Tackling real-world problems through Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Tackling real-world problems through Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Delivery institution

Faculty of Social Sciences

Instructor(s):

V. Coscioni (course contact), M. Roobeek, MSc. (lecturer)

Start date

16 November 2026

End date

5 February 2027

Study field

CHARM priority field

Study level

Study load, ECTS

7.5

Short description

At the end of the course, the students should be able to:

  • Cross boundaries while planning and executing a thematic interdisciplinary challenge
  • Communicate about a thematic interdisciplinary challenge with fellow students, professionals, stakeholders, and scientists
  • Formulate a clear demarcation of an interdisciplinary challenge together with a societal theme partner
  • Connect science and society in a comprehensive and integrated problem analysis of an interdisciplinary challenge
  • Develop a suitable and innovative end-product and implementation plan for a societal theme partner
  • Review the content and feasibility of the end-product and implementation plan
  • Review their own strengths and weaknesses with regard to interdisciplinary and cross-level collaboration, and their ability to connect science and society
  • Review their contribution to the group in relation to others, and reflect one’s personal and professional growth

Full description

Today’s world faces a lot of complex societal problems. These problems demand the input of multiple academic disciplines. Therefore, in the TIC course, students and professionals will be challenged and trained to become interdisciplinary and innovative problem solvers that contribute to solutions for real-world and complex societal problems.
The Thematic Interdisciplinary Challenge (TIC) is a university-broad course for year-3 Bachelor students, Master students and professionals from different disciplines. The course will promote interdisciplinary and cross-level collaboration while solving real-world challenges within the strategic themes of Utrecht University.
Students and professionals will be asked to choose one Interdisciplinary Challenge connected to the four UU strategic themes: Dynamics of Youth, Pathways to Sustainability, Institutions for Open Societies and Life Sciences. More information about each years specific themes and associated societal partners can be found on our website: https://tic-to-tic.sites.uu.nl
The course will offer a mix of expert sessions, workshops and discussions. In interdisciplinary groups comprised of 4-5 students and, when possible, professionals, you will learn to apply theoretical knowledge in order to solve real-world challenges.
Students and professionals from various fields will work together with scientists and policymakers towards a suitable end[1]product that contributes to an innovative solution of the jointly defined problem. The solution could be a prototype, a video, a symposium, a policy document, a podcast etc.
Another important component of the course focuses on (inter)personal and professional development. The course format creates a space to discover yourself and use your curiosity, enthusiasm, and creativity to come up with innovative ideas that contribute to the needs of today’s society.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the students should be able to:

  • Cross boundaries while planning and executing a thematic interdisciplinary challenge
  • Communicate about a thematic interdisciplinary challenge with fellow students, professionals, stakeholders, and scientists
  • Formulate a clear demarcation of an interdisciplinary challenge together with a societal theme partner
  • Connect science and society in a comprehensive and integrated problem analysis of an interdisciplinary challenge
  • Develop a suitable and innovative end-product and implementation plan for a societal theme partner
  • Review the content and feasibility of the end-product and implementation plan
  • Review their own strengths and weaknesses with regard to interdisciplinary and cross-level collaboration, and their ability to connect science and society
  • Review their contribution to the group in relation to others, and reflect one’s personal and professional growth

Course requirements

Year 3 Bachelor student, master student or professional (finished master) of any discipline. No specific required previous knowledge, but students need to be willing to work together in interdisciplinary teams and look across boundaries outside their comfort zone.

Places available

A maximum of 7 students and a minimum of 5 students.

Course literature (compulsory or recommended):

Peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and popular scientific articles, which will be distributed during the course.

Planned educational activities and teaching methods:

The course consists of, among other things, debates, group work, workshops, lectures, pitches/presentations, projects, challenge-based learning and a symposium.

Course code

202000014

Language

Assessment method

No written exam. The final grade is the result of active participation (pass or fail), team assignments (60%; minimal grade 5.5) and individual personal development assignments (40%; minimal grade 5.5).

Final certification

Transcript of records

Assessment date

5 February 2027

Modality

Learning management System in use

Brightspace and Teams

Contact hours per week for the student:

20 (study load)

Specific regular weekly teaching day/time

Time zone