Students reading for a BSc (Hons.) in Environmental Engineering at MCAST embarked on a two-day study visit to Gozo where they were exposed to the professional skills and problem-solving tools that enable them to tackle complex environmental and sustainability problems.
The two-day visit included intensive environmental sampling sessions which allowed the students to collect, analyse and evaluate data to deduce the state of different habitats and the environment, in relation to a wide array of anthropogenic activities (human activities).
Different habitats that characterise Gozo were also considered, ranging from valley systems to the seashore and from fresh water bodies to coastal waters. The activities included measuring and comparing the water quality by using in situ (on-site) and ex situ (off-site) techniques, as well as habitat mapping of both aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Besides learning and applying different sampling techniques to different real-life case studies, the students were also encouraged to suggest mitigation measures to reduce the negative impacts related to human activities. This helped students appreciate the importance of sustainable measures on a wide array of crucial ecosystem services (the direct and indirect contributions of ecosystems to human wellbeing).
The study visit offered the cohort an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts discussed in class, allowing them to develop and strengthen real-life skills that go beyond the lecture room which are also important for day-to-day professional activities in their field.
According to Cedefop, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, "Vocational education and training can play a strategic role in providing the EU with a workforce ready for the challenges laying ahead" (Cedefop, 2017). A combination of theory and practice applied to the real world makes the delivery of fundamental concepts related to the students' chosen profession more effective.
MCAST, the country's leading vocational and training institution, strives to wed theory to practice and to relate learning to real world contexts. This helps students become active inquirers, tackle complex issues, critique alternative solutions from both technical and ethical perspectives and participate with others to solve problems.
The students were accompanied by MCAST Institute of Applied Sciences lecturers Juan José Bonello, Dr Eman Calleja and Stephanie Camilleri Jones.
In the presentation, Dr Calleja reiterated the importance of green urban spaces within the urban fabric and the advantages brought about by restoring such places to sustain viable ecosystems that will then be used by many species of birds and other fauna.
This research is just one of many different applied research projects undertaken in Environmental Sciences at the Institute of Applied Sciences at MCAST.
MCAST is offering environmental programmes at levels 4, 5 and 6, which latter programmes lead to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Engineering.