On the BEng programmes, innovation and interdisciplinarity are not merely a declaration of intent —they are a mandatory part of the syllabus.
The 941 students that recently embarked on DTU’s new BEng programme must take a compulsory 10 ECTS credits course containing the elements innovation and interdisciplinarity in semesters 5 or 6. The course is currently being devised.
From the outset, a key feature of the BEng programmes has always been their equal emphasis on theory and practice, but it is something new that innovation and interdisciplinarity are actually written into the BEng programme ‘Constitution’—i.e. the six so-called constituent elements—practical and professional orientation, specialization, innovation, interdisciplinarity, internationalisation, and business acumen.
“In the first two years, students in the various study programmes develop a basic research foundation, all the time the coupled with the practical aspects. Interdisciplinarity and innovation come into play when the students are divided into groups across disciplines and attempt to solve a real problem for a company,” says Head of Department, Anders Troi. He heads the task force which is currently in the process of adding the final touches to the new element of the degree programme.
Group dynamics
At the beginning of the semester, all students select a theme covering a range of project ideas anchored in real business problems. On the basis of their choice, students from the various study programmes are arranged into groups of four to six members.
“The groups must not comprise students from closely related academic fields such as electrical engineering and IT electronics. Instead, they must leave their comfort zone and learn to understand other ways of thinking and respect other skill sets,” explains Anders Troi, who naturally envisages a fair degree of toing and froing before that goal is achieved.
DTU has access to an extensive network of companies, so Anders Troi does not foresee a problem in finding suitable projects.
“But we need to constantly develop the database and match the companies’ expectations. The projects must involve a significant element of innovation—and by innovation we don’t just mean patentable ideas, but perhaps to a greater extent new combinations of existing ideas. I know that creating working solutions is a strong motivator for the students, but naturally we can’t promise that they will produce finished solutions within the course period.”
Innovative exam
As with all other study programmes, the course will comprise an evaluation element, which has yet to be determined.
“We are still discussing various options—but whatever the solution, the exam should be innovative,” says Anders Troi.
“The only thing we know for certain is that there will be an equal emphasis on process and academic learning. It is the elements interdisciplinarity, cooperation and innovation which are new and important for this course—but naturally—we will also evaluate the knowledge that provides the basis for the project work.”
10 ECTS points
The course is credited with 10 ECTS points. Innovation and interdisciplinarity will be offered for first time in autumn 2016 as a pilot project.
Article in DTUavisen no. 8, October 2014.