The Long Lines
Since the establishment of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MN) in 1859, the University of Oslo has had strong studies in natural sciences, mathematics and eventually in technology. Developments over the past 20 years, which to some extent started with the Quality Reform of 2003, have in different ways changed all education in mathematics, natural sciences and technology at the University of Oslo. Our education is known as internationally leading, especially when it comes to integrating computational perspectives.
Culture for Learning
The last major reform, at both undergraduate and graduate levels, was implemented from 2014 to 2018. This reform, which was much about modernizing the academic content, was the first phase of the major InterAct project ("Culture for learning") (LENKE ). The InterAct project has continued its work after this reorganization and today it is particularly focusing on developing teaching with student active learning forms. This coincides with the ongoing development of academic content, both on program and course level. New structural solutions are also being used so that education in mathematics, natural sciences and technology can be used to a greater extent than it is in today's lifelong learning processes.
Systematic Work in the Long Term Perspective
An important reason why we have succeeded in the development of education in mathematics, natural sciences and technology lies in the comprehensive and thorough work of writing a strategy for education in 2011. In this work, the vision "our graduates will succeed academically and professionally" arose – a vision that has guided and still governs the work of education at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Oslo.
Increased Interest in Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology
In 2013, the University of Oslo had 1.57 (= 1914/1214) first-choice applicants for studies in mathematics, natural sciences and technology (only in Norwegian). This was almost 30 percent higher than in 2010. In 2020, these studies have 2.22 (= 3058/1378) first-choice applicants. The increase in the number of study places from 2013 to 2020 has mainly been in informatics. This development shows that there are more than twice as many first-choice applicants for our studies in 2020 than it was in 2010. The growth of applicants to mathematics, natural sciences and technology at our university is far beyond the growth nationwide.
Why have studies at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MN) become so much more popular over the last ten years? There are many reasons, but here's what I think are the main reasons for this development;
- Over the past ten years, MN has had a comprehensive focus on the learning environment, well-being, mastery of studies and study life. An important piece of this work has been ForVei and a systematic follow-up of the students. The effect of this initiative aimed at our students has gradually become well known among applicants and study surveys and shows that our efforts has been successful.
- Systematic development and implementation of school visits. This is perhaps the single most important reason that makes potential applicants aware of the University of Oslo. This is an area we can develop even further.
- Excellent online study websites with concise and accurate information for applicants. Applicants states that this is their most important source of information.
- Systematic promotion of high-quality studies aimed at applicants, including the launch of important new study programs such as the Honours Programme (only in Norwegian) and Informatics: Digital Economics and Leadership (only in Norwegian).
- Systematic promotion of high quality research through various channels, including the Science Library and Titan.uio.no. Although this does not directly affect the interest among applicants for the bachelor's programs, there are reasons to believe that this effort will contribute over time to greater visibility of our studies in mathematics, natural sciences and technology in the public.
- There are indications that being situated in Norway´s capital for the past ten years have had a positive effect on the number of applicants.
Although the number of applicants has been highest in technology studies, we have also seen growth in the classic science studies throughout the past ten years.
From Undergraduate to Graduate
So far, I have only commented on applications for undergraduate programs in this article. We are, if possible, even more pleased with the number of applicants to our graduate programs. The five-year Pharmaceuticals education at MN has always had plenty of applicants, but the most gratifying aspect is that there is a large number of applications for master's programs in the entire width of mathematics, natural sciences and technology at the University. This is ppromising for future research and our society. Norway needs graduates with solid education in natural sciences, technology and mathematics.