Sustainability Courses
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Sustainability
Environmental Science and Sustainability Students in Environmental Science and Sustainability have an interest in science and environmental issues. The degree concentrates on topics involving environmental sustainability, an established ideology that promotes environmentally-conscious living and development. Courses will discuss local and global environmental topics from a social, political, economic and ethical perspective, giving students the necessary comprehensive approach in dealing with the UAE’s complex environmental challenges. This is driven by the changing 21st century landscape, where climate change, the need for efficient use of limited natural resources including energy and water, biodiversity loss, and deteriorating living conditions involving transportation, food safety, health and other issues demand environmentally friendly solutions. Courses will impart knowledge and skills in all basic sciences, and research, as well as the analysis of environmental and sustainability problems, and the development of strategies to address these.
The study of the environment requires a solid understanding of the sciences, and this preparation could be used for graduate medical studies as students will be able to achieve all requirements for pre-med, provided that the elective outside the program is a psychology course. Career paths are therefore flexible and can either lead to environmental careers, or to graduate studies such as medicine, or any other discipline which requires solid scientific preparation. Careers in environmental science include environmental protection, environmental management, sustainable technologies, environmental health, environmental science, sustainability science, or energy science.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
1. Conceptual Knowledge:
The student will understand the fundamental principles of the natural sciences and their application to environmental issues including environmental sustainability, health, waste management, biodiversity conservation, environmental hazards, energy and earth systems.
2. Communication Skills:
The student will explain environmental science and sustainability concepts using the related terminology in context, and will formulate content using advanced written, oral and visual communication skills.
3. Problem Solving & Critical Thinking:
The student will critically assess the information from various sources to develop logical and coherent arguments and evaluate practical and sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
4. Research Skills:
The student will demonstrate a strong understanding of scientific methods and approaches to collect and analyze scientific data and will apply this knowledge using scientific tools and techniques during practical field and laboratory exercises.
5. Environmental Awareness & Responsibility:
The student will demonstrate a wide appreciation of modern environmental issues at both local and global scales and will incorporate sociocultural norms while taking on professional responsibilities in environmental stewardship.
6. Practical and Professional Engagement:
The student will develop skills to operate professionally, ethically and autonomously in the workplace, whether as individuals, as part of a larger team, or as the leader of a team.
Bachelor of Science in Sustainability
Students who major in Sustainability study the science behind the impact of human activities on the environment, and learn to develop sustainability solutions through the application of new technologies, business strategy, and social policy.
In the BS in Sustainability program students will take courses that provide in-depth disciplinary knowledge and skills in the interdisciplinary field of Sustainability, as well as electives from courses offered in other programs. In addition, students will complete an internship and an independent Capstone project. In semester 6 and 7, students will have the opportunity to choose a concentration to specialize in one of the three pillars of Sustainability (economy, society or environment).
Specializations
• Concentration in Sustainable Enterprise
• Concentration in Sustainable Policy
• Concentration in Sustainable Environments
Program Goals
1. To educate students with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to address the interconnected global challenges of Sustainability, including climate change, environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, poverty and inequality.
2. To provide our students with a solid understanding of the ethical principles of sustainability and how they are connected to practical issues of social justice, and environmental-economic equity.
3. To enable our students with the capacity to address the national and international environmental, societal and economic challenges facing us in the 21st century.
4. For our students to have a grounded understanding of how the 3 pillars of sustainability are interrelated, and be able to use this knowledge in systems thinking for research and for practical problem-solving.
5. To give our students the experience of working in an interdisciplinary way and to have the capability to work productively and effectively within cross-disciplinary teams.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
1. Conceptual Knowledge: Apply the principles of sustainability in various environmental, social and economic contexts. (Level 7 of QFE: Knowledge)
2. Communication Skills: Communicate confidently and effectively on the subject of sustainability using advanced written, oral and visual communication skills. (Level 7 of QFE: Skills, Autonomy and responsibility)
3. Problem Solving & Critical Thinking: Assess information from various sources to develop logical arguments for practical and sustainable solutions to environmental problems. (Level 7 of QFE: Knowledge, Skills, Autonomy and responsibility)
4. Research Skills: Apply scientific methods and tools to collect and analyze data on real world problems relating to sustainability. (Level 7 of QFE: Knowledge, Skills, Autonomy and responsibility)
5. Environmental Awareness and Responsibility: Analyze contemporary environmental issues at both local and global scales and incorporate socio-cultural norms while taking on professional responsibilities in environmental stewardship. (Level 7 of QFE: Autonomy and responsibility, Role in context, Self-development)
6. Practical and Professional Engagement: Operate professionally, ethically and autonomously in the workplace as individuals or as part of a team, or as the leader of a team. (Level 7 of QFE: Autonomy and responsibility, Role in context, Self-development)
Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability Sciences
The Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability Sciences program prepares students with the expertise, knowledge and skills to analyze and advise on the implementation of an environmental management system or improve the environmental performance of almost any organization.
Studens will study a wide array of research areas including water sustainability, green technologies, climate change, sustainability planning and management, remote sensing and GIS, biodiversity and conservation, ecosystem functions, and circular economy.
Professional Outcomes
Upper-level management and other career opportunities with organizations ranging from government resource management and regulatory agencies, non-governmental organizations, conservation organizations, and environmental consulting firms to almost any industry including chemistry, engineering, logistics, and transportation will continue to emerge in the years ahead.
Possible career choices include:
• Environmental Scientist or Specialist
• Environmental Compliance Manager
• Environmental Planner
• Environmental Policy Manager
• Environmental Engineer
• Environmental Director
• Environmental Consultant
• Environmental Field Supervisor
• Environmental Legal Expert
• Nature Conservation Manager
• Environmental Auditor
• Occupational Health and Safety Officer
• Risk Management Officer
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability Sciences program, students will be able to:
Knowledge and Practice
a. Develop an advanced understanding of ecosystem and the features to maintain it.
b. Recognize the role of human activities in shaping the natural environment and identify management and governance strategies for minimizing negative impacts and enhancing positive impacts.
c. Formulate solutions to complex environmental issues.
Critical Thinking
a. Evaluate information and apply advanced knowledge to recommend strategies that address environmental problems in the UAE.
b. Show critical appreciation and ability to link sustainability, natural sciences, social, cultural, and ethical issues in relation to environmental practices and management.
Communication
a. Prepare and effectively convey information and knowledge on environmental health and sustainability issues in a variety of formats.
b. To be able to effectively communicate with professionals, labor, industry and general public, and the media.
c. Synthesize information from multiple perspectives and reconcile a cohesive viewpoint that can be delivered to a variety of stakeholders.
Professionalism, Autonomy and Leadership
a. Work professionally and ethically across different sectors, disciplines and institutional levels.
b. Continuously examine and critically reflect on own practice and values and adjust them accordingly.
Research
a. Design studies that apply appropriate quantitative tools and analytical methods to conduct research in environmental sciences and sustainability.
b. Continuously review recent developments and new knowledge to determine appropriate use of data for problem identification and resolution.
c. Evaluate the integrity and comparability of data used in environmental studies.
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