College of Interdisciplinary Studies opens to forge entrepreneurs

Source: College of Interdisciplinary Studies

Published on 2018-05-16

TMU’s newest college develops biomedical talent by promoting creative thinking and design education. These skills enable students to solve problems, and diverse coursework connects innovation with entrepreneurship to link many disciplines and professions. This college offers a much wider range of choices for students than traditional double majors.


President Chien-Huang Lin spoke at the new college’s opening ceremony

The College of Interdisciplinary Studies anticipates social and global developments and applies artificial intelligence, big data, programming, entrepreneurship and digital content to build solutions. Each micro-learning course is 3 to 6 weeks, and all TMU students are allowed to take these courses.

“Education is no longer only taught for the present, but for the future,” President Chien-Huang Lin said. He added that although medical education is TMU’s founding mission, the university must face this era of information overload by pursuing artificial intelligence in all matters. He also said that an interdisciplinary college can help TMU cultivate a broader vision.

For example, after a medical student has completed a micro-learning course on artificial intelligence, she is likely to be more helpful in developing “smart hospitals.” If respiratory therapy or geriatric care students study AI, perhaps they can use these approaches in providing health services and long-term care. The interdisciplinary college will help TMU students develop humanistic qualities, innovation capabilities, and an international outlook.

TMU has renovated offices so the new college is expected to officially open in April 2018. Various colleges can set up practical courses and workshops to strengthen students’ practice and application capabilities; these will include carpentry, 3D printing, and Lego robotics workshops.