We want to realize a living lab on campus, focussing on the conversion of solar energy into electricity and energy storage in chemicals and batteries. We envision to set-up a shack somewhere on campus, equipped with different types of solar panels and with a small chemical laboratory inside

Background information

The present Chemistry curriculum consists of theoretical courses, practical courses and research projects in the departmental research groups. The Chemistry bachelor is very well appreciated by the students and leads to a
solid background in chemistry as well as experimental skill set. At the same time, there are concerns about a (national) decline in the number of students that register for a Chemistry bachelor degree study. This does not fit to the central role that chemistry needs to play in the societal energy-, resource- and materials transitions and the number of chemists needed for this. While sustainability aspects are already covered in various (theory) parts of the UU BSc chemistry, we recognize the need to expand on these efforts and to structure them in a pan-curriculum education track (‘leerlijn’).

Aims

Thus, to educate our students in sustainable chemistry, to incorporate more interdisciplinary collaboration and to make the study as a whole more attractive and increase student intake, we propose to develop a new sustainability-related living lab.

Project description

The desired output after the first year is completion of phase I, i.e. the practical realization of the living lab at the Utrecht Science Park. This means that: a location for the living lab has been decided (ir. van der Maal), a final
design is made based on the wishes of teachers in chemistry and physics (dr. Hutter), and equipment has been ordered, installed and tested (dr. Hutter). In this development phase, honours BSc chemistry students will be
involved to find out the needs and wishes of bachelor students for the living lab, and to help with the design and equipment of the living lab. The solar conversion and storage living lab will be an adaptable learning space for
students, where they can test e.g. new solar cells, battery technologies, or chemical reactions in the future.
The implementation phase (phase II) will start in the second year, and will consist of pilots to assess the use of the living lab in two Chemistry bachelor courses.

Results and conclusion

the use of a living lab for teaching purposes will be an enormous innovation in the curriculum. Specifically, it
will provide a platform for challenge-based learning, where students develop skills in e.g. programming & data management, research & engineering, as well as basic chemistry and physics through challenges that are related to
the energy transition. This project will involve teachers already in the design and development phase, to ensure solid embedding in the Science faculty. Ideally, the envisioned living lab will lead to practical projects in existing and
future courses both within and beyond the chemistry curriculum. This will lead to effective and deep learning of basic skills, as well as creating awareness of how chemists and other students (physicists, geologists) can contribute to the energy transition.