Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.5562/cca4185

Teaching Chemistry in the New Bachelor “Regenerative Medicine and Technology”

Matthew B. Baker ; MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
Gavin Hazell ; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, Paul-Henri Spaaklaan 1, 6229 EN Maastricht, The Netherlands
Sabine van Rijt ; MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
W. Matthijs Blankesteijn ; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
Tim Welting ; Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
Guus van den Akker ; Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
Jurica Bauer orcid.org/0000-0001-8526-0511 ; MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands *

* Corresponding author.

Supplements: cca4185_Supplement.pdf

Abstract

Regenerative Medicine (RM) is a multidisciplinary field uniting science, technology, and entrepreneurship to develop curative health
solutions. In response to labor market demand, Maastricht University (UM) has launched an undergraduate program, Regenerative Medicine
and Technology (BSc RMT), integrating natural sciences engineering, and medicine. Teaching at UM follows the principles of Problem-Based
Learning (PBL) and Research-Based Learning (RBL). In line with this philosophy, chemistry in the BSc RMT is taught contextually within
multidisciplinary courses. Students apply chemical concepts to biological and materials science challenges, supported by small-group tutorials,
problem-solving sessions, and hands-on labs. Despite challenges - such as heterogeneous student backgrounds, limited resources, and
restricted lab time - the program shows promising outcomes in performance and engagement. Teaching chemistry in this setting requires
balancing depth with relevance and supporting instructors across disciplinary boundaries. This initiative demonstrates how contextual,
interdisciplinary education fosters molecular-level understanding and prepares students for future roles in RM.

Keywords

higher education; STEM education; chemistry education; multidisciplinary education; regenerative medicine

Hrčak ID:

336433

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/336433

Publication date:

9.7.2025.

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