From bench to market: A project based learning experience in the biotechnology degree

Abstract

Nowadays, the efficient incorporation of recent biotechnology graduates into the market requires the development of new skills, such as communication, critical analysis, as well as the ability to solve challenges and implement real solutions. Focused on this purpose, the development of Project-Based Learning (PBL) methodologies have shown as promising alternative. This pedagogical method arises as an initiative for a more autonomous learning through stimulating challenges that motivates students to investigate, becoming experts in a subject before carrying it out in practice and being able to critically discuss the results obtained leading to a more solid learning.At Universidad Europea de Madrid (UEM), since the academic year 2017-2018, students belonging to the 4th year of the Biotechnology Degree, enrolled in the courses of Bioreactors, Business Management and Biotechnological Processes and Products, have participated in the development of the PBL project aimed at promoting entrepreneurship. With the goal of promoting the connection between the real needs of the biotechnology industry and the commercial study, our students faced a challenge posed by a fictitious biotechnology company. The students carried out the development of real proposals applied to a wide range of biotech markets and provided a solution with an original and innovative idea developing aptitudes such as planning, information integration, individual responsibility and teamwork. In addition to training their practical skills in the laboratory with fermentation experiments, they developed their written communication skills through the elaboration of an integrative report complementing their learning. Finally, the project ends with an oral presentation session and consequent critical review with the participation of all the students and teachers involved. This project has fostered the students' confidence and autonomy to face the world of work, corroborated thanks to surveys and questionnaires that evaluate their learning and satisfaction with the methodology.