Enhancing transversal skills: a mobile app for laboratory waste management during practical sessions in the Pharmacy Degree at the Universitat de Barcelona

The Teaching Laboratory Unit (ULD) at the University of Barcelona, which operates under an integrated Quality Management System, identified a lack of student knowledge regarding waste management in practical sessions. To address this, a free pedagogical mobile app, RESIDUS ULD-UB, was developed. The objective was to create a comprehensive and updatable list of waste disposal procedures for all chemicals and materials used in the Pharmacy Degree labs. The methodology involved creating a database of over 350 waste items, which was then reviewed by the University's Safety, Health, and Environment Office (OSSMA). The app itself was developed using Glideapps, a platform that creates interactive apps from Google Sheets, allowing for easy updates. The app has been accessible to students since September 2024 and was evaluated through surveys in representative subjects. Preliminary results indicate the app contributes to more consistent application of proper waste disposal, reduces environmental impact and costs, and enhances students' engagement with transversal learning objectives. Continuous improvement will focus on encouraging faculty to promote the app's use to fully integrate it into the ULD's management system.