This is an introductory course on a topic that is not part of the formal curriculum. This course is structured as an ordinary course and has specific prerequisites, contact hours, and examination procedures.

Research and practice introduces students to the research, theories, and applications of disciplinary-based education research (DBER). The course covers cognitive theories of learning (e.g. transfer and representational models) and their application to the disciplinary context. Classroom activities will include video examples of science learning environments, which students will analyze for level of engagement, analysis of a variety of conceptual and epistemological evaluations, and direct data analysis. Independent and/or group projects will allow for deeper study within the student’s chosen discipline.