Abstract
Project-based learning (PBL) is a dynamic student-centred teaching method that encourages students to solve real-life problems while fostering engagement and critical thinking. Here, we report on a PBL course on metabolic network modelling that has been running for several years within the Master in Integrated Systems Biology (MISB) at the University of Luxembourg. This 2-week full-time block course comprises an introduction into the core concepts and methods of constraint-based modelling (CBM), applied to toy models and large-scale networks alongside the preparation of individual student projects in week 1 and, in week 2, the presentation and execution of these projects. We describe in detail the schedule and content of the course, exemplary student projects, and reflect on outcomes and lessons learned. PBL requires the full engagement of students and teachers and gives a rewarding teaching experience. The presented course can serve as a role model and inspiration for other similar courses.
Highlights
In contrast to teacher-centred teaching, project-based learning (PBL) is a dynamic studentcentred teaching method that encourages the students to learn and solve relevant real-life problems on their own with the help of the teacher
We report on a PBL course on metabolic network modelling that has been running for several years within the Master in Integrated Systems Biology (MISB) at the University of Luxembourg
We describe the structure of our PBL-based computational biology course focusing on metabolic network modelling
Summary
In contrast to teacher-centred teaching, project-based learning (PBL) is a dynamic studentcentred teaching method that encourages the students to learn and solve relevant real-life problems on their own with the help of the teacher. In PBL, students start from a problem to be solved and organise themselves into a variety of activities, applying knowledge and techniques already acquired in a subject area, even though the aims can be broader. A key advantage of PBL is that students are fully involved in the learning process while improving their communication and collaboration skills [1,2]. In the area of computational biology, hands-on sessions and PBL activities are known to be one of the most effective ways to learn and disseminate skills [3].
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