In some investigations or activities it is necessary to have experts from different subjects who form a working group. These teams are called multidisciplinary. The main characteristic of all of them is the following: combining different knowledge and methods to approach an issue that requires different perspectives. In this way, multidisciplinarity is the coordinated interaction of different areas of knowledge. Due to this, multidisciplinary activities or programs require teamwork.
Examples of multidisciplinarity
Mechatronics engineering deals with the design of robots. To manufacture one of them it is necessary that there is a coordination of different disciplines: electronics, mechanics, artificial intelligence, design, computing, etc.
Research in prehistoric archaeological sites requires different knowledge: archeology, anthropology, genetics, geology, forensic medicine, neuroscience, etc.
A soccer team has a coach and, at the same time, a series of professionals who contribute their knowledge and techniques, such as physiotherapists, physical trainers, doctors, nutritionists, etc.
The construction of a building requires professionals with a very different academic training, such as architects, engineers, bricklayers, carpenters or builders.
In the world of cinema, there are also all kinds of professionals who contribute their knowledge: director, actors, scriptwriters, lighting and sound technicians, decorators, set designers, camera operators and a long list of technicians.
Multidisciplinary teams are necessary because reality has different dimensions and levels
Certain challenges or problems have all kinds of dimensions. Consider a doctor who has a patient with a mental health problem. The improvement of the patient can depend on multiple factors: eating habits, use of drugs, psychological therapy, etc. It is very likely that a combination of these and other factors can improve the quality of life of the patient.
Human beings are a good example of the combination of different realities. Thus, we are beings made according to chemical and biological criteria, but we also have a social, spiritual, economic or legal dimension.
Photos: Fotolia - Robert Kneschke / Danamedia
