Natural scientists study in an unusual place

The Department of Natural Sciences on a study excursion in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler

The department Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Technical Journalism (EMT) led the way, now students of natural sciences have followed suit with the “Study Workshop on the Road”. In March 2019, three days of intense collective learning took place at the youth hostel Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler with breaks for shared meals. The aim of the somewhat unique learning workshop: optimal preparation for upcoming exams in organic and general chemistry. “21 students from three Bachelor’s programmes – Chemistry with Materials Science, Applied Biology and Forensic Sciences – attended the learning workshop”, reports Klaus Lehmann, Honorary Professor of Organic Chemistry. Student Lena Blaase and research assistant Daniel Fine joined him on the trip as supervisors.

The days commenced with a short plenary session, then working from 9:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:30. “Of course, everyone could organise their own day. And after dinner there was another plenary session, and then we met in the bistro for games and discussions”, Lehmann describes the daily routine.

The spring excursion was a complete success for both sides. “It was a beautiful and wonderfully intense time for those of us on the team. In addition to dealing with the subject matter, we were able to systematically take a look at the learning process and learning styles”, Lehmann sums up. Changes in perspective became possible. “What does the examiner want to know from me? Why is a task set this way and not another way?”

Good results

The students also gave positive feedback. “I was able to prepare very well for the exam together with my fellow students and thanks to the support of the tutors in a very pleasant and relaxed atmosphere”, says Jessica Schneider from the Applied Biology degree programme. Chemistry student Janina Schiller says, “The concentrated learning atmosphere and the opportunity to discuss issues directly with tutors and fellow students helped me to achieve the grade I wanted”.

The results of the two exams also demonstrated this: 20 of 21 students passed the exams, eight with good or better results. This is a reason to hold the learning excursion in the Department of Natural Sciences on a regular basis from now on. The second “Study Workshop on the Road” was held at the youth hostel in Bad Münstereifel in March 2020. 250,000 euros for data literacy education

New funding for data literacy projects: After a successful application in 2019, the university will receive 250,000 euros in funding in 2020 from the NRW Ministry of Culture and Science and Stifterverband. Students of all subjects are to learn how to deal with digital analysis and the interpretation of large amounts of data as well as acquire statistical competence. For this purpose, an e-learning teaching and learning concept for ensuring data literacy at H-BRS is being developed in the project “Analysing, Visualising, Interpreting Data” (DAViD).