Back to selection
48954-01 - Core lecture: Tools and Methods for Interdisciplinary Research (3 CP)
| Semester | fall semester 2025 |
| Course frequency | Every fall sem. |
| Lecturers |
Iljana Schubert (iljana.schubert@unibas.ch)
Annika Sohre (annika.sohre@unibas.ch) |
| Content | Inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration are essential prerequisites to scientifically analyse and effectively tackle complex real-world problems, such as sustainability challenges. However, what is meant by inter- and transdisciplinarity, and how and with which approaches can interdisciplinary research be conducted? In the first (theoretical) part, the lecture introduces different forms, methods, challenges as well as requirements of interdisciplinarity (and transdisciplinarity), with a specific focus on questions of interdisciplinary research in sustainability sciences. In the second (practical) part, we discuss two established tools of interdisciplinary research in sustainability sciences: system analysis and sustainability assessment. Guest lectures will share their personal experiences with interdisciplinary collaboration in science. In the third (reflexive) part, we round up the lecture series with a critical reflection upon contributions of science to the transformation towards sustainable development. The lecture series requires active participation through small practical exercises. |
| Learning objectives | Students will: - get acquainted with the rational, forms, challenges as well as requirements of inter- and transdisciplinarity; - get to know different methods and approaches of interdisciplinary research; - be able to understand and basically apply relevant tools of interdisciplinary research in sustainability sciences, such as system analysis and sustainability assessment. |
| Bibliography | Recommended introductory reading: Bergmann, M. et al. (2012): Methods for transdisciplinary research. A primer for practice, Frankfurt a.M: Campus. |
| Comments | This core lecture is mandatory for every MSD student. This core lecture is offered by the MSD. Dr. Annika Sohre and Dr. Iljana Schubert are members of the Sustainability Research Group, Dep. Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. A. Sohre is also head of the Research Network Sustainable Future (Univ. of Basel). They hold a teaching assignment. |
| Admission requirements | Exclusively for MSD-students (incl. prep. semester). No other students admitted. |
| Course application | Course enrollment on MOnA should be completed by the beginning of the teaching period (withdrawal possible until Monday of teaching week five). Exclusively for MSD-students (incl. preparation semester MSD). No other students admitted. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Monday | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Comments |
|
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 15.09.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Monday 22.09.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Monday 29.09.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Monday 06.10.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Monday 13.10.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Monday 20.10.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Monday 27.10.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Monday 03.11.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Monday 10.11.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Monday 17.11.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Monday 24.11.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Monday 01.12.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Monday 08.12.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Monday 15.12.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 212 |
| Modules |
Module: Interdisciplinary Research in Sustainability (Master's Studies: Sustainable Development) |
| Assessment format | record of achievement |
| Assessment details | Compulsory attendance in presence, required readings, presentation. Details according to information of the lecturers. Final written examination: tba, during usual lecture time (90 minutes). Repeat examination: tba, during usual lecture time (90 minutes). For details regarding room see online course directory/section "dates and rooms". If after a 2nd attempt the result is a fail (score lower than 4.0) again, the student is expelled from the MSD (see MSD study regulations; § 14). |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | one repetition, best attempt counts |
| Scale | 1-6 0,1 |
| Repeated registration | no repetition |
| Responsible faculty | University of Basel |
| Offered by | Departement Umweltwissenschaften |