Overview

Aalborg University is a Danish public university differentiated by interdisciplinary and inter-faculty studies and a problem-based, project-oriented curriculum. The Aalborg Model is centered around complex real-life problems to which students attempt to find answers in a scientific manner while working together in groups. Aalborg offers Bachelor’s, Master's, and Ph.D. programs. There are 10 Bachelor’s Degree Programs offered within the fields of natural sciences, social sciences, humanities and technical sciences.

Location: Aalborg, Denmark, with campuses in Esbjerg, and Copenhagen

Number of 1^st years: ~4,400

Total Students: ~20K*

Academic staff (F/T): 2,321 (P/T): 800

*This number includes undergraduates and graduate students, although undergraduates make up the majority.

Programs of Note

The following are noteworthy programs or practices that differ from MIT offerings. Unless otherwise stated, assumptions should not be made about the effectiveness of these programs and/or practices.

Pedagogy: Problem-Based Project Work

In contrast to typical U.S. universities, all degree programs and research activities at Aalborg University are problem and project-based and have an interdisciplinary focus. Students work together in groups as they examine real-life problems, often in cooperation with industry partners and organizations (e.g. a satellite or an advertising campaign in practice).

In the first-year, groups are formed by university staff members, but as time goes on, students eventually form their own groups based on interests each semester. Groups typically consist of 4-5 students and are supervised by a faculty member who helps guide the project, however, the students in the group are ultimately responsible for defining a project that is meaningful to them within a set, but very broad theme. An example of a semester theme in the Robotics program is “Detection and Avoidance.”

Example Projects in the Sustainable Biotechnology Program:

• Algae Fuel
• Bacteria as a Sustainable Energy source
• Biofuel Production from microalgae and cyanobacteria
• Microbial Fuel Cell
• Biodiesel Or Petrodiesel: Is biodiesel a solution to a green future

Group Examination

The project work concludes with a group exam, however, students also take individual exams in related subjects during the term of the project and submit their own project final report. During the group examination, each student makes their own small presentation. Although evaluated on individual performances, the group examination process brings multiple student perspectives to the discussions and allows students to support each other during the examination.

See videos about project and group exams at Aalborg University.

First Year Student “Buddy Network”

At Aalborg University, new students can participate a Buddy Network. Other enrolled students, who are Danish, volunteer to serve as a contact person and resource guide for new students when they arrive on campus. Buddys help introduce students to campus living and academic culture, as well as provide information about local transportation, banking, grocery options, and other practical aspects of life at Aalborg.

Danish Language Assistance

International students are offered a free course in Danish at the beginning of the academic year.