Problem-based Learning in Molecular Life Science Technologies und Technisches Umweltmanagement (PBL)

In the project “Problem-based Learning (PBL) in Molecular Life Science Technologies and Technical Environmental Management”, the quality of teaching is to be further increased by comprehensively expanding the existing expertise in Problem-based Learning (PBL) and significantly increasing the proportion of PBL approaches, especially in the two part-time Master’s programs Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine and Technical Environmental Management and Ecotoxicology, as well as in the Bachelor’s program Biomedical Engineering.

Problem-based learning (PBL), as a principle of knowledge transfer, is intended to enable student teams to work independently on interdisciplinary problems specific to the professional field while applying practical and interdisciplinary (social-communicative) skills. The development of realistic learning environments with a high proportion of laboratory work and teachers who can respond individually to small groups ensure a high level of practical relevance and the acquisition of job-specific skills that are in high demand in companies. The systematic expansion of the PBL didactic and methodological expertise of the teaching staff in the organization is comprehensively supported by an intensive train-the-trainer concept and method coaching as well as by a support system, accompanying evaluation and knowledge management. These reflective accompanying measures ensure the sustainable anchoring of PBL at the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien and contribute to an improvement in studyability through flexibility and well-coordinated and prepared courses. The development of an international didactics network, public events, workshops and conference visits contribute to the visibility of the UAS Technikum Wien and the location Vienna for innovative and high-quality teaching in the future fields of life sciences; biomedicine, environment and biotechnology; and to the usability of the project results also for other educational institutions.