We're transforming the way we teach molecular science at NC State.
Taking a New Approach to Teaching
In Woodson Hall, the hub of the Integrative Sciences Initiative (ISI), we’re reimagining molecular science education at NC State. The building’s active-learning classrooms are designed to encourage collaboration and creativity among students. The teaching labs will be equipped with the same tools and technology students will find at their future jobs. ISI’s inquiry-driven, interdisciplinary curriculum will challenge students to explore solutions to real-world problems, strengthening theircritical thinking and science communication skills.
In Woodson Hall’s classrooms, students will tackle issues facing society across the globe — and at home — using skills and concepts from various disciplines. When our students leave NC State, they’ll be prepared to work in cross-disciplinary teams and industry settings.
“Our curriculum is designed to give students the tools to work in teams to solve problems of any kind — and to think critically, be curious and take academic risks.”
Jeremy Feducia
Director of Undergraduate Programs Integrative Sciences Initiative
Our hometown of Raleigh makes up one-third of North Carolina’s Research Triangle, giving us access to the top tech and pharmaceutical enterprises in the region. These connections and partnerships enable us to concurrently produce industry-informed courses and research programs.
With Woodson Hall’s unique blend of academics, research and industry engagement, students will gain one-of-a-kind learning opportunities. They’ll contribute to essential scientific discoveries — and learn how to communicate them to stakeholders and the public.
We’re partnering with NC State’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences to ensure our students develop the skills to critically think through and communicate the impact of their work. English 101, a first-year writing course, and upper level courses in philosophy, writing and communication will integrate content from the ISI curriculum.
ISI courses will be open to all NC State students, but a cohort of ISI Scholars will be selected each year. Scholars will take a specified set of courses in Woodson Hall their first two years. These courses will cover broad thematic areas — including molecular sciences in health, environment and sustainable materials — that are relevant to a wide variety of majors. In their senior year, students will complete a capstone project.
ISI students, whether they’re part of the ISI Scholars Program or not, will earn their degrees from the NC State college that houses their selected major. But the skills and experience they gain from ISI’s inquiry driven courses and industry informed research will set them apart in the job market.
Let’s Stay in Touch
Get updates on the progress of Woodson Hall — and be the first to know when the ISI curriculum launches.
