ACIT4200 Interdiciplinary innovation and complex problems Course description

This course aims to train students to face the complex challenges faced by society including issues related to the ageing population, human rights, climate change, sustainable development, and the rapid growth in industrialization 4.0.

The course will focus on experienced-based learning where students from multiple fields work together on a real-life local challenges with global implications. Students will work in collaboration with external partners organizations and businesses who struggle every day with producing innovative solutions While specific topics will vary, students will have the opportunity to choose among a variety of topics related to technology, innovation and society. Teams will be required to leverage their collective skills and experiences to effectively collaborate and produce new solutions to today's most complex challenges.

No formal requirements over and above the admission requirements.

A student who has completed this course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

Upon successful completion of the course, the candidate has: 

• an in-depth understanding of innovation processes
• an advanced understanding of relevant social challenges as articulated by the United Nations, European Union, and national governments including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Skills

Upon successful completion of the course, the candidate can:

• critically reflect on the role of personal experience, implicit bias, disciplinary traditions, professional background, gender, culture, and other social identities and characteristics in innovation
• participate in innovation processes and critically identify and analyze social, organizational  or technical problems
• use creative processes to suggest innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• identify and put into practice mechanisms for ensuring ethical, professional conduct, and diversity in teams.

General competence

Upon successful completion of the course, the candidate: 

• has an advanced understanding of how innovation and design frameworks and processes can be implemented in interdisciplinary teams
• can critically explain and debate creative processes. 

Students will be working together in groups of up to 5 students on a complex problem that requires innovation. The final exam is an individual submission based on group work activities. 

The course will include a variety of online and in-person workshops and fieldwork, which may include short presentations, discussion, product development, games, data collection, simulations, and other forms of group collaboration.

The following coursework must be approved before the student can hand in the exam: 

1. Participation a minimum of 2 out of 3 workshops
2. A deliverable from each workshop attended (minimum 2 out of 3)

Individual written report of between 2500 and 3000 words based on the group activities and deliverables completed throughout the course. 

The exam can be appealed.

New/postponed exam

In case of failed exam or legal absence, the student may apply for a new or postponed exam. New or postponed exams are offered within a reasonable time span following the regular exam. The student is responsible for registering for a new/postponed exam within the time limits set by OsloMet. The Regulations for new or postponed examinations are available in Regulations relating to studies and examinations at OsloMet.

All aids are permitted, provided the rules for plagiarism and source referencing are complied with.

Grade scale A-F.

Two internal examiners. External examiner is used periodically.

Assistant Professor Ellen Sethov