I will preface this last blog post by openly stating my love of a liberal arts education, especially the education I received at Concordia College. Not only is this post one of my last assignments for this class, but it is also one of my final obligations as an undergraduate student. I graduate in about a week. Consequently, this post is truly a reflection on my time here at Concordia and in my Capstone Neurochemistry class. It gives me a chance to take a step back and think about my time at college after working almost constantly for 3+ years in order to receive my degree. I am happy to say that I believe that Concordia College has met its five goals for liberal learning both in my comprehensive education as well as in my Capstone Neurochemistry class. The five educational goals for Concordia’s curriculum aim to:
Instill a love for learning
Having a core curriculum that requires classes in different areas has allowed me to expand my thought and to think more critically. Furthermore, different styles of classes have stretched my mental boundaries and have taught me more than I might learn in a single lecture. For example, Neurochemistry has taught me to apply much of what I have learned in lecture courses to real world research and real world problems. It has brought out my love of learning and my love of connecting what I learn to society and the community in which I live. It made me excited about sharing what I learned and about science and research in general.
Develop foundational skills and transferable intellectual capacities
Neurochemistry began with a couple weeks of general background information and review of neuroscience. Furthermore, we were introduced to the concept of a class based almost solely on participation rather than grades. The class structure provided us with the foundation needed to succeed, as well the amount of practice necessary to make us comfortable with sharing our knowledge with the public.
Develop an understanding of disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and intercultural perspectives and their connections
The material covered in Neurochemistry is heavily scientific and specific to research, biology, chemistry, and neuroscience. Nevertheless, we analyzed the material through a critical lens, and one that is versed in other disciplines. During discussion, psychology, sociology, culture, and even philosophical ideas were utilized in order to paint a picture of the extent that the material extends throughout disciplines. These broad ideas also highlighted connections between sections of a paper, between papers themselves, and between the opinions that were debated during discussion.
Cultivate an examined cultural, ethical, physical, and spiritual self-understanding
Not only were diverse ideas discussed, but they were also examined on an individual basis. Active participation in discussion each week required deep self-reflection on what opinions you may hold. It also forces one to examine the ethics behind research methods, therapies used, and the way in which the information is made available to the public. All aspects of the discussion made one realize where they stood, or what they needed to research more. It always seemed that the discussion continued in my head hours after class ended.
Encourages responsible participation in the world
Neurochemistry took classroom learning to another level by assigning blog posts that can be and are read by anyone in the area. The assignment itself encourages responsible engagement in the world. It forces one to write in a clear and understandable way about highly complex topics, and it makes one aware of the impact that can be made in the community simply through sharing knowledge. Neurochemistry showed me that scientific research breakthroughs should be available and understandable to the public. It reminded me of my duty as a scientist to use and share my knowledge wisely with all for the betterment of community.
Overall, my education, and specifically my time in Neurochemistry this semester, has brought me full circle from the time I stepped foot on campus until now, as I am preparing to leave it. I have truly developed a thirst for knowledge, the skills required to obtain it, and the responsibility to use it to better the world in which we all reside. Thank you Concordia College, thank you to all my classmates, and thank you to all my professors including Dr. Mach – thank you for a wonderful capstone experience.
A Capstone Experience: Neurochemistry with Dr. Mach
