


































Education, Language and Sociology Research 

ISSN 2690-3644 (Print) ISSN 2690-3652 (Online) 

Vol. 4, No. 2, 2023 

www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/elsr 

98 
 

Original Paper 

Multidisciplinary Integration in Undergraduate Environmental 

Protection Design Innovation 

Liu Xijing1* 

1 School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi 435003, 

China  

* Liu Xijing, E-mail: 2013102050031@whu.edu.cn 

 

Received: April 14, 2023       Accepted: May 1, 2023      Online Published: May 21, 2023 

doi:10.22158/elsr.v4n2p98         URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.22158/elsr.v4n2p98 

 

Abstract 

This paper examines the necessity and implementation of multidisciplinary integration in undergraduate 

environmental protection design innovation, using the 4th Urban Water Environment and Water Ecology 

Creative Competition as a case study. Firstly, it explores the significance of the innovation competition 

itself as a foundation for analyzing the impact of multidisciplinary integration on the development of 

participating students, faculty teams, and the advancement of disciplines. Secondly, it provides a detailed 

discussion on the outstanding achievements attained through the integration of three disciplines, namely 

environmental engineering, computer science, and art and design, within the context of the Water 

Environment and Water Ecology Creative Competition. Lastly, the paper concludes by summarizing the 

importance and value of multidisciplinary integration in undergraduate environmental protection design 

innovation. By presenting the insights and analysis outlined in this paper, readers can gain a 

comprehensive understanding of the role played by multidisciplinary integration in environmental 

protection design innovation, thereby offering valuable ideas and perspectives for teaching and research 

in related fields.  

Keywords 

multidisciplinary integration, design innovation, environmental protection design 

 

1. Introduction  

The creative design of water environments and water ecology holds significant academic and practical 

importance within the current social context. As the foundation for human survival and development, the 

quality and sustainable utilization of water resources are essential for maintaining ecological balance and 

fostering sustainable social development (Xu, 2014). However, the general public possesses limited 



www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/elsr              Education, Language and Sociology Research              Vol. 4, No. 2, 2023 

99 
Published by SCHOLINK INC. 

knowledge and understanding of water environments and water ecology, thus lacking in-depth 

comprehension of associated issues. Therefore, the significance of creative design for water 

environments and water ecology should not be disregarded. Firstly, it facilitates the enhancement of 

public awareness regarding water resource management (Xu & Ding, 2017). By means of popular science 

design, the scarcity and fragility of water resources can be effectively conveyed to the public, thereby 

capturing their attention towards rational utilization and protection of water resources. The increased 

awareness among the public regarding water resource management will further stimulate the 

implementation of sustainable practices and the formulation of relevant policies. Secondly, creative 

design of water environments and water ecology aids in raising public consciousness regarding the 

significance of water conservation. This enables the public to comprehend the severity of pollution and 

harm inflicted upon water bodies, leading to a realization of the impact of individual behavior on the 

water environment. Such awareness will motivate the public to actively adopt water protection measures, 

reducing the discharge of pollutants, improving the quality of water bodies, and preserving ecosystem 

stability. 

However, the development of a robust and innovative set of creative designs necessitates the 

collaborative efforts of diverse disciplinary specialties, amalgamating knowledge and skills from various 

fields. Proficiency in environmental science and engineering plays a pivotal role in the creative design 

of water environments. Faculty and students specializing in environmental engineering possess 

comprehensive understanding of water pollution control, environmental monitoring, water cycle 

processes, and environmental remediation techniques. Their expertise enables them to furnish practical 

solutions to water environment predicaments and propose feasible environmental protection strategies to 

creative design teams. Moreover, the software development and application proficiencies of computer 

professionals lend support to the science design team in devising applications and tools pertinent to the 

water environment and water ecology. These applications may encompass online educational platforms, 

mobile applications, and interactive website creation, facilitating the dissemination and communication 

of knowledge regarding the water environment and water ecology (Han, Yang, Sun Y, Sun P, & Jin, 

2020). By crafting user-friendly software interfaces and incorporating interactive features, the general 

public is afforded opportunities to participate and engage, thereby enriching their learning experience 

and fostering a sense of involvement. Furthermore, the ornamental nature of artistic and design work 

offers a distinct advantage. Art designers contribute to the creation of visually captivating and 

aesthetically valuable pieces that seamlessly integrate scientific information into artistic forms. Through 

adept utilization of color theory and psychological principles, art designers are capable of selecting 

appropriate color schemes to effectively convey the ambiance and emotion of the water environment and 

water ecology. The meticulous animation design showcases vivid depictions of the water environment 

and water ecology, elucidating intricate concepts such as organism life cycles and the processes 

underlying the water cycle. 



www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/elsr              Education, Language and Sociology Research              Vol. 4, No. 2, 2023 

100 
Published by SCHOLINK INC. 

The cross-pollination of disciplines is widely recognized as a significant strategy for universities to 

deepen the reform of institutional mechanisms, enhance the level of discipline construction, and optimize 

resource allocation. The term “interdisciplinary” was first introduced by Woodworth, a psychology 

researcher from Columbia University, as early as the mid-1920s, initially conveying a sense of 

“collaborative research”. Currently, in the realm of emerging engineering disciplines like big data and 

artificial intelligence, the integration of multiple disciplines has emerged as a crucial focus of research 

in domestic universities, representing an inevitable trend. Within the realm of teaching practices 

pertaining to multidisciplinary integration, student competitions play a vital role in fostering such 

integration (Han & Qu, 2021). Through participation in these competitions, students engage in 

collaborative teamwork, independent research, and innovative experimentation, thereby honing their 

critical thinking, creative reasoning, and problem-solving capabilities. These competitions not only allow 

students to apply their IT knowledge and skills, but also facilitate cross-fertilization with insights derived 

from other disciplines, ultimately expanding their disciplinary perspectives and cultivating a mindset 

conducive to interdisciplinary thinking (Jiang, Chi, & Xu, 2020). 

 

2. The Imperative for Multidisciplinary Integration in Creative Competitions  

In the realm of contemporary higher education, innovative design competitions stand out as one of the 

foremost means to foster students’ creativity and innovation. Such competitions not only serve as a 

catalyst for multidisciplinary integration, but also spark inventive thinking and ingenuity. However, in 

comparison to developed countries in Europe and America, the advancement of diverse innovative 

competitions in China lags behind. European and American education systems prioritize the cultivation 

of students’ innovative thinking and practical skills, actively encouraging their participation in various 

innovative design competitions while providing ample resources and support. Furthermore, European 

and American nations place significant emphasis on fostering students’ collaborative and 

interdisciplinary abilities within the context of student competitions. They actively promote cross-

disciplinary collaboration and the application of knowledge from diverse fields in innovative design 

endeavors. 

2.1 Multidisciplinary Integration in Innovative Design Competitions for Faculty Team Enhancement 

The multidisciplinary integration in the Innovation Design Competition holds immense significance not 

only for the participating students but also for the faculty team involved in mentoring and judging. This 

collaborative environment serves as a platform for students and faculty to foster growth and exchange 

ideas. Firstly, a multidisciplinary design competition encourages students to transcend the traditional 

boundaries of their respective disciplines, enabling them to think holistically and tackle complex 

problems. In addition to expertise in their own fields, students must also comprehend and apply theories 

and methodologies from other disciplines. This interdisciplinary learning and exchange stimulates 

students’ interest in exploring knowledge and promotes interdisciplinary synergy, thereby cultivating a 

comprehensive and diversified academic vision and mindset. Secondly, multidisciplinary integration 



www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/elsr              Education, Language and Sociology Research              Vol. 4, No. 2, 2023 

101 
Published by SCHOLINK INC. 

provides a platform for mutual exchange and academic complementarity among the faculty teams 

involved in mentoring and evaluation. Faculty members can collaborate on researching and discussing 

issues at the intersection of multiple disciplines, sharing their expertise and experiences. Through 

collaboration with colleagues from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, faculty gain insights into research 

frontiers and methodologies of other fields, broadening their academic horizons. This cross-disciplinary 

interaction not only enhances the academic abilities of faculty members but also promotes innovation 

and optimization of teaching methods, thereby offering improved support and guidance for students’ 

overall development. Furthermore, the multidisciplinary integrated design competition provides a 

platform for students and teachers to showcase and communicate, fostering mutual inspiration and 

facilitating learning from each other’s academic achievements. Through presenting their work and results, 

participating students engage in academic exchanges and encounters of ideas with students and teachers 

from different disciplinary backgrounds. This academic exchange not only promotes the collision of 

innovative thinking and stimulation of creativity but also offers students and teachers the opportunity to 

learn and grow from one another. 

2.2 The Integration of Multidisciplinary Approaches Is Crucial for the Development and Advancement 

of the Discipline 

Multidisciplinary integration within innovative design competitions is a critical necessity for advancing 

disciplinary development. In today’s intricate and ever-evolving social landscape, the reliance on a single 

discipline’s research and application can no longer adequately meet society’s needs and challenges. The 

integration of multiple disciplines facilitates cross-collaboration and knowledge sharing, thereby 

promoting the growth and innovation of individual fields. 

First and foremost, multidisciplinary integration broadens the research horizon of disciplines. Each 

discipline possesses unique theoretical frameworks, methods, and tools. By integrating knowledge and 

techniques from various disciplines, a more comprehensive and profound research perspective can be 

achieved. For instance, when designing an urban transportation system, incorporating insights from 

disciplines such as urban planning, traffic engineering, and social psychology is essential to develop 

effective and sustainable solutions. Multidisciplinary integration fosters interdisciplinary communication, 

cooperation, and innovative thinking, thereby propelling the advancement of each discipline. 

Secondly, multidisciplinary integration aids in addressing complex problems. Contemporary society 

faces multifaceted challenges that transcend the boundaries of a single discipline. Through 

multidisciplinary integration, expertise and methodologies from diverse fields can be synergized to 

devise integrated and comprehensive solutions. Consider the challenge of climate change, which 

necessitates the amalgamation of knowledge from disciplines like climate science, environmental science, 

and economics to formulate adaptive response strategies. Multidisciplinary integration facilitates 

collaborative interdisciplinary work and furnishes holistic approaches to intricate problems. 

Additionally, multidisciplinary integration nurtures innovative crossovers between disciplines. 

Collaborations across fields often pave the way for new research areas, theoretical models, and 



www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/elsr              Education, Language and Sociology Research              Vol. 4, No. 2, 2023 

102 
Published by SCHOLINK INC. 

application methods. By fusing expertise and experiences from disparate disciplines, valuable lessons 

can be gleaned and novel research ideas and methodologies can be sparked. For example, within the 

realm of biomedical engineering, combining insights from biology, engineering, and medicine has 

engendered innovative research endeavors in areas such as tissue engineering and biosensors. 

In summary, multidisciplinary integration within innovative design competitions plays a vital role in 

disciplinary development. It widens the research horizon, enables the resolution of complex problems, 

and fosters innovative cross-pollination between fields. Embracing this integration is imperative to 

ensure progress and innovation in today’s dynamic academic landscape. 

 

3. The Practice of Multidisciplinary Integration in the Urban Water Environment and Water 

Ecology Creative Competition  

3.1 Features and Innovations of the Water Environment and Water Ecology Creative Competition 

Under the auspices of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s imperative to popularize scientific knowledge, 

enhance the overall populace’s quality, and fully harness “the hidden innovative wisdom among millions 

of individuals”, the Water Environment and Water Ecology Branch of the China Urban Science Research 

Association has orchestrated the Urban Water Environment and Water Ecology Creative Competition. 

Its fundamental objective is to foster a scientific environment encompassing water concepts, knowledge, 

and actionable endeavors throughout society, thereby cultivating a collective water consciousness and 

forging a consensus on water-related matters. This competition distinguishes itself through its 

comprehensive, innovative, practical, and multidisciplinary collaborative approach, as well as its 

emphasis on societal engagement. By adopting this creative competition format, the event serves to 

advance the development of the water environment and water ecology domain, incentivize the resolution 

of real-world challenges, and facilitate the application and dissemination of innovative outcomes. 

The idea competition encompasses a broad spectrum of aspects within the realm of water environment 

and water ecology, spanning water resources management, water pollution control, and water ecology 

preservation. Its objective extends beyond addressing current issues, aiming to inspire participants to 

propose comprehensive and systemic solutions that foster the sustainable development of the water 

environment and water ecology. This competition encourages innovative ideas, technologies, and 

methods to tackle challenges in this field. Innovations can encompass novel water treatment technologies, 

intelligent monitoring systems, water management models, and various other domains. The format of 

this competition serves to stimulate participants’ creativity and innovation potential. It places a strong 

emphasis on practical problem-solving, underscoring the feasibility and utility of submissions. 

Participants are required to consider factors such as technical viability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of 

implementation, offering concrete and actionable solutions. This practice-oriented characteristic 

contributes positively to the advancement of the water environment and water ecology domain. 

Addressing water environment and water ecology challenges necessitates interdisciplinary collaboration. 

The competition actively encourages teams comprising participants from diverse disciplines, including 



www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/elsr              Education, Language and Sociology Research              Vol. 4, No. 2, 2023 

103 
Published by SCHOLINK INC. 

environmental science, computer science, art and design, among others. Through interdisciplinary 

cooperation, teams can leverage their collective artistic value, environmental protection knowledge, and 

small-scale program design expertise. Furthermore, the competition welcomes involvement from a wide 

range of communities, including university students, researchers, businesses, and government agencies. 

By fostering social participation, the competition brings together the wisdom and resources of all 

stakeholders, promoting the practical application and dissemination of innovative outcomes. This 

collaborative approach engenders a win-win situation for all parties involved. 

 

 

Figure 1. A Multidisciplinary and Collaborative Approach to Design Ideas for Composition 

 

3.2 Academic Allocation and Team Building 

The participating teams comprised exceptional students from various colleges, namely the College of 

Environmental Science and Engineering, the College of Computer Science, and the College of Art, 

fostering a robust academic environment. Each student assumed a distinct development task and 

dedicated their efforts to a corresponding technological innovation. These groups engaged in active 

coordination and communication to foster the amalgamation of creativity and technology, thereby 

facilitating efficient execution of design and innovation endeavors. 

 

 

Figure 2. Team Discipline Distribution Construction 



www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/elsr              Education, Language and Sociology Research              Vol. 4, No. 2, 2023 

104 
Published by SCHOLINK INC. 

3.3 Effects of Multidisciplinary Integration 

The team, encompassing three disciplines: environmental engineering, computer science, and art and 

design, exhibited exceptional performance in the Water Environment and Water Ecology Creative 

Competition. They skillfully merged their professional knowledge and creative thinking in a 

multidisciplinary manner, yielding distinct and inventive solutions. Amidst the participation of over 100 

universities nationwide, the Hubei Institute of Technology emerged as the national champion, marking 

the fourth victory for the institute following Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Sichuan 

University, and Tsinghua University. This competition successfully facilitated the exchange and learning 

among multidisciplinary talents, accomplishing the objective of cross-pollination across various fields to 

address engineering application problems. Figure 3 illustrates the flow chart of water reuse treatment. 

The team’s students engaged in spirited idea clashes, resulting in the fusion of multidisciplinary cross-

thinking. This achievement serves as a groundwork for tackling more intricate scientific challenges and 

even broader societal issues in the future. The integration of different disciplines not only enhances the 

Water Environment and Water Ecology Creative Competition by providing a comprehensive problem-

solving perspective, but also introduces a diverse array of innovative approaches and ideas. 

 

 

Figure 3. A multidisciplinary Approach to Understanding Water Reuse Design Diagrams  

 

4. The Concept of Multidisciplinary Integration in the Realm of Teaching and Research 

Disciplinary competitions serve as a significant catalyst for fostering the integration of environmental 

engineering majors with multiple disciplines in the realms of teaching practice and research. Such 

competitions provide a platform for environmental engineering students to showcase and apply their 

comprehensive abilities. By participating in disciplinary competitions, students are tasked with the 

application of their environmental engineering knowledge, while also incorporating theories and 

methodologies from other relevant disciplines to tackle intricate problems. This interdisciplinary 

integration nurtures students’ capacity for integrated thinking and innovation, equipping them with the 

necessary skills to effectively address complex environmental challenges in practical settings. 

This multidisciplinary integration aligns with the current training objectives and demands of university 

education and employers in the field of environmental science and engineering. It also resonates with the 



www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/elsr              Education, Language and Sociology Research              Vol. 4, No. 2, 2023 

105 
Published by SCHOLINK INC. 

focus of environmental science and engineering disciplinary competitions and practical teaching. 

Furthermore, the innovative combination of professional competitions, multidisciplinary intersections, 

and practical teaching in the instruction of environmental science and water treatment design has yielded 

valuable insights and feedback for teaching practices. 

From a theoretical perspective, multidisciplinary integration consolidates and enriches the teaching 

expertise of environmental science and engineering instructors, thereby advancing their professional 

growth. Simultaneously, it revolutionizes conventional professional classroom teaching by introducing 

novel ideas and methodologies, enabling teachers to accumulate and synthesize exemplary experiences 

and cases. This process enhances their proficiency in both classroom and practical instruction and allows 

them to effectively transmit these experiences and abilities to students. 

In practical terms, the challenges pertaining to industry-education integration and school-enterprise 

cooperation are addressed through research on multidisciplinary integration. The amalgamation of 

disciplinary competitions and interdisciplinary integration establishes a link between educational 

institutions and environmental engineering enterprises, as well as enterprises in other fields, fostering 

collaborative research and driving industrial development, resulting in a mutually beneficial outcome. 

Moreover, this teaching practice cultivates students’ innovative thinking, collaborative abilities, and 

practical skills within disciplinary competitions, while also motivating disciplinary teachers to reassess 

their roles in classroom instruction. The aim of this study is to equip environmental science and 

engineering educators with the capabilities to serve as practical researchers who can effectively resolve 

real-world teaching issues in the field of environmental science and engineering. 

 

5. Conclusion  

The interdisciplinary integration-oriented Creative Competition on Water Environment and Water 

Ecology for University Students endeavors to foster innovative talents equipped with comprehensive 

capabilities and inventive solutions to the challenges of the new era. Centered around the practical 

application of the 4th Urban Water Environment and Water Ecology Creative Competition, this paper 

amalgamates theoretical analysis to emphasize the necessity of multidisciplinary integration in creative 

competitions. It systematically examines the significance of adopting multidisciplinary integration in 

creative design competitions and outlines strategies for its implementation, along with the implications 

for curriculum teaching. As such, this study puts forth a novel guiding method and theoretical foundation, 

with the objective of establishing a creative teaching and research approach characterized by 

interdisciplinary, intercollegiate, and interprofessional multidisciplinary cross-pollination. 

 

 

 

 

 



www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/elsr              Education, Language and Sociology Research              Vol. 4, No. 2, 2023 

106 
Published by SCHOLINK INC. 

Acknowledgements 

The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support from High-level Scientific Research 

Foundation for the Introduction of Talent (No. 18xjz03R) and Regionalized Environmental Protection 

Talent Cultivation Strategy as a School-level Teaching Research Project of Hubei Polytechnic University 

in 2019 (2019C13). 

 

References 

Han, S. H., & Qu, Q. Z. (2021). Research on management of marine science and technology talent 

ecological Chain. Meteorological and Environmental Research, 12, 26-29. 

Han, W. J., Yang, J. C., Sun, Y., Sun, P. F., & Jin, X. (2020). Research and practice of cooperative 

teaching system for software engineering major. Computer Education, 12, 53-59. 

Jiang, S. H, Chi, Z. X., & Xu, K. (2020). Characteristics of ambient air quality in the central urban area 

of western Guizhou in the past five years. Meteorological and Environmental Research, 11, 23-30. 

Xu, X. F. (2014). Seizing the opportunity of MOOC to promote the teaching reform of computer and 

software engineering specialty. China University Teaching, 1, 29-33.  

Xu, X. F., & Ding, X. H. (2017). Exploration on the reform of new engineering talent training model for 

sustainable competitiveness. Teaching in China University, 6, 6-12. 

 


