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Educating Professionals to Develop Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) as Infrastructure for Water Pollution Control: A Course Proposal

Author

Listed:
  • Ismael Vera-Puerto

    (Centro de Innovación en Ingeniería Aplicada (CIIA), Facultad de Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Universidad Católica del Maule, Av. San Miguel 3605, Talca 3460000, Chile
    Departamento de Obras Civiles, Facultad de Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Universidad Católica del Maule, Av. San Miguel 3605, Talca 3460000, Chile)

  • Hugo Valdés

    (Centro de Innovación en Ingeniería Aplicada (CIIA), Facultad de Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Universidad Católica del Maule, Av. San Miguel 3605, Talca 3460000, Chile
    Departamento de Computación e Industrias, Facultad de Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Universidad Católica del Maule, Av. San Miguel 3605, Talca 3460000, Chile)

  • Luis Laurens-Arredondo

    (Centro de Innovación en Ingeniería Aplicada (CIIA), Facultad de Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Universidad Católica del Maule, Av. San Miguel 3605, Talca 3460000, Chile
    Departamento de Computación e Industrias, Facultad de Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Universidad Católica del Maule, Av. San Miguel 3605, Talca 3460000, Chile)

  • Xaviera López-Cortés

    (Centro de Innovación en Ingeniería Aplicada (CIIA), Facultad de Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Universidad Católica del Maule, Av. San Miguel 3605, Talca 3460000, Chile
    Departamento de Computación e Industrias, Facultad de Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Universidad Católica del Maule, Av. San Miguel 3605, Talca 3460000, Chile)

  • Marco Quiroz

    (Departamento de Obras Civiles, Facultad de Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Universidad Católica del Maule, Av. San Miguel 3605, Talca 3460000, Chile)

  • Carmen Hernández-Crespo

    (Instituto de Ingeniería del Agua y Medio Ambiente, Universitat Politècnica de València, Cno. de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

  • Marisol Belmonte

    (Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Medio Ambiente e Ingeniería (LabMaI), Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Playa Ancha, Valparaíso 2360072, Chile)

  • José Luis Campos

    (Faculty of Engineering and Sciences, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Av. Diagonal Las Torres 2640, Santiago 7941169, Chile)

  • Miguel Martín-Monerris

    (Instituto de Ingeniería del Agua y Medio Ambiente, Universitat Politècnica de València, Cno. de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

  • Rosa Miglio

    (Departamento de Ordenamiento Territorial y Construcción, Facultad de Ingeniería Agrícola, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Av. La Molina s/n, Lima 15024, Peru)

  • Pascal Molle

    (INRAE–REVERSAAL Research Unit, 5 Rue de la Doua, 69100 Villeurbanne, France)

  • Carlos A. Arias

    (Department of Biology-Aquatic Biology, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 1, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
    WATEC Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology, Aarhus University, Vejlsøvej 25, Silkeborg, 8600 Aarhus, Denmark)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to design a university-level course focused on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for water pollution control. The work unfolded in three phases: the initial planning, course delivery, and assessment of learning outcomes. In the planning phase, a set of competencies was outlined using the Developing a Curriculum Method (DACUM), resulting in defined learning outcomes and a structured course outline. Subsequently, the course was conducted over a two-week period, employing a hybrid format including both online and in-person sessions. The assessments of the learning outcomes included one test, an assignment, a satisfaction survey, and the post-course feedback. As a result of the planning phase, four competencies, seven learning outcomes and four course units were defined. The participant cohort encompassed a diverse group of 50 individuals, including undergraduate and postgraduate students, professionals working in industry and institutions, and professors. The assessment of the learning outcomes showed good results. However, issues regarding the mathematical calculations and field-trip experience were noted, suggesting areas for course enhancement. The participants expressed high satisfaction levels across the various course components. Notably, 70% of the participants indicated the application of the acquired knowledge in their professional endeavors. These findings underscore the successful implementation of the course, establishing it as a pioneering university-level program in NBS for water pollution control.

Suggested Citation

  • Ismael Vera-Puerto & Hugo Valdés & Luis Laurens-Arredondo & Xaviera López-Cortés & Marco Quiroz & Carmen Hernández-Crespo & Marisol Belmonte & José Luis Campos & Miguel Martín-Monerris & Rosa Miglio &, 2024. "Educating Professionals to Develop Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) as Infrastructure for Water Pollution Control: A Course Proposal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:16:p:7199-:d:1461262
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Richard G. Little, 2024. "From the Editor," Journal of Critical Infrastructure Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 5(1), pages 6-8, July.
    2. Jan Vymazal, 2022. "The Historical Development of Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-29, January.
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