Ansal University (AU), Gurgaon, a Private university dedicated to providing an advanced and futuristic quality of education to students and has announced Trans-disciplinary Learning (TDL) approach to learning in all its academic programs. Trans-disciplinary Learning takes interdisciplinary learning a step further by facilitating collaborative, project based learning to ensure that students are better prepared for real life situations by attaining knowledge through a multi-dimensional perspective. 

As a beginning, the University has introduced a mandatory Trans-disciplinary Project (4 credit units) in the first semester across programs.  However, students will have total flexibility in choosing the subject under the guidance of faculty members. In the second semester, students will have the freedom to choose a 3-4 credit-unit course(s) from the list of TDL Electives being offered by various schools of AU each semester.

Ansal University eventually plans to make TDL all pervasive across its academic activities since it is being increasingly seen globally that students learn best when the learning is authentic and Trans-disciplinary, relevant to the real world.  TDL also offers the flexibility of multiple entry-exit options or lateral movements to those students who are still trying to find a bearing in career or want to change career choice. 

The concept will have in-built flexibility to continually incorporate innovation, creativity and new course developments. For some students lying rather low on the so-called ladder of academic achievement, this kind of system could possibly provide a new lease of life. A lateral entry could be obtained in the major programs if they accumulate enough credits in a particular stream through TDL.

According to Dr. Raj Singh, Vice Chancellor, Ansal University, “At Ansal University, we endeavor to prepare our students for real life situations through innovative and futuristic learning methods. The compartmentalization of knowledge into disciplinary boundaries has emerged alongside growth of mass education on one hand and commercialization of higher education on the other. 

Most educators in India are familiar with the multi or interdisciplinary approach to curriculum. As such, though Trans-disciplinary Learning is increasingly becoming popular globally, it is still quite unique to the Indian academic system. We are confident that the concept will evolve and eventually become all pervasive in academic activities of not just our University but across educational institutions in India.”

A Faculty Development Program is being conducted for all faculty members teaching at Ansal University to understand their role and help students with more information and to share certain best practices in the area. Many of the Trans-disciplinary courses may also be offered during the summer/ winter school program being planned by the University. The projects/assignments offered related to industries and sectors will be incorporating trans-disciplinary orientation. The endeavor will also be to bring TDL in summer internships and dissertations.