Seven borehole cores were analysed to reconstruct the Pleistocene evolution of the Pego-Oliva Basin (Mediterranean coast, Iberian Peninsula). A total of 295 samples were recovered for amino acid racemization (AAR) dating, and 77 samples for sedimentological, palaeontological and biomarker determination, with two objectives: (1) to establish a chronological framework (especially for Middle Pleistocene); and (2) to obtain data on the palaeoenvironment.AAR proved that the record covers approximately 650 ka in which no important hiatuses occurred, although minor ones cannot be discarded. AAR provided valuable information on differential subsidence rates, and Marine Isotope Stages (MISs) 15–1 were identified.Litho- and biofacies allowed the identification of distinct palaeoenvironments through time, with the constant presence of a marsh/lagoonal environment with brackish or saline water with continental or marine influence. Remains of marine molluscs allowed the determination of periods of highstand sea level. Biomarkers indicated a constant input from terrestrial plants, and allowed definitions of periods with variable water mass and environmental moisture. As in other Mediterranean littoral areas, facies with a marine influence occurred mainly during odd MISs, indicating periods of highstand sea level. In contrast, alluvial-fan progradation and continental brackish wetlands developed during even MISs.

Technical University of Madrid, within the Spanish context, has profited of the introduction of a System of Internal Quality Assurance to build a road on the grounds of previous work on the culture of ethics in engineering. This way may drive the students training to incorporate in their curricula instruments leading to the recognition and acquisition of social responsibility. The road is paved with various educational elements, either mandatory such as the Mentoring project (aiming to minimize the gap in the transit between high school and university from a logistical point of view), or optional such a set of three: Monitoring (a system of academic support for improving the performance of in the students in their learning outcomes when face difficulties), Service Learning and Social Entrepreneurship, Ethics and Values in Engineering. This strategy combined with the convergence to the European Higher Education Area allows the selection of students able to integrate in their professional assets the idea and the commitment of making the human development more sustainable.

Energy supply and security is a topic that connects geoscience and ethics to economic, social and sustainable development. It also involves a wide range of interests and social actors

Here we present new teaching and learning approaches, and student assignments implemented in subjects related to Geology at the Madrid School of Mines. The main objective is to bring the geological aspects of Nature to students through the use of new technologies, using individual and group techniques. These new approaches have produced an increase in motivation and acquisition of geological knowledge on the part of students, accompanied by an improvement in grades.

Technical University of Madrid, within the Spanish context, has profited of the introduction of a System of Internal Quality Assurance to build a road on the grounds of previous work on the culture of ethics in engineering. This way may drive the students training to incorporate in their curricula instruments leading to the recognition and acquisition of social responsibility. The road is paved with various educational elements, either mandatory such as the Mentoring project (aiming to minimize the gap in the transit between high school and university from a logistical point of view), or optional such a set of three: Monitoring (a system of academic support for improving the performance of in the students in their learning outcomes when face difficulties), Service Learning and Social Entrepreneurship, Ethics and Values in Engineering. This strategy combined with the convergence to the European Higher Education Area allows the selection of students able to integrate in their professional assets the idea and the commitment of making the human development more sustainable.