ESA-32303 Seminar Interdisciplinarity in Scientific Research and Education

Course

Credits 3.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

Finding solutions to pressing problems such as climate change, food security, the energy crisis and worldwide water shortages, requires the input of scientists with various disciplinary backgrounds. Interdisciplinary approaches in which knowledge from biophysical, socio-economic aspects and human behaviour are combined, provide better answers to complex problems than mono-disciplinary approaches. Besides, interdisciplinary research might lead to new scientific insights. Although interdisciplinarity has been advocated for years, the practice of interdisciplinary scientific research is still difficult and evolving This course reflects on scientific research and education. Characteristic issues from the debate on inter- and transdisciplinarity will be discussed. The differences among disciplines, in particular the differences between natural sciences and social sciences, and the need for interdisciplinary approaches are explained. Examples of interdisciplinary research projects will be presented. Major potentials as well as constraints of interdisciplinary research will be discussed. Specific attention will be paid to methods of integration of scientific knowledge and the characteristic skills of scientists involved in interdisciplinary projects.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- explain what trans- and interdisciplinarity is, and why it is important in finding sustainable solutions to complex problems;
- distinguish the differences between disciplines, in particular between natural sciences and social sciences;
- indentify and discuss key requirements for successful interdisciplinary research;
- indentify and discuss the characteristic competences of an 'interdisciplinary' scientist;
- evaluate an interdisciplinary research project and identify constraints as well as potentials for successful integration of knowledge.
Furthermore students are expected to see the importance of a reflexive attitude in interdisciplinary research and education and to be open for opportunities to continuously improve their interdisciplinary competences.

Activities:

- attend and actively participate in lectures;
- search and study literature;
- write an individual essay that will be peer reviewed by students as well as by a lecturer;
- review ca. 3 essays written by other students;
- attend two peer review sessions.

Examination:

Based on individual essay and active participation in peer review procedure. A rubric is used to evaluate the essay.

Literature:

Start literature is available through the course website.
Students are expected to search for additional literature for their essay.