The Performing Sciences

Abstract

A group of students enrolled in the Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne undertaking the core 2nd year subject Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine (BIOM20001) chose to participate in a physical performance-based assessment (The Performing Sciences). As part of the assessment activity, participating students were supported to design and deliver a performance that explicated and elaborated a concept or process from the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology topic within the subject, using one or more of the following performance genres: text, physical performance, performance art or interpretive dance. The project engaged teaching staff from the biomedical sciences and the performing arts to develop interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary approaches to teaching and learning. Participant responses to the student experience reflection survey indicate that the project effectively facilitated student learning of the course concepts, encouraged interaction between students and promoted student engagement. The findings suggest that involving students in collaborative, creative and non-traditional forms of assessment in university science education allows students to develop important transferable skills, as well as foster their intrinsic motivation to learn science.