Designing an evidence-based interdisciplinary curriculum in science: the case of the new master in materiomics Profile of the Master of Materiomics

Abstract

In 2022-2023, the Master of Materiomics starts at the Faculty of Sciences (Hasselt University) aimed at students who want to develop sustainable and innovative materials at the intersection of physics and chemistry and using both theoretical/computational and experimental approaches, the interdisciplinary T-shaped professional: Direct access for Flemish students with the following bachelor degree: • Academic bachelor in physics • Academic bachelor in physics and astronomy • Academic bachelor in chemistry • Academic bachelor in biochemistry and biotechnology • Academic bachelor in bioscience engineering • Academic bachelor in engineering sciences Need for an interdisciplinary approach Global context • Increasingly complex grand societal challenges, which are in part material-related: climate change, pandemics, innovative and safe communication technologies, the energy transition, changing industrial processes, innovative space research and finite resources that are becoming depleted • High demand for true scientists focusing on materials, who are ready for an internationally-oriented and interdisciplinary research environment and labour market Goal of the master's program • To train experts in their field who are able to build bridges/cross boundaries between the different perspectives involved in materials research and development:-between chemistry and physics-between experimental and theoretical/computational methods • Students are taught to approach materials from different perspectives and learn to communicate across disciplinary boundaries-with due attention to academic research skills and soft skills which prepare them for their professional careers-broad knowledge base + in-depth knowledge and skills in one of the 4 areas of specialization (Quantum, Energy, Circularity, Health)-closely linked to the research expertise of the UHasselt Institute for Materials Research (imo-imomec)-ready for the interdisciplinary teams of the future