项目介绍

2026年7月20日

You will be part of the Astronomy and (astro)Physics Education Research group at the Department of Physics and Astronomy of KU Leuven.

The Astronomy and (astro)Physics Education Research group conducts research into physics and astronomy education, focussing on conceptual understanding in physics and astronomy, the interplay of mathematics and physics and metacognition in problem solving. Current and former projects include research on effects of lab instruction, research on the role of mathematics in undergraduate physics learning, integrated STEM curriculum for secondary education and astronomy learning in planetaria.

The research will be carried out in close collaboration with the Mathematics Education Research group in the Department of Mathematics, KU Leuven and CASTeL (Center for the Advancement of STEM Teaching and Learning, Dublin City University).

Website van de eenheid

Project

Using mathematics in physics requires more than the straightforward application of mathematical procedures. Despite intensive research, it is not yet well understood how students can combine physical meaning with mathematical structure. In this project we further develop our recent proposal to extend APOS theory – a framework from Mathematics Education Research – to include physics. We will refine this proposal and apply it to describe how students learn the mathematical description of physics concepts and phenomena. Based on this description, we will develop and evaluate teaching/learning materials that support students in their learning process. The ultimate goal is to better understand the learning process and the obstacles and possible scaffolds that allow us to design a learning environment that supports bridging mathematics and physics. This project fits in the ambition of LESEC and the Leuven Institute LIVO (Leuvens Instituut voor Onderwijsonderzoek) to impact on the development of evidence-based education.

Profile

Candidates must have completed a master in physics, mathematics, engineering or equivalent; have strong interest and experience in teaching, especially at university level; a grade in teacher education in mathematics or physics brings added value. Candidates should be highly motivated and interested in educational research and should have excellent communication skills in English, both oral and in writing.  Dutch knowledge is a plus.

Offer

We offer a full-time PhD student position, in an interdisciplinary environment at the borders of physics, mathematics and educational sciences.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Mieke De Cock, mail: mieke.decock@kuleuven.be.You can apply for this job no later than August 31, 2026 via the online application tool