'The Biotechnology course actually originates from another course: Placemaking, also given at the Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies. We formed already at Placemaking when we decided to take part in the Create a Course challenge. Our main goal for the challenge was to develop a workshop where people from different backgrounds can work together and exchange knowledge. For example from both business and research backgrounds, but also between various disciplines. There is a lot of knowledge available and you can learn a lot from each other. We would like to invite people to step out of their own bubble '.

'We came up with the subject biotechnology, because we didn't know much about it yet, while the topic is often mentioned on the news. With biotechnology you are tempted to think: this is complicated. But these developments are going to have so much influence on society and it is of great importance to approach the subject interdisciplinary. This topic not only has implications for exact sciences, but also has many ethical issues attached, with associated political implications. For example, how will you develop policy for this? ".

A week before the final in November 2018 it turned out that the topic biotechnology is very relevant. A Chinese professor then claimed to be responsible for the first genetically manipulated babies in the world. The topicality of the matter was nicely underlined.

Tijmen and his group had not expect that they would win and were very pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Friends, family and housemates came to the final and afterwards their victory was celebrated. The Biotechnology course has been given an innovative work form. Students will mostly get to work on this course in a group and will create a workshop with the aim of starting the debate. Last summer Tijmen approached all kinds of guest teachers and everyone was immediately enthusiastic. 'As a student it is very nice to be suddenly on the other side. The UvA helps you, of course, but you get a lot of responsibility and freedom in developing the course. There has been collaboration with the Waag Technology & Society and the senior lecturer of the Biotechnology course is also associated with this group. Most of all, Tijmen hopes that a fun group dynamic will arise in which much is discussed and philosophized by students who feel involved. 'We want to invite people to be properly informed about the subject and not to be afraid of all the developments. It will happen anyway, so we better be prepared for it. "

A few tips for students who want to participate in the Create a Course challenge this year:

- Submit with a group, because this is a lot more fun!
- Agree beforehand who will be the student assistant, should your group eventually win.
- Think outside the box. Do not copy courses with a new topic, but also think about the implementation.
- Ask for (a lot of) feedback

Are you a student at the UvA and do you have a splendid idea for a brand new course? Take part in the Create a Course Challenge here.
 

For those who want to know more about the Waag Technology & Society or about the subject of biotechnology, an interesting episode of VPRO programme Tegenlicht can be viewed here.