This project aims to reinforce the staff and lab capacity, thereby enhancing the quality of education and training programmes in molecular and materials sciences (MMS) at four Vietnamese universities: Can Tho University, Quy Nhon University, University of Education – The University of Danang and Hanoi National University of Education. This will be done through intensive collaborations with three European universities: KU Leuven, University of Twente and University of Rostock. The main objective of this project is to develop research-based modules in MMS, which will be integrated into the current curricula in chemistry and physics at the four Vietnamese partner universities (VPU). 24 courses in MMS will be adapted by professors from the European partner universities (EPU), who will be responsible for teaching these courses in this project. At the end of the project, four research-based curricula in MMS are developed. This project emphasizes the staff exchange between the VPU and the EPU. In addition to the visits of EPU professors to deliver the courses at the four VPU, young staff of VPU will be visiting EPU to follow scientific and soft-skills training courses for two months. By following the courses given by EPU professors and experts, knowledge in MMS and teaching experiences and skills of VPU staff are improved, which is needed for VPU staff to take over the 24 courses in the following years. The project also focuses on the improvement of academic English for both staff and students at the four VPU. For this purpose, specialized English courses will be designed and given by experts from EPU. In addition, to implement the research-based curricula, a portion of upto 30% of the project budget will be used to upgrade the lab facilities at the four VPU. Moreover, to raise public awareness about the role of science and to attract students to start science education, especially students from remote areas in Vietnam, appropriate plans for dissemination are designed.
The 'MOMA' project aimed to (i) reinforce staff and lab capacity at four Vietnamese partner universities (VPU), thereby enhancing education programs in (bio)chemistry and materials sciences, by implementing research-based modules in molecular and materials sciences (MMS) into the current curricula, and to (ii) increase student numbers in scientific disciplines. Teaching and research experience in these fields of three European partner universities (EPU) were expected to address these issues.
According to the Vietnamese National Strategies for education, science and technology development in 2011-2020, universities play a vital role in providing the high-quality human resources that meet social needs, and in promoting research activities combined with education. However, Vietnamese universities struggled with outdated teaching methods, missing lab facilities, low student numbers in scientific disciplines, insufficient mastery of academic English and a missing focus on nanoscience.
<< Background >> According to the Vietnamese National Strategies for education, science and technology development in 2011-2020, universities play a vital role in providing the high-quality human resources that meet social needs, and in promoting research activities combined with education. However, Vietnamese universities struggled with outdated teaching methods, missing lab facilities, low student numbers in scientific disciplines, insufficient mastery of academic English and a missing focus on nanoscience. << Objectives >> The 'MOMA' project aimed to (i) reinforce staff and lab capacity at four Vietnamese partner universities (VPU), thereby enhancing education programs in (bio)chemistry and materials sciences, by implementing research-based modules in molecular and materials sciences (MMS) into the current curricula, and to (ii) increase student numbers in scientific disciplines. Teaching and research experience in these fields of three European partner universities (EPU) were expected to address these issues. << Implementation >> Chemistry and physics curricula at 4 VPU were evaluated, and 26 courses were identified for revision. VPU & EPU staff jointly upgraded 15 and newly built 11 courses. Visits of EPU professors to teach the revised or new courses were supplemented by visits to EPU by young VPU staff for scientific and soft-skills training. Online teaching and exchange complemented during COVID-19. New outreach activities such as Open Days, Newsletters and the Vietnamese Crystal Growing Competition were developed. << Results >> VPU & EPU staff jointly upgraded 26 courses and embedded these in 15 innovative up-to-date curricula at both bachelor and master level. Extra complementary lab facilities were installed and are used for practical exercises and demonstrations of these courses. Staff and students of all VPUs upgraded their academic English knowledge. Strong outreach and uptake was achieved through the introduction of popular Open Days at each VPU, and the successful Vietnamese Crystal Growing Competition.