95008 TD: Transdisciplinary action lab
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 36 credit points of completed study in any Bachelor's Degree OR 36 credit points of completed study in any Bachelor's Combined Degree OR 36 credit points of completed study in any Bachelor's Honours Embedded OR 36 credit points of completed study in any Bachelor's Combined Honours
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 95016 TD: Transdisciplinary action lab+
Description
In this subject, students explore real-world challenges posed by an industry partner. They take on the role of a decision-maker grappling with uncertainty when facing these pressing challenges and devise practical ways to address them. Working in multidisciplinary teams, students ideate solutions, field-test them in real-world settings, assess their impact, and propose actions that promote desired outcomes. By crafting responses to complex issues and taking action towards better futures, students develop skills in critical thinking, transdisciplinary collaboration, and entrepreneurial mindset. They apply these insights to propose enhancements and reimagine future disciplines and future professions.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Integrate different perspectives to analyse complex real-world challenges |
|---|---|
| 2. | Identify significant issues and emerging opportunities to create positive change in real-world contexts. |
| 3. | Apply transdisciplinary collaboration and action-based decision-making methods in teams to generate responses to complex challenges. |
| 4. | Develop reflexive connection with their own evolving perspectives and contributions as a productive member of a multidisciplinary cohort and team |
| 5. | Communicate project outcomes creatively, confidently, and convincingly to internal and external project stakeholders, using a range of modes and media |
Teaching and learning strategies
In this subject, learning will take place in a collaborative, immersive, and experiential environment. A key learning approach is 'learning by doing,' where students work in teams to tackle a complex real-world challenge presented by an industry partner. Ethical collaboration with stakeholders will be encouraged as students develop and test their ideas. Through a combination of formal workshops, informal learning experiences, and hands-on experimentation, students will engage in an iterative trial-and-error process. Online modules and plenary sessions will introduce key concepts and frameworks to deepen their understanding. Teaching staff and peers will provide continuous formative feedback as students refine their initiatives.
Content (topics)
- Effectuation principles
- Available means
- Affordable losses
- Co-creation of partnerships
- Leveraging contingencies
- Worldview (control vs. prediction)
- Effectual cycle
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Transdisciplinary exploration: Validation of the challenge using a transdisciplinary lens
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2 and 3 |
|---|---|
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
Assessment task 2: Action towards better futures: Proposal of a concrete action plan to address the challenge and shape better futures
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 5 |
|---|---|
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
Assessment task 3: Effectuation and future professions: Sense-making of the means available in transdisciplinary teams and critical reflection on the tools and methods used now and in the future
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2 and 4 |
|---|---|
| Type: | Reflection |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
Minimum requirements
Students must attempt each assessment task and achieve an overall pass mark to pass this subject. A minimum of 80% attendance is required for tutorials (whether face-to-face or online). Live attendance of online lectures is highly encouraged.