the curriculum:

The prescribed three course sequence for the Interdisciplinary Science Program is as follows:

 Fall semester, first year

ISP 117. The Process of Discovery – This discussion- and activity-based first-year seminar introduces broad scientific ideas which cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. Through in-class activities, group projects and a community service project, this course will examine the scientific process from the initial concept to the published result. We will examine disciplinary differences in how discoveries are made and how research is done. We will also explore writing and reporting styles and special topics such as scientific ethics and funding of research. Writing assignments are designed to prepare students for their future in college, and guests are invited to visit class so that students can make connections with faculty and nearby graduate programs and professional schools.

 Spring semester, first year

ISP 118. Interdisciplinary Science Research Apprenticeship — One of the primary goals of the Interdisciplinary Science Program is to give students the opportunity to become involved in scientific research at the earliest possible point in their undergraduate careers. At the end of the fall term, all ISP students tour the laboratories in which they may conduct research in the Spring semester. Following the tours, students meet with the faculty with whom they are most interested in working to discuss their research plans. These discussions allow each student to select a project that best suits his or her interests and schedule.  

During the spring term, students begin their work as apprentices with a faculty mentor and, often, with a junior or senior research student. The focus of the work may be in experimental science or in a tutorial setting. While a large proportion of Trinity science majors elects to do some research as part of their course of study, these students typically do not begin to do research until the junior year. The ISP Research Apprenticeships, on the other hand, introduce students to the research environment in the first year of college. Once they have begun these research projects, ISP students often elect to continue their research throughout their remaining years here. Furthermore, many Trinity faculty are awarded funding that allows them to hire students for summer research positions. It is quite common at Trinity for students to be co-authors with their faculty mentors on one or more research publications prior to graduation and to present the results of their research at national scientific meetings. The ISP serves as a springboard for this type of involvement.

 Summer following the first year (optional)

Students may elect to stay on campus for the 10-week summer research program to continue their research. If so, they are guaranteed a stipend and summer housing.

 The Sophomore Year

The third and final course in the program is normally taken in the sophomore year. Students choose from a list of courses in the social sciences and humanities that deal with issues of science and society. In the past, this list has included such courses as: Medical Anthropology, Philosophy of Science, Health and Human Rights, Law and Environmental Policy, and many others.

 In addition to the special courses discussed above, all participants in the ISP are required to complete the following course work:

Two semesters of laboratory science in a single department; and

Two semesters of mathematics (typically calculus or statistics).