Course Catalogue

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In this course, the benefits and challenges of transdisciplinary team science will be explored and critically evaluated. The various roles individuals take in a scientific collaboration will be outlined, with an emphasis on issues specific to research that bridges disciplines, such as mutually incomprehensible jargon or diverging goals. Case studies of collaboration at different scales, from PI-led lab groups to international multi-site collaborations will be discussed.

5 sessions of 2 hours over 5 weeks

Typically a 2:1 honours degree in psychology or a related discipline.

None

Individual 2,500 word Reflective Portfolio (including research proposal) (100%).

The aim of the course is an exploration of how research teams are formed and work most effectively. The benefits and challenges of doing transdisciplinary research will be discussed and creative solutions to these challenges explored. Case studies of collaboration at different scales, from PI-led lab groups to international multi-site collaborations will be investigated. Students will develop the skills and knowledge needed to conduct and evaluate transdisciplinary team science. They will further engage with practical aspects of transdisciplinary collaboration through group formative exercises that reinforce the weekly topics.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the various roles in a scientific team

• Produce and critically evaluate transdisciplinary research proposals

• Critically evaluate the fit between different models of team science and different research questions

• Develop original and creative responses to the challenges of, and barriers to, interdisciplinary science

•Critically reflect on their own and others' roles in a team project

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.