Connecting science fundamentals and career proficiency -- Development of multi-disciplinary science curriculum

Abstract: The current conventional approach in teaching STEM seems inadequate; it is failing both the students and the work-force demands in several aspects. Perhaps it is succeeding in equipping students with information and facts but surely falls short in developing them intellectually and in sparking their passion for science. Mixing research with learning by adding components in courses to enforce creativity, reasoning, and to connect the dots between different topics and different subjects can be an effective counter to this tendency. Multi-disciplinary science curriculum connecting the dots between different subjects and the dots between fundamentals and applications and demonstrating clear path to current and future industrial jobs can offer a good approach for STEM education. An example for mutli-disciplinary science course is presented.