At the MSP, you’re not just a number.
At the MSP, you’re not just a number. We try to create an environment for students where you feel heard, where you feel safe and where you can work on becoming the best version of yourself—whatever you want to do in the future.
I’ve been with the MSP since before it even started in 2011, when it just existed on paper. From our original batch of 49 students, we have grown to more than 400 students today. Even though there are a lot more students now, I think it still has the small-scale feeling where you have a strong link between the students and staff. It feels like a family. We all work together towards the same goal. And we try to create an environment for students where you feel heard, where you feel safe and where you can work on becoming the best version of yourself—whatever you want to do in the future.
A safe environment
At the MSP, you’re not just a number. I think that almost every staff member knows all of the students so you don’t just vanish into a big faculty. We always keep an eye out for our students, and if we notice that things are even slightly going off track either in relation to studies or even personal life, at least one of us will step in and see if there is something that we can do to help.
Training scientists of the future
I wholeheartedly believe in the approach of the MSP. I believe that by giving students freedom of choice in your curriculum and by giving them the responsibility of deciding what they want to do, they’ll be doing what they like and will be fully committed to their studies. Also, because the programme covers everything in the sciences, they come into contact with other disciplines that they might not have known about before. This gives them broad knowledge in science, which is what is needed in current times and future. Our students know how to make connections between the scientific disciplines and also know how to explain these to the larger public.
Continuously improving student support
I’m mainly responsible for back office and we’re always looking at how to improve the administrative processes. One example of this is the way we do course registration. It can be a pain for both the students and staff sometimes. But we have a team working very hard to improve these practical processes so students and staff can focus on education.
Impressive students
I’m actually more of a language/Alpha person; science has always been my blindspot and more difficult for me. So, I’m amazed at what the students do and am impressed when they can explain something like physics to me in a way I can understand it. I often thing: ‘Wow, how are they doing this? How did they make this? How did they get to this?' Our students are truly impressive.
Also read
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I teach the introduction to biology course, which is probably one of the first courses that you will take at the MSP. I also coordinate the practical courses, so the first time that you go to the lab, you will encounter me as well.
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For me, Problem-Based Learning is about democratising the classroom. It is about realising that everyone has something of value to add (not only the teacher) and that everyone in the room can bring something to the discussion. It is a very productive way to solve problems and to move forward.
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What really makes the MSP special is the small-scale teaching and the close contact with students. Us as teachers get to know you as students very well and vice versa. Because of this, I can teach you a lot more than what you need to know to just pass my exams.