Page 18 - Interdisciplinary Approach to Research

should be required of many students at the university level. Not only does it give one the

knowledge and the vocabulary to understand other disciplines, but it also provides the requisite

communication skills necessary to survive in the rapid changing world driven by the advent of

modern technology. This study strongly recommends an expeditious introduction of

interdisciplinary academic programs in all institutions of higher learning as was the case with

with the recent introduction of interdisciplinary training programsin most established academic

institutions such as the Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia joint

bioinformatics graduate training program, and the increase in team-based and problem-based

learning approaches. By this training of a new crop of researchers and scientists alike, there is an

evidence to prove that collaborative research will begin to gain stronger foundation as has ever

been. The integration of such team effort in the process of learning and research will turn a new

leaf in today’s cadre of zealous and active oriented scientists and social scientists with an

appreciation for a variety of disciplines and the ability to move among them effectively. It might

not be long, in fact, before we see the lines between different fields begin to blur even further

than they have already (Gardy& Brinkman, 2003).

Without the cooperation of researchers in several different fields, many of today's

important discoveries wouldn't have been possible. The synergy of diverse areas of specialization

and research interest which has resulted to new styles of cooperation which enhances and

benefits discoveries would not have been possible. The unity in research approach will lead to a

collaborative thinking and mind-set which brings unity among scientists as they share collective

ideas with fascinating results. We're finally seeing and describing the elephant, and much more,

in our world today (Grady & Brinkman, 2003).

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