The Role of Computational Science and Emerging Technologies in the Natural Sciences Education at University Level

AbstractThis paper is focused on the role of Computational Science and emerging technologies in the natural sciences education at university level. We outline our Integrated Metacognitive Process Model (IMPM) and our Collaborative Learning approach based on Collaborative Creative Cross-Pollination activity model at postgraduate level. We present our multidisciplinary approach based on the following three components: the existence of multidisciplinary research environment (non-silos departmental culture), computational science research methods as core part of the curricula and collaborative teaching activities facilitated by novel collaborative tools using Collaborative Creative Cross-Pollination. Some results showing the advantages of such an environment and approach are presented. The initial results have shown overall average improvement of the average marks with around 5% plus clear satisfaction of the students as evident from their responses to the course evaluation