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48954-01 - Core lecture: Tools and Methods for Interdisciplinary Research (3 CP)
| Semester | fall semester 2026 |
| 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 interdisciplinarity, and how / using 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 established tools of inter/transdisciplinary research in sustainability sciences. 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. |
| 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 teaching assignments. |
| Admission requirements | Exclusively for students from the MSD 2017 (incl. preparation semester MSD). No other students admitted. |
| Course application | Course enrollment on online services should be completed by the beginning of the teaching period, at the latest until 14. September 2026. Withdrawal possible until Monday of teaching week five. Exclusively for students from the MSD 2017 and MSD 2026 (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 | Bernoullistrasse 14/16, Kleiner Seminarraum 02.001 |
| Comments |
Exam date: 07.12.2026. Repeat exam date: 18.01.2027. For details regarding time and room see below. |
Dates
| Modules |
Module: Interdisciplinary Research in Sustainability (Master's Studies: Sustainable Development (Start of studies before 01.08.2026)) |
| Assessment format | record of achievement |
| Assessment details | Compulsory attendance in presence, required readings, presentation. Details according to information of the lecturers. Final written examination: 07. December 2026, during usual lecture time (90 minutes). Repeat examination: 18. January 2027, 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 |