AN INNOVATIVE FIELD COURSE: SUCCESS AND CHALLENGES

A new, field-intensive course titled “EnvSci 310: Field Experience in Waste Management” was introduced in 2005 primarily to fulfill the requirements for a new certificate program in waste management at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). However, as it turned out, about 30% of students who sign up for this course are non-geoscience majors and come from various departments and schools, including humanities, social sciences, fine arts, business, and civil engineering, etc. Students get a first-hand knowledge and experience in various waste management issues that include solid and hazardous waste disposal; recycling; contaminated site remediation; wastewater treatment, alternative energy and sustainability; and waste-to-energy projects. The three-credit course is offered over a two-week period in summer, runs 8-5 and requires an overnight trip.

UMKC is an urban university and with the average student aged 26 years, and majority working full- time during the summer, students find it very difficult to take time off from work and family for two full weeks. Despite this constraint and rigor of the course, students have been extremely satisfied with the exceptional learning opportunity afforded by direct observation of key environmental problems and their solutions. Details of the course, logistics, students’ perception, along with challenges and benefits are discussed in the presentation.