their experience as active researchers. However, students will not necessarily share these views about science. ULISP researchers have examined undergraduate science students views about the purposes of science, the relationship between data and scientific knowledge, and the social processes of science. In many cases students' views are strikingly different from views held by professional scientists within their discipline. Furthermore, these views about the nature of science are seen to constrain student learning about the concepts and procedures of science.Introduction - Page 1 | Publications - Page 2
This project last updated by Ross Featherstone on 11th March 2008.