Abstract
In September 2011, the Maastricht Science Programme (MSP) was launched following the decision to strengthen the outlook of Maastricht University within the field of natural sciences. The programme is part of the school of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Maastricht University and offers a Bachelor of Science degree. The educational model of MSP differentiates itself from other natural science programmes in general by the way education is structured and the intensive student guidance provided. In addition, the full integration of problem-based learning (PBL) and research-based learning (RBL) seems to be unique for the natural sciences, as thus far no identical programme has been found elsewhere. The implementation of PBL and RBL throughout the MSP curriculum strongly drives the motivation and scientific curiosity of students, teaching and support staff. The students especially enjoy the project periods within the curriculum, since the increasing freedom allows them to shape their own piece of research. In this way the students embrace a research attitude that helps them in the development to curiosity-driven lifelong researchers. This chapter elucidates the unique practical integration of PBL and RBL within the Maastricht Science Programme.
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Knetsch, M.L.W., Cleij, T.J. (2017). The Maastricht Science Programme: From Problem-Based Learning to Research-Based Learning in the Sciences. In: Bastiaens, E., van Tilburg, J., van Merriënboer, J. (eds) Research-Based Learning: Case Studies from Maastricht University. Professional Learning and Development in Schools and Higher Education, vol 15. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-50993-8_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-50993-8_9
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