Bioeconomy

12 - 23 August 2024
Wageningen University and Research (WUR), Wageningen, The Netherlands

Background of Summer School / Introduction

This summer school is a joint teaching program of the ELLS Subject Area Bioeconomy, which was initiated to promote the transformation towards a bio-based circular economy.

Venue

Wageningen University. Forum building number 102. Droevendaalsesteeg 2
6708 PB Wageningen. The Netherlands

Maximum number of participants

20 students (+ waiting list)

Previous Knowledge

Preferably students of an ELLS member or partner university at master and PhD level. Other interested students can also apply. A study background in Life Sciences, Engineering and Economy is strongly recommended.

Course Content

The summer course will have a focus on the role of agriculture and forestry for bioeconomy, with a special emphasis on Dutch bioeconomy examples. In a two weeks programme, the summer school will give an insight into the whole life cycle of bio-based materials: from primary production, processing, to the products, embedded in the value chains, as well as the resulting sustainability impacts. Different national perceptions, systems and strategies of Bioeconomy will be included. In a mix of lectures, interactive sessions, and excursions, professors of ELLS partner and member universities as well as international experts will teach about the topic Bioeconomy in an interactive way and in an international setting.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

After completing the course, the participants should be able to...
Knowledge:

Know basic concepts of relevant bioeconomy aspects as presented in the course
learn to combine knowledge from different disciplines and understand the interactions between those

Skills:

practice critical and analytical thinking in an international environment
improve their scientific English language

Competences:

acquire team ability and team competence in interdisciplinary and internation-al groups
combine different perspectives on the topic, reflect on prior perception and revise existing attitudes

Course Schedule

3rd June – 10st July: five-weeks e-learning course prior to the field week, for preparing a scientific poster in pairs, which will be presented in Wageningen.

Sunday 11th August 2024: arrival, Ice Breaker Event

Week 1 and 2 of the summer school (12th - 23th August 2024):

welcoming presentation at WUR, introduction of the teachers and all participants
lectures and seminars on bioeconomy strategies, primary production, forest bioeconomy, novel feedstocks, biorefinery for various products, biobased value chains and, Life Cycle and Sustainability Assessment.
group work to finalize posters
poster presentation and mid-term evaluation
guest lectures from ‘Biobased’ start-up companies
Sustainable Campus Tour on the WUR campus
Wageningen city tour
Visit to Belmonte arboretum
excursions to the WUR experimental facilities in Wageningen and outside of Wageningen
excursion to biorefinery facilities at ACRRES and companies outside of Wageningen
exam and feedback session
picnic and farewell dinner

Course Language

English

Course Format/Teaching Methods

The teaching method is a mix of lectures, seminars, lab and field experiences and excursions during the two weeks on site, with a five-weeks e-learning course prior to the attendance in Wageningen. The envisaged number of teachers involved are 6 from WUR and 6 from other ELLS universities.

ECTS Credits and Workload overview

Number of Credits [ECTS]	6
Total workload [hours]	168
Students own work [hours]	95
Contact Classes [hours]	70
Exam [hours]	3

Type of Assessment and Assessment Criteria

preparation in advance: a general introduction to the topic and preparation of a poster in small groups
course weeks: attendance and engaged participation during the excursions, workshops, seminars and team work
group work: poster presentation in Wageningen, prepared in groups (prior to the course weeks) and graded by the teachers
individual work: multiple choice test at the end of the program
feedback and course evaluation

Cultural Activities / Social Program

Ice Breaker Event
Sustainable Campus Tour at WUR campus
Wageningen city tour
Visit to and picnic at Belmonte arboretum
farewell dinner

Tuition Fees

Students from ELLS member universities: €250
Students from non-ELLS universities: €350

Costs are covering excursions and some of the food/drinks.

Additional information for students from ELLS universities: Accommodation costs will be waived for a limited number of participants from non-European ELLS partner universities. Some ELLS member universities provide scholarships for participants of ELLS Summer Schools.

Additional Costs

Students are required to cover their own costs for traveling to Wageningen as well as for accommodation, food, private and touristic excursions, insurance, visa and personal needs.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the course fee and has to be booked individually by the participants!

In August many new students arrive in Wageningen, therefore we strongly advise to arrange housing as soon as possible. For example through https://www.shortstaywageningen.nl/room-type/short-stay/

Participants can choose other housing options, in all cases housing has to be organized by the participant.

Health Insurance

Health insurance, covering illnesses and accidents, is required for participation.

Visa

All participants are responsible for arranging the correct visa, required to study legally in The Netherlands for the duration of the two-weeks summer program.