Project-based course in experimental physics. Simulation of a real-life R and D program

Since 2004 the Applied Optics course of the Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa (FCT/UNL) has a blended- learning format. In the academic year 2007/2008 we implemented a constructivist teaching-learning instructional design, based on collaborative activities simulating real-life R&D projects. At the end of the course we surveyed students’ opinion through an anonymous questionnaire and we interviewed the professors. On the whole their reactions were very positive, even though both students and professors pointed out some critical aspects. In this paper we describe the course and we analyse the results of the surveys.