Educational Challenges Natural Sciences
Description
The lecture is basically given in English.
In September 2011, Maastricht University has started with a bachelor degree programme in the natural sciences, the Maastricht Science Programme, with an emphasis on chemistry, physics, biology and the interfaces between those disciplines. As of September 2013, the programme has already a total number of about 175 carefully selected undergraduate students. Most of the laboratory skills trainings and research projects of this program take place on the Chemelot Campus. The program is designed to cater to the needs of current students in a rapidly changing and internationalised higher education landscape. For the natural sciences, this landscape can be characterised by several challenges, such as the comparatively low student numbers, low participation of certain groups, e.g. female students, an increasing demand by students for higher quality of their education in view of increasing tuition rates and constraints on study length and a growing international mobility. Furthermore, expectations of society with regards to the employability skills of university graduates have increased. Unfortunately, existing educational models do not satisfactorily serve current demands by students, society and employers. Hence, there is an urgent need for rethinking the way we teach natural sciences at the university. The Maastricht Science Programme provides such a fresh look at education, with a modern focus on student-centred learning. This programme specifically offers solutions to several of the above mentioned challenges. After further optimization and critical reflections, it may well provide a blueprint for future university education in the natural sciences.
15.30 - 16.30 Lecture
16.30 - 17.00 Answering questions and networking
Speaker(s)
Prof. Dr. Thomas Cleij
Dean maastricht Science Programme
Maastricht University
Location
Chemelot Campus, Conf. room 13
Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 AC Geleen (NL)
Organiser
Region Limburg South
Chemelot Campus
Name and contact details for information
Klaas Bos, Chemelot Campus + 31 (0)6 10 91 81 96
Apply via
Klaas Bos Chemelot Campus
klaas.bos@chemelot.com
