MaRBLe Undergraduate Research
Full course description
MaRBLe is an acronym for Maastricht Research Based Learning, and is Maastricht University’s excellence programme that brings multidisciplinary scientific research to the bachelor phase. It is a semester long research program carrying 10 ECTS. It is no longer possible to do multiple MaRBLe projects unless you receive special permission by the Board of Examiners.
MaRBLe encompasses the two Skills and one Project offered during a semester. In most MaRBLe projects, the first course period will be mainly dedicated to an introduction into the specific field and related methodologies, and a research plan or proposal will be written. During the second and third periods, the students will engage in their own independent research, while staying in close contact with the other members of their group as well as their supervisor to discuss progress and challenges. At the end of each semester, UCM will organize a symposium during which all participating students will present their research to their fellow researchers and the larger UCM community.
MaRBLe is a form of RBL, Research-Based Learning. In RBL, learning is based on research that students do themselves, rather than being dependent on research done before and by others. Small groups or individual students will conduct research under the guidance of a senior researcher. MaRBLe offers a unique opportunity to develop one’s own research topic within the context of a pre-defined research program. In this way, student researchers will make an actual contribution to ongoing research, and will experience first-hand what is involved in doing research. During the project, specific skills will be addressed at the appropriate time: e.g. problem analysis, writing a proposal, data selection and analysis reporting and presenting.
Course objectives
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To enhance the learning experience of students by integrating research into their undergraduate curriculum.
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To prepare students for graduate research by introducing them to and educating them in the relevant skills and knowledge.
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To emphasize the ability to identify and formulate academic problems.
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To select and apply relevant research methodologies accordingly.
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To reinforce the awareness of how academic work relates to society: how it may respond to trends and issues in society, and how it may initiate new ideas.
Prerequisites
More than anything else, the MaRBLe undergraduate research program is aimed at students with a great appetite for learning and research. Students should ideally have a progress rate of ≥0.9, and a grade average of ≥7.5. In addition, specific courses may be required for particular projects (these prerequisites will be mentioned in the announcement of offered projects). At least as important as these ‘technical’ requirements, we expect students who apply for MaRBLe to be motivated, and to have a clear idea on how the project they apply for fits into their individual UCM curriculum. Students will apply through a special procedure, for which they can find instructions and an application form on the Intranet.