Management of Hazardous Substances and Curricula Development for Environmental Sciences
(final report)

1.     Background

In Jordan, little attention is given up to now to the management of waste and hazardous substances. This holds true for the handling, storage, transport, processing of substances as well as for the treatment and final disposal of wastes. Although neglected in the past, the subject becomes more and more a crucial issue for scientists, politicians or concerned citizens as inadequate handling of waste and toxic substances effects the living conditions and health situation of many people living in Jordan.

2.     Objective of the project

3.     Form of cooperation

Cooperation was mainly based on the exchange of lecturers and students from JUST and FHBB giving special emphasis on the formation of teams and the practical application of theoretical knowledge during field works. This helped to get a better understanding of inter-cultural differences in teaching and learning and to foster communication between students from the two universities.

4.     Results achieved

·       Application of the concept of material flux analysis and evaluation of the pathways and stocks of substances containing lead in Jordan. The analysis showed that by far the biggest source of lead contamination stems from petrol followed by lead-acid batteries.

·       Detailed analysis and description of material flow at olive oil mills. Valuable options for reducing water consumption and lowering unused solid waste quantities were identified.

·       In the context of curricula development an exchange took place between lecturers from FHBB and JUST and a new draft curricula was proposed.

5.     Conclusions

The 14 months cooperation (Oct 03 – Dec 04) can be assessed as successful especially the exchange of students and the inter-cultural cooperation. It resulted in a better understanding of different learning and teaching approaches and widened the view for environmental research under different pre-conditions. The selection of a practical example, such as the material flow analysis was very much appreciated by all participants and it offered Jordanian students the possibility to apply their learned knowledge under real field conditions.

The success for a modification of the existing curricula and to incorporate new elements into the master programme on environmental sciences was hampered due to traditional administrative structures within the Jordanian academic set-up. Much more time would be needed to achieve measurable results.

Picture one: Entrance to the JUST campus in Irbid
Pictuire two: Students at work in an olive oil mill