Work package 3: Development of a harmonised curriculum

Activities

Activity 3.1 Selecting best suitable materials

The materials that have been collected in activity 2.1 and the report thereof (deliverable 2.1) will be used as a starting point for selecting the best suitable training materials and methods for the purpose of creating a harmonised training curriculum. Selection criteria will include at least:

• variety, since we intend to cover preparedness and protection requirements common to all letters of C, B and RN as well as those specific to individual letters;
• suitability, we want to serve the needs of specific groups of CBRN first responders; and
• quality, which will be assessed both based on the consortium’s professional’s expertise and by taking into account recommended or highly regarded training aspects by professionals in the field.

Activity 3.2 Completing the identified gaps

This activity will ensure that the gaps as defined in deliverable 2.3 are filled in the harmonised training materials. The needs and wishes of practitioners (described in deliverable 2.2) are also taken into account to create a comprehensive curriculum that meets the learning requirements of CBRN first responders in general, but also individual participants’ needs. Pedagogical aspects as well as issues of feasibility for the intended target groups will therefore be integrated in our work.

Activity 3.3 Harmonising training materials

After completing the gaps in the selection of best suitable, already existing training materials, we will merge our findings into a novel and comprehensive programme that unites and complements existing courses. In agreement with their respective owners, the existing training courses and materials will be integrated as much as possible. This activity will lead to a harmonised training curriculum, which could be implemented on a European level and provide guidance to CBRN first responders’ education.

Activity 3.4 Drafting training guideline

Teaching methodology and format will also be covered. A training concept of promising value has been developed at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, as was exemplified by their International Master Courses in Protection Against CBRNe Events recently receiving an OPCW Award. This programme adopts a modular and multidisciplinary approach and has an underlying learning concept that comprises different steps of increasing intensity. The first part focuses on creating a shared understanding of CBRNe subjects, and a common CBRNe vocabulary among participants with different educational and professional backgrounds.

This project builds on a similar concept, including three consecutive steps:

1. theoretical knowledge, including practical aspects;
2. table top exercise/scenario training; and
3. field exercises, divided into a number of modules.

The training guideline will describe the set-up of the curriculum, explain the modular approach, including learning objectives per module, and suggests session contents amongst others. It can be used as a guideline for deploying (aspects of) the curriculum. It also serves as input for WP4.

Deliverables