This writing across the curriculum model is intended to improve the writing skills of students. Based on input from graduate schools and employers, it is becoming increasingly important that college graduates are well prepared in the areas of writing, speaking and mathematical skills. The linking of biology and a writing course improves both writing and analytical skills. To link this to another course, the other course enrollment has to be limited to the same number.
Scheduling is a problem for students if they have to register for two linked courses.
Institutions have to make special arrangements to facilitate this. Rutgers has been very supportive of innovations like this one. There are many positive aspects of linked courses. Instructors from various disciplines interact and learn a great deal from each other. Biology teachers learn about writing and English teachers learn biology, Students interact as a community with each other and the instructors.