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| Semester | fall semester 2022 |
| Course frequency | Every fall sem. |
| Lecturers | Marius Christen (marius.christen@unibas.ch) |
| Content | Interdisciplinary collaboration is an important prerequisite to scientifically and effectively understand and tackle complex real-world problems, such as sustainability challenges. However, what is meant by interdisciplinarity, and how and by which approaches interdisciplinary research is conducted, are tricky questions by themselves. In the first 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 part, we discuss established and most important tools of interdisciplinary research in sustainability sciences: system analysis and sustainability assessment. In the third part, we round out the lecture by a critical reflection upon contributions of science to the transformation towards sustainable development. The lecture requires active participation as part of small practical exercises. |
| Learning objectives | Students will: - get acquainted with the rational, forms, challenges as well as requirements of interdisciplinarity; - 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 all MSD-students. The lecture is offered by the MSD. Dr. M. Christen holds 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 | Thursday | 10.15-12.00 | Bernoullistrasse 30/32, kleiner Hörsaal 120 |
| 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 M. Christ. Final written examination (details acccording to information of M. Christen): 22.12.2022, during usual lecture time (90 minutes), usual lecture hall. Repeat examination (details acccording to information of M. Christen): 02.02.2023, during usual lecture time (90 minutes), seminar room 02.02, Vesalianum, Vesalgasse1/2nd floor. 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 |