Master of Problem Based Learning in Engineering and Science, MPBL

The experiments should be based on problem based and project organised learning and aimed at groups of students with diverse backgrounds and characteristics, e.g. with regard to sex, class, cultural background and age.

The Master of Problem Based Learning in Egnieering and Science (MPBL) is offered by UNESCO International Centre for Engineering Education - Centre for Problem Based Learning (UCPBL), which is hosted by the Faculties of Engineering, Science and Medicine at Aalborg University.

Study Form

The MPBL is a 2½-year, part time program organized as technology supported distance learning. Options for participation in seminars, workshops or summer schools may be offered from time to time. The study form consists of both project work (individually and in groups) and courses.

You can choose to enroll in the full Master's program or module 2 only, as a single module. You can also choose just to follow one of these single courses:

• Teaching and Learning in Engineering, Science and Health
• PBL Models and Change Strategies
• Process Competences and Project Supervision
• Theory and Method in Research Based PBL Design
• PBL and Management 

Content of the Master's Program

The Master's program consists of 3 modules:

Module 1: Development of Teaching Competences (10 ECTS)

This module aims to present the learning, curriculum, and context which form the foundation of student centered teaching and learning in engineering education (including PBL) as well as support the participants in reflecting on their own teaching experiences and competences. The module consists of one course and one project:

• Course: Teaching and Learning in Engineering, Science and Health (5 ECTS)
• Project: Teaching Portfolio (5 ECTS)

Module 2: PBL Experiments (20 ECTS)

The module aims to present the PBL learning principles, models, and methods enabling the participants to work with the design and planning of a specific lesson plan involving PBL learning principles and to estimate the organisational processes of change that this will implicate.

The module consists of two courses and one project:

• Course: PBL Models and Change Strategies (5 ECTS)
• Course: Process Competences and Project Supervision (5 ECTS)
• Project: PBL as Experiment (10 ECTS)

Module 3: Research Based Design of PBL Programmes (30 ECTS)

The overall aim of the module is to present to the participants the research based analysis models and methods, enabling them to analyze, reflect, and design, on a scientific basis, a PBL educational course within the chosen sub-section at technical and scientific educations in consideration of a strategically chosen focus.

The module consists of one mandatory course, one elective course and a Master's thesis:

• Mandatory course: Theory and Method (5 ECTS)
• Elective courses: PBL and Sustainability (5 ECTS), PBL and Intercultural Learning (5 ECTS), PBL and Management (5 ECTS)
• Master's Thesis (20 ECTS)

Admission Requirements

• Minimum a relevant bachelor’s degree
• Minimum two years of teaching experience or similar relevant work experience
• Written and oral command of English which at least must be equivalant to English level B (Danish high school level) or one of the minimum test scores from e.g. the TOEFL or IELTS tests that you can read more about here
• Experience with the use of IT at a user-level.

Duration

The Master's program has a duration of 5 semesters (2½ years part-time studies). It is rated to 60 ECTS or a full-time student's work in one year.

Further Information

For further information about the academic content of the program, please contact:

• Ms. Jette Egelund Holgaard, Associate Professor, jeh@plan.aau.dk, phone: + 45 9940 9811
• Ms. Marianne Nyborg, Secretary, mariannen@plan.aau.dk, phone: + 45 9940 8308

Aalborg University reserves the right to cancel the Master's program as a consequence of an insufficient number of applications or other special circumstances. Furthermore, the University reserves the right to adjust the tuition fee.