Development of the Erasmus+ blended learning training module 'Marawas: management of radioactive waste'

Abstract

The Erasmus project ‘Blended learning in radioecology and radiation protection’ started in sept 2015 with 7 academic partners from the CHERNE (Cooperation for Higher Education on Radiological and Nuclear Engineering) network in collaboration with a regulatory body and research institute. The total project consists of the development of 12 ECTS ‘distance’ learning activities offered in 6 modules on the project platform and the organisation of 12 ECTS ‘mobility’ training activities offered in 6 themes. In the framework of this Erasmus+ project UHasselt (Diepenbeek, Belgium) organised a training school in Management of Radioactive Waste ‘MaRaWas’ in November 2016. Twenty students, 3th bachelor and master in nuclear engineering of six project partners, registered for this course. The module comprised a five days training module with lectures, experimental sessions, technical visits and a round table discussion dealing with radioactive waste in different aspects and contexts. Pre-training and tasks were offered using a separate module on the blended learning platform of the project in order to distribute a study guide and background course material, subjects for groups tasks and practical information. The enrolled students were divided in groups of 4 students of at least 3 different nationalities. Next to the specialised radioactive waste management skills, communication, collaboration, networking and team building between students with different backgrounds in knowledge, skills and competences were hereby achieved.