Innovative Methods of Teaching and Learning Chemistry in Higher Education: Changing to Support a Knowledge-based Economy

Two recent initiatives from the EU, namely the Bologna Process and the Lisbon Agenda are likely to have a major influence on European Higher Education. It seems unlikely that traditional teaching approaches, which supported the elitist system of the past, will promote the mobility, widened participation and culture of 'life-long learning' that will provide the foundations for a future knowledge-based economy. There is therefore a clear need to seek new approaches to support the changes which will inevitably occur.

The European Chemistry Thematic Network (ECTN) is a network of some 160 university chemistry departments from throughout the EU as well as a number of National Chemical Societies (including the RSC) which provides a discussion forum for all aspects of higher education in chemistry. This handbook is a result of one of their working groups, who identified and collated good practice with respect to innovative methods in Higher Level Chemistry Education. It provides a comprehensive overview of innovations in university chemistry teaching from a broad European perspective. The generation of this book through a European Network, with major national chemical societies and a large number of chemistry departments as members make the book unique. The wide variety of scholars who have contributed to the book, make it interesting and invaluable reading for both new and experienced chemistry lecturers throughout the EU and beyond.

Prof. Dr. Ingo Eilks is Professor in Chemistry Education at the University of Bremen. He has extensive experience in curriculum development and science education research and has over 240 published articles. He is working group leader in ECTN-4 (European Chemistry Thematic Network) in a project concerning innovative methods in university chemistry education.

Dr. Bill Byers is Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at the University of Ulster, with 37 years university teaching experience, who has contributed to a wide range of educational development programmes and international conferences on Chemical Education. He was the 2002 recipient of the RSC Silver Medal and Tertiary Education Award and is particularly interested in promoting more active and independent approaches to learning.