Description
The aim of the project is preparation of the pioneering and innovative national “GeoRISK” degree course. The result will be education of experts in natural catastrophes related to climate change, systems of emergency management and environmental risks, including risks ones caused by environmental degradation. The result will be achieved through completion of detailed aims, i.e. preparation of bilingual syllabus with an applied/practical part, promotion of the degree course and of the idea of sustainable management in EEA. The need for such a degree course stems from escalation of geo-risks together with a shortage of experts in the field. Foreseen benefits of the project include: development of a prototype of course together with good practices for other universities, reducing shortages of geo-risk experts on the job market, improvement of environmental safety. The project is not conducted in a partnership.
Summary of project results
All aims of the project were completed, among them the main goal of preparing an innovative degree course on geohazards (the first of its kind in Poland). The need for such a course comes from current escalation of geohazards threatening people and infrastructure. At the same time there is a shortage of experts in the field of natural catastrophes related to climate change, systems of emergency management and environmental hazards. The expected long-term benefits of the project is a reduced shortage of geohazard experts on the job market and thus improvement of environmental safety. In the acadamic year 2015/2016 over 100 people applied to attend a first degree, engineering course on "Geohazard Engineering". In 2019 the group is expected to graduate with an engineer degree. As a main project output we have developed a modern, innovative degree course focused on applied, engineering aspects of geohazards. As part of the course, first year students are working on real-life examples of geohazards (projects) forcing them to solve actual issues related to natural disasters. Thus future graduates will be competitive at the job market in Poland and abroad. The other main output delivered in the project is an extensive promotion of newly opened engineering degree course and creating its image as brand with positive and stable recognizability. There is a large interest for the newly opened degree course among high-school graduates, making it possible to expand the effects of the project and continue beyond the funding period. The main beneficiaries of the project are: (a) high-school graduates interested in studying and working in the Earth sciences sector and (b) University of Silesia, Faculty of Earth Sciences. For the high-school graduates we delivered a new offer of an engineering degree course providing attractive education in Earth Sciences, with knowledge and skills desired at the job market. For the University of Silesia a modern engineering degree course attractive for future students with programme focused on practical aspects of Earth sciences was delivered, accompanied by modern computer laboratory. The project stimulated university teachers to share their skills, applied knowledge and professional experience with students to a wider degree than it was done before.
Summary of bilateral results