Thai Nguyen University of Sciences (TNUS)
Vuong Truong Xuan, Nguyen Thi Phuong Mai, Nguyen Thi Dong, Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, Nguyen Thi Hong Hoa, Thai Nguyen University of Sciences, Vietnam
The Erasmus + project “Integrated approach to the training of a chemistry Master’s program” at Thai Nguyen University of Sciences (TNUS) began its work in 2021.
I. THE FOREST PROJECT
The main objective of the project: To enhance the quality of chemistry education and employability of the chemistry graduates of VN universities through introducing state-of- the-art Master’s programs in line with Bologna provisions and to mitigate the impact of climate change in VN by introducing community capacity building.
Objectives of the project:
- To develop a new interdisciplinary high-quality multi-track Master’s program in Future- oriented Chemistry in line with the Bologna provisions while adapting the EU best practice.
- To upgrade the teaching staff skills in T&L&A.
- To set up “Center of Excellence” in future-oriented chemistry.
- To raise awareness of local communities of climate change impact and chemical solutions for its mitigation.
Impact at the institutional level:
Within the framework of the project, the TNUS developed a Master’s program in the direction of Chemistry related to climate change and in the 2023-2024 academic year, there was an admission to this Master’s program.
The master students are being trained at the expense of state grants through the Ministry of Education and Training of the Social Republic of Vietnam, which in our opinion indicates the further stability of the FOREST master program.
The TNUS has established a “Center of Excellence” equipped with laboratory apparatus and computer facilities to facilitate the execution of training sessions, seminars, and workshops on a limited scale within the chemistry faculty.
During the implementation of the project, interaction with other Vietnamese partner universities and European partners has been strengthened. Also, before the development of the Master’s program, a survey was conducted among teachers, experts, students and managers of schools and institutes in the city and local regions.
Impact at the international level
A consortium comprising universities collaborating with project stakeholders has been established to facilitate the exchange of expertise and optimal methodologies in designing a Master’s program focused on “Future-Oriented Chemistry in the Context of Climate Change” education in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This initiative is being undertaken with the support of European partners universities.
TNUS participated in webinars organized by project coordinators, where discussions centered on the execution of planned activities and the admission process for the Master’s program. A focal point of these discussions was the construction of a Master’s program in Chemistry, along with the formulation of modules covering subjects pertinent to green chemistry and climate change, aiming to foster sustainable development in the future.
Through the online collaboration involving partner universities utilizing Google Documents and Zoom, a framework for a Master’s program was developed, incorporating considerations for students, teachers and staff mobility within the structure.
The development of a master’s degree based on international educational standards contributes to the development of the education system of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and brings it to the international level.
To develop the FOREST master program for the training of teachers in the FOREST direction, all partner universities of the project, including four Vietnamese and four European universities were involved.
II. THE MASTER PROGRAM
The FOREST Master’ program “Analytical Chemistry” was developed based on the original Master’s program called ‘Analytical Chemistry” by TNUS with the addition of new modules and subjects related to environment and climate change. There are 120 ECTS, of which updated disciplines taking into account the practice and were classified as common knowledge block, Basic and majoring knowledge block and Graduation thesis.
1. Title of the Master’s Program: Analytical Chemistry
Code: 8.44.01.18
2. The objectives of the Master Program:
2.1. Common objectives
Training highly-qualified scientists in the field of orientation for analytical chemistry application with abilities of independent and creative research in order to discover and solve new scientific and practical problems in the field of analytical chemistry with good moral, and political qualities for serving the people, aiming for meeting the country’s socio- economic and scientific-technological development requirements.
Training for work skills in the laboratory to perform analytical procedures that use analytical equipment according to strictly scientific methods and standards.
Providing highly- qualified and specialized human resources in Analytical Chemistry who are experts in the field of orientation for Analytical Chemistry and climate change to serve training facilities with the ability to work at factories, industrial parks, pharmaceutical and cosmetic testing centers, environmental monitoring centers, research institutes, industrial parks, departments of science and technology, etc.
2.2. Specific objectives
Objective 1: Equipping postgraduate students with basic scientific knowledge of Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry and climate change and adaptation solutions for sustainable
Objective 2: Training for high skills in the field of Analytical Chemistry and climate change to research, discover and solve practical problems.
Objective 3: Equipping for abilities to work independently, creatively, and willing to coordinate at work.
3. The Learning Outcomes of the programme:
| Symbols | Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) |
|---|---|
| Knowledge | |
| PLO1 | Apply general knowledge and foundation knowledge of Analytical Chemistry in professional work. |
| PLO2 | Apply basic disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge related to Analytical Chemistry, climate change and adaptation solutions for sustainable development. |
| Regarding skills | |
| PLO3 | Have skills in analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating data and information to come up with scientific solutions to problems. |
| PLO4 | Have skills in representing research knowledge, and discussing professional and scientific issues with researcher-mates and others. |
| PLO5 | Have skills in organizing, administering and managing advanced professional activities. |
| PLO6 | Have skills in research, development, and creative use of technologies in the field of analytical chemistry and profession. |
| PLO7 | Have proficiency in using English at work. |
| Regarding autonomy and responsibility | |
| PLO8 | Ability to research and come up with important ideas. Adaptable, self- directed, and guides others. Provide expert conclusions in the field of analytical chemistry. Manage, evaluate and improve professional activities. |
| PLO9 | Ability to set tasks for experts in related professions to participate in solving sustainable development issues in the context of climate change. |
| PLO10 | Have ethical qualities and professional attitudes in the analytical chemistry working environment. |
4. The Structure of the Master program (Modules/subjects/ECTS):
The orientation for the analytical chemistry application master’s degree training program at the University of Sciences is designed to include: common knowledge block, basic knowledge block, majoring knowledge block (including analytical chemistry, climate change and environment) and the master thesis. The common structure of the specific program framework is as follows:
Table 4.1: The general structure of the analytical chemistry master’s program
Table 4.2. List of modules/subjects of the master program
| No. | Code | Name of subject | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| I. General knowledge block (2 subjects) | 18 | ||
| 1 | MLN5501 | Philosophy | 6 |
| 2 | ENG152 | English | 12 |
| II. BASIC MAJORING KNOWLEDGE AND MAJORING BLOCK | |||
| 2.1 Basic majoring knowledge block | |||
| 2.1.1. Compulsory basic subject (5 subjects) | 30 | ||
| 3 | AIC213 | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | 6 |
| 4 | AOC213 | Advanced Organic Chemistry | 6 |
| 5 | ASC212 | Advanced Structural Chemistry | 6 |
| 6 | MPC213 | Modern Physico-chemical Methods of Analysis | 6 |
| 7 | ASM212 | Application of spectro methods in structural analysis | 6 |
| 2.1.2. Optional basis majoring subject (2/7 subjects) | 12 | ||
| 8 | ACC212 | Advanced chemistry of complex substances | 6 |
| 9 | FPA212 | Foods, Functional foods and Pharmaceuticals Analysis | 6 |
| 10 | SAC213 | Statistics in Analytical Chemistry | 6 |
| 11 | MAM212 | Material Analytical Methods | 6 |
| 12 | MRE212 | Methods of Refining and Extracting | 6 |
| 13 | SEA213 | Spectro and electro analytical methods | 6 |
| 14 | AAC313 | Advanced Analytical Chemistry | 6 |
| 2.2. Majoring knowledge block (5 subjects) | 30 | ||
| 2.2.1. Compulsory majoring subject (3 subjects) | 18 | ||
| 15 | AMC313 | Analytical Methods for Chromatography | |
| 16 | CCA213 | Climate Change and Adaptation | 6 |
| 17 | ENA313 | Environmental Analysis | 6 |
| 2.2.2. Optional majoring subject (2/9 subject) | 12 | ||
| 18 | SPT313 | Sample Preparation Techniques in Analytical Chemistry | 6 |
| 19 | MAE313 | Modern Analytical Methods of Electrochemistry | 6 |
| 20 | CEM212 | Capillary electrophoretic analytical methods | 6 |
| 21 | CSE313 | Chemical Speciation of Elements | 6 |
| 22 | SCA313 | Spectro-chemical Analysis | 6 |
| 23 | BAC212 | Biological Analysis | 6 |
| 24 | TMQL5019 | Natural resources and environment management | 6 |
| 25 | TMNL504 | Management forest for sustainable development | 6 |
| 26 | TMCT510 | Management of Solid Waste and Hazardous Waste | 6 |
| 3. Graduation Thesis | |||
| 27 | MTH491 | Master thesis | 30 |
| Total: | 120 |
5. Correlation matrix between modules and the program learning outcomes
II. THE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
The Thai Nguyen University of Sciences (TNUS) has pioneered the development of cutting-edge Low-Latency Learning (LLL) modules with a focus on content pertaining to chemistry, climate change, and pedagogical resources. These modules are disseminated through concise training sessions and seminars, as well as policy workshops. To augment its consulting, educational, and research capabilities, TNUS has inaugurated a novel structural entity: the Center of Excellence in Future-Oriented Chemistry. Situated within the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at TNUS, this center is dedicated to furnishing expertise on the utilization of chemicals, green chemistry practices, and climate change mitigation strategies tailored for Vietnam, thereby fostering evidence-based decision-making in environmental and sustainability domains. Founded in 2022, the center has served as a primary venue for chemistry students to conduct experiments and undertake research endeavors in both general and analytical chemistry domains. Additionally, it serves as an academic hub for lecturers and scientists to organize seminars and workshops addressing themes related to chemistry and climate change.