Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Academic Year

Transcription

1 Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Academic Year Page 1 1 NRE: AN OVERVIEW The vast areas in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC) is fragile ecosystems with very limited renewable natural resources. Since the 1950s, GCC countries depend mainly on producing and exporting oil and natural gas. As a result, GCC countries experienced unprecedented rapid rates of economic and social that threaten the integrity of the region s ecosystems and the sustainability of its natural resources. It is, therefore, of paramount importance for the region to develop long-term solutions for the emerging environmental problems based on sound scientific grounds and innovative techniques and adopting integrated planning and management approaches of these resources to ensure their sustainability. The optimal use of these resources will undoubtedly lead to their sustainable development and will benefit current generations without compromising the rights of future generations. Within this context, GCC countries have placed water, energy, food, environmental sustainability, and climate change as top priority issues in their future working agenda towards achieving sustainable development (Abu Dhabi 2010 Declaration, 31st GCC Leaders Summit, December 13 th ). AGU is a regional GCC Institute. Within its mandate, AGU responded to the above issues by making them a core focus area of teaching and research. Hence, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment through its various programs; environmental sciences, natural resources, environmental management, water resource management and hydrogeology, and desert farming techniques and soilless agriculture are emphasizing these disciplines in an interdisciplinary educational and research track embedded in its programs. NRE consists of the following four programs: 1. Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources 2. Environmental Management 3. Water Resources Management and Hydrogeology 4. Desert Farming Techniques and Soilless Agriculture NRE offers the following degrees: 1. Diploma in Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources 2. Diploma in Environmental Management 3. Diploma in Water Resources Management 4. Diploma in Hydrogeology 5. Diploma in Desert Farming Techniques and Soilless Agriculture 6. Masters of Sciences in Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources 7. Masters of Sciences in Environmental Management

2 8. Masters of Science in Water Resources Management 9. Master of Science in Hydrogeology 10. Master of Science in Desert Farming Techniques and Soilless Agriculture 11. Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Sciences & Natural Resources: A. Specializing in Environment & Natural Resources B. Specializing in Water Resources Management Page DEPARTMENT PRESENTATION VISION The Department of Natural Resources and Environment will be recognized for excellence in education, research, and community services that focus on the sciences and management of natural and environmental resources at the regional and international levels MISSION The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is striving to offer a unique curriculum of study, research and community services in the fields of water resources development and management, agricultural resources management, and environmental sciences and management OVERALL AIM The overall goal of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment is to build the capacity of students/graduates to respond effectively to increasing demands for professionals in the fields of natural resources management and environmental management. 1.2 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The applicant must be a citizen of one of the GCC countries. Applicants from other Arab countries, who are residents of any country, can apply and might be accepted in case of available positions. Applicants from GCC countries should submit his/her nomination from Ministries of Education in his/her country. Citizens of other Arab countries, who are residents of any GCC country, can submit their applications directly to admission office at AGU. The applicant has to meet all requirements of the department, and pass any tests and interviews that the academic program requires. S/He must pass the medical exam, and submit a certificate of decent behavior from his/her competent authority in his/her country ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS Diploma in Graduate Studies and MSc. degrees Applicants must have concluded their undergraduate studies at an AGU recognized institution her/his Grade Point Average (GPA) should be 2.0 or more on a scale of 4.0 or the equivalent of

3 (very good). To apply directly to the MSc. The program, the applicant must have a GPA of 3.0 or more on a scale of 4.0 or the equivalent of (very good). Those holding Diploma from a program can apply for MSc degree in case their GPA is 3.0 or more. The applicant should hold a degree in the following specializations: BSc and/or MSc degree in natural sciences, engineering and technology, and agricultural sciences. BA and/or MA in social sciences in the related fields of the programs of the department In all cases, the Academic Committee of NRE must approve the application to join the MSc Degree. Page LEARNING OUTCOMES Graduates of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment will be able to: Use and analyze various knowledge sources. Link system components and logic inference of its mechanism of work. Apply critical thinking in analyses and syntheses of solutions to environmental problems. Utilize technologies in solving problems related to human-environment and natural resources. Design and execute research in the field of study. Effectively utilize communication skills and lead work in groups. Demonstrate professional collaborative work experience and continuous learning. 1.4 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS DIPLOMA AND MASTERS OF SCIENCES Unless specifically under the requirements of the program, the general requirements for graduation is to complete a minimum of 28 credit hours for Diploma (24 credit hours of course work and 4 credits for Diploma Project); and 36 credit hours for MSc degree (28 credit hours of course work and 8 credit hours for MSc thesis). Duration of study is expected to be between 3-4 years. The equivalent of at least two semesters of full-time residency is required. Note: Graduate credit earned at other recognized institutions by AGU may be counted toward the requirements for this degree according to AGU regulations 2 PROGRAMS OF NRE 2.1 WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND HYDROGEOLOGY Currently, the water challenge is among the primary and most critical challenges facing the GCC countries. It is expected to grow with time due to the scarcity of natural freshwater resources and the substantial financial and economic burden to be borne in the provision of non-conventional water resources (represented mainly by desalination and treated wastewater), and due to the

4 direct links between water and the accelerating socioeconomic development efforts in these countries. Furthermore, the water challenge has multiple nexuses with the various development sectors, such as water and human health, water and environment, water and food, water and energy, and many other interdependencies, which carry within them many crosscutting issues of social, economic, legal, technical, security and political nature. All of these nexuses, interdependencies and crosscutting issues need to be addressed if efficient and sustainable water resources management required to be achieved. Page 4 The Water Resources Management Program and Hydrogeology Program aim at conducting research which emphasizes an integrated water resources management approach that considers quantity and quality of resources, their spatial distribution, the interests of users in the different economic sectors, the institutional arrangements, and the formulation of national/regional objectives within existing constraints; and the use and application of modern technological tools including simulation modeling, GIS, RS, DB, DSS in the assessment, development, management and planning of water resources. Both programs aim to take a leading role in contributing to the efforts of the GCC countries in achieving a sustainable and efficient water resource management system as an input to sustainable development in the region, through education, applied research, and training, by bridging the scientific and technological gap for the nationals of the GCC working in the field of water resources development, management, and planning OBJECTIVES Water Resources Management Program Advancement of specialists in the field of "Water Resources Management and Planning" through Diploma, MSc. and Ph.D. Degrees. Capacity building and enhancement of skills of those interested in the field of sustainable development and conservation of arid zones, conventional and non-conventional water resources through specialized training courses, as well as making its regular courses available to GCC professionals under continuing education. Conducting research and collaborating with national, regional, and international institutes and organizations to solve the problems and constraints facing conservation and development of arid zones water resources. Hydrogeology Program Preparation of specialists in the field of Hydrogeology and groundwater management through Higher Diploma and Masters Degrees. Capacity building and development of the skills of the GCC professionals working in the area of groundwater development and management through the provision of specialized short training courses and workshops, as well as making its regular courses available to GCC professionals under continuing education. Conducting research activities and collaborating with national, regional and international research institutes, universities, and organizations to address the problems and constraints facing the development and management of groundwater resources in the region.

5 2.1.2 AUDIENCE OF THE PROGRAM The WRM Program is designed for water professionals working in the field of water planning and management in various government agencies. The Hydrogeology Program is designed for water professionals working in the field of development and management of conventional water resources (groundwater and surface water). Graduate students who wish to pursue their studies in the field of water resources management and hydrogeology are also encouraged to join the programs. Page RESEARCH AREAS Impact of climate change on water resources in the GCC countries Use of Simulation Models in Groundwater Resources Management in the GCC Countries Sustainability of Water Resources Management Systems within IWRM Framework Systems within IWRM framework Management of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus STUDY PLAN SEMESTE COURSE CODE DIPLOMA MASTER HYDROGEOLOGY R MASTER (NON- IWRM DIPLOMA (IWRM DIPLOMA GRADUATES WITH >80%) CREDIT HOURS. CREDIT HOURS DIPLOMA CREDIT MASTERS CREDIT HOURS HOURS 1 DEPARTMENT CORE COURSES PROGRAM CORE COURSES PROGRAM ELECTIVE COURSES SUPPORTIVE COURSES 2 or 3 2 or TOTAL DEPARTMENT AND PROGRAM 13 or or

6 CREDIT HOURS FOR SEMESTER 1 2 DEPARTMENT CORE COURSES PROGRAM SPECIALIZED COURSES Page 6 ELECTIVE COURSES SUPPORTIVE COURSES 3 7 Diploma Project Master thesis TOTAL DEPARTMENT AND PROGRAM CREDIT HOURS FOR SEMESTER 2 TOTAL DEPARTMENT AND PROGRAM CREDIT HOURS FOR THE FIRST YEAR DEPARTMENT CORE COURSES 3 PROGRAM SPECIALIZED COURSES TOTAL SPECIALIZED CORE COURSES or or SUPPORTIVE COURSES Based on student s program recommendation, the student can attend courses at the Department of Geoinformatics in GIS, RS, and DB. The student can attend courses on climate change course; and other relevant courses from other programs/departments Notes: 5*9 and 6*9 Refer to; Lab, Field and Case Studies (not to exceed 4 Credit hours of total credit hours taken towards the degree). It can be registered as 519, 529, 539, 549, 619, 629, 639, and Agricultural water management track students to take2-3 hrs. of related courses from other programs/department

7 534 Environmental track students take 2-3hrs. of related courses from other programs/departments COURSE REQUIREMENTS NRE Courses Course Title Course No. Diplom a/maste r (non- IWRM Diplom a) Masters (IWRM diploma graduat es with >80%) Hydrog eology Progra m (diplom a) Hydrog eology (Master s) Page 7 English Language Computer Applications GSTS 502 GSTS Islamic Culture GS Scientific Writing GSTS Total hours of Department Courses Specialized Program Core Courses Water Resources Development and Management in Arid Regions NRE Exempte d * 2 2 Integrated Water Resources 3 Exempte - -

8 Management 535 d * Natural Resources and Environmental Economics Environmental Impact Assessment NRE NRE Page 8 Quantitative Analysis Hydrochemistry and Groundwater pollution 520 NREHG Total Specialized core course hours Specialized Elective Courses Quantitative Hydrogeology Urban Environment System Design of Irrigation and Drainage Systems Water, Environment and Ecosystem Seminar Lab and Field Case Studies NREHG 530 NREES NREES *

9 Total Specialized Elective Course hours Supporting Courses (WRM students to select 1, HYDR students to select 2) Geographic Information Systems GEOGR Page 9 Remote Sensing Geostatistics analysis GEOGR 532 GEOGR Total Supporting course hours 2 or 3 2 or Total Hours for First Semester 13 or or Second Semester (First Year) Department Core Courses Course Title Course No. Diploma /Master (non- IWRM Diploma ) Masters (IWRM diplom a graduat es with >80%) Hydrogeo logy Program (diploma) Hydroge ology (Masters ) Research methods GSTS

10 Total hours of Department Courses Page 10 Specialized Core Courses (all students in WR Program) Course Title Course No. Diplom a/ Master (non- IWRM diploma ) Masters (IWRM diploma graduat es with >80%) Hydrogeo logy Program (diploma) Hydroge ology Program (masters) Water Resources Planning & Management Environmental Impact Assessment NRE Project Management Total Core Course hours * Was 520, now becomes under NRE Specialized Elective Courses Groundwater Flow NREHG and Contaminant

11 Transport Modeling Integrated Groundwater Resources Management NREHG Page 11 Urban Water Management Urban water management track students take 2-3 hrs. related courses from other programs/ departments 2 Management of Irrigation and Drainage systems Agricultural water management track students to take2-3 hrs. related courses from other programs/ departments 2 Water Quality Management

12 Environmental track students take 2-3hrs. related courses from other programs/ departments 2 Page 12 Lab and Field Case Studies 6*9 Total Specialized Elective course hours Supporting Courses To take any course(s) from the program s of the NRE departme nt and other departme nts equivale nt to 3 credit hours* To take any courses from the program s of the NRE departme nt and other departme nts equivale nt to 7 credit hours* Total supporting course hours 3 7

13 * based on program recommendations Diploma Project Diploma Project 540/NR EHG Page 13 Masters Thesis Thesis (Equivalent to 8hrs.) Second Semester Total Course Hours Diploma Project WR Master Thesis Total Hours for Second Semester Total Hours for First Year 28 or or Third Semester (Second Year) Specialized core courses Course Name Course Number Diplom a/ Master Masters (IWRM diploma Hydroge ology Program Hydroge ology Program

14 (non- IWRM diploma ) graduat es with >80%) (Diplom a) (Masters ) Page 14 Natural Resources and Environmental Economics NRE Water Resources Planning & Management Total Specialized core Courses hours 5 Specialized and supporting courses Course Name Course Number Diplom a/ Master (non- IWRM diploma ) Masters (IWRM diploma graduat es with >80%) Hydroge ology Program (Diplom a) Hydroge ology Program (Masters ) Geoinformatics Department Courses in GIS, RS, and DB; Climate change course; and Other relevant courses Availab le for these students Availab le for these students Availabl e for these students Availabl e for these students

15 from programs/departmen ts* Lab and Field Case Studies 6*9 - Page 15 Total Specialized Elective course hours - 4-5*9 and 6*9 Refer to; Lab, Field and Case Studies (not to exceed 4 Credit hours of total credit hours taken towards the degree). It can be registered as 519, 529, 539, 549, 619, 629, 639, and 649. * based on student s program recommendations Master s Thesis Thesis (Equivalent to 8hrs.) NREW R 680/NR EHG Total course hours for Third Semester Graduation Requirements Diplom a/maste r (non- IWRM diploma Masters (IWRM diploma graduat es with Hydrogeo logy Program (Diploma) Hydrog eology Progra m (Master

16 ) >80%) s) Total Hours for First Year 28 or or Third Semester total hours Page 16 Total Credit hours for Graduation 33 or or LEARNING OUTCOMES Water Resources Management Program The program is designed to develop the professional capacity and research capabilities of water professionals in the GCC to be competent water resources managers who are: Well-versed in the state-of-the-art methodologies of water resources assessment and development, and integrated management and planning. Familiar with the multi-disciplinary approach to water resources planning and management, and have enhanced knowledge in collecting, processing, and use of water resources data for water resources planning and management. Able to use modern applications to improve their performance regarding speed, scope, and depth of analysis. Hydrogeology Program The program is designed to graduate professionally competent groundwater resources professionals and managers who are: Knowledgeable of the principles of integrated groundwater resources management and protection strategies for both renewable and non-renewable. Familiar with the multi-disciplinary nature of groundwater resources management and the various social, economic, environmental, legislative, and political considerations that need to be taken into account in the management and planning of these resources, such as abstraction rights, socioeconomic and environmental services, societal value, stakeholders participation, economic and legislative instruments, monitoring and protection strategies. Able to use modern technological tools, including simulation modeling, GIS, RS, DB, DSS in the assessment, development, management and planning of groundwater resources.

17 Acquire necessary skills for the collection, analysis, and presentation of groundwater information to policy and decision makers. 2.2 COURSE DESCRIPTION The number in the first bracket presents a number of credit hours where numbers in the second bracket represent lecture and lab hours consecutively. General Courses GS 500 Islamic Culture (0Cr) (200): This course deals with various cultural aspects of Islam including, traditions and new trends in development, the challenges of urbanization and development in the Muslim world and the main trends of modern Islamic thought. The importance of the Arabic language as a communication tool is emphasized. Furthermore, the course deals with authentic manuscripts related to Islamic culture to achieve the desired goals. GSTS 501 Computer Applications (0Cr) (200): This course aims to develop students' skills in dealing with different applications of the computer, including; networking, use of the internet, ing and other software applications. It is expected that students will use these acquired skills in an optimal way in the performance of duties and research projects during their studies and work. Development of self-education in the field of computers is emphasized. Students are also encouraged to use modern tools in education, such as distance learning techniques. GSTS 502 English Language (0Cr) (200): The course aims to develop the skills needed by the student to read, understand and analyze written material in English in the area of specialization. Reading skills, the use of dictionaries and the study of terminology, translation and understanding summaries of studies are also the focus of the course. Reading primary literature and methods of citing references are also emphasized. Writing skills and summarizing reading materials, translation, and writing reports, analyst graphs also a major focus. GSTS 510 Scientific Writing (1Cr) (110): Scientific writing techniques and presentation of materials. GSTS 520 Research Methods (2Cr) (220): Theoretical insight and practical skills in conducting scientific research in the field of environment and natural resources; research methodology; including problem formulation, research objectives; hypothesis formulation, literature reviews, sampling, data collection and data analysis, ethics of research. GSTS 521 Applied Statistics (2Cr) (220): Descriptive statistics and the application of inferential statistics, computational statistics and the design of experiments, SPSS program application. Page 17

18 NRE Courses NRE 520 Environmental Impact Assessment (2Cr) (220): Overview of EIA, legal and institutional arrangements, Public participation, Screening, Scoping, Impact analysis, Mitigation and impact management, Reporting, Review of EIA quality, Decision making, Implementation and follow up. NRE 521 Water Resources Development and Management in Arid Regions (2Cr) (220): Water resources in the GCC countries (conventional and non-conventional), main problems and challenges in planning and management, areas of solutions. NRE 620 Natural Resources and Environmental Economics (2Cr) (220): Microeconomic theory and analysis in resource management and use decisions, utilization and development of natural resources, allocation of resources, conservation and sustainability, natural capital and ecosystem services, economic dimensions of the management of natural resources, valuing environmental resources. Water Resources Management & Hydrogeology Program NREHG 520 Integrated Groundwater Resources Management (2Cr) (220): Major issues and challenges for sustainable groundwater management in the GCC countries, Legislation, Stakeholder participation, economic and financial instruments, groundwater and climate change, information management and communication. NREHG 530 Quantitative Hydrogeology (3Cr) (321): Hydrologic Cycle components and their quantitative calculation, Groundwater, Characterization of the groundwater system. NREHG 531 Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport Modeling (3Cr) (321): Principles of groundwater hydrology, Groundwater flow modeling (analytical and numerical), initial and boundary conditions, representation of sources/sinks, sources of groundwater pollution, attenuation mechanism, modeling of contaminant transport in groundwater. NREHG 532 Hydrochemistry and Groundwater Pollution (3Cr) (321): Water chemistry, physical and chemical properties of water, water use standards, sources and types of groundwater pollution, data collection methods, graphical representation of water variables and its application in the identification of pollution sources, attenuation mechanisms of pollutants transport in groundwater and the unsaturated zone, analytical solutions for simulation pollutants transports in groundwater, seawater intrusion, design of quality monitoring networks and data collection strategies, remediation techniques. 5*9 Lab, Field and Case Studies (* = 1 to 4Cr): Students may work on specific environmental problem/issue of particular interest to him/her, or in a specific field not covered by existing courses. Page 18

19 510 Seminar (1Cr) (110): A student may research or investigate a topic, and exchange results with other students through the presentations, reports, and discussions under the supervision of a faculty member. 520 Environmental Impact Assessment (2Cr) (211): Overview of EIA, legal and institutional arrangements, public participation, screening, scoping, impact analysis, mitigation and impact assessment, reporting, review of EIA quality, decision-making, implementation, and follow-up. Page Project Management (2Cr) (211): framework, quantitative methods, scope, time, cost, and quality; human resources, communication, risk, procurement, integration and professional responsibility. 530 Design of Irrigation and Drainage Systems (3Cr) (321): Design and implementation of irrigation schemes, Application of operation and management models for irrigation water management, optimization of productivity and environmental protection, Design of horizontal and vertical drainage and water collection systems. 531 Water Resources Planning and Management (3Cr) (321): Water Resources Systems Analysis, planning concepts within the framework of IWRM, Consideration of social, economic, financial, and environmental aspects, the planning process, situation analysis and modeling, Decision support Systems. 532 Urban Water Management (3Cr) (320): Urbanization, water-related MDGs; urban water supply and wastewater systems; WSS and health; Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM); urban water demands analyses, modeling, and management; artificial recharge of groundwater using urban treated wastewater; application of management models for the urban water system. 533 Management of Irrigation and Drainage Systems (3Cr) (321): plant-soil-water relation under arid environment, Analytical and empirical methods for estimating soil moisture distribution under unsaturated and saturated zones, Integrated irrigation demand management measures, Simulation modeling, management of subsurface drainage system, Drainage water impact on the public health and the environment and monitoring measures. Reuse of drainage water in the irrigation sector, Stakeholder participation in the management of drainage system, Operation, and management of drainage systems through the application of drainage models. 534 Water Quality Management (3Cr) (321): Types and sources of pollution; Physical/chemical and biological/bacteriological water characteristics and physicochemical processes; monitoring; measurement methods and data quality assurance represent; Water legislation; Risk assessment of anthropogenic pressures and impacts; Water quality monitoring; Water cleanup and treatment; Pollution risk

20 assessment, monitoring strategy, Integrated basin management concepts; modeling water quality. 535 Integrated Water Resources Management (3Cr) (321): Introduction to IWRM; water transfer; terrestrial ecosystem; aquatic ecosystem; aquatic ecosystem health and impact assessment; water use; wastewater; governance and community-based approach; organizational infrastructure and management; applying IWRM principles. Page 20 6*9 Lab, Field and Case Studies (* = 1 to 4Cr): Students may work on specific environmental problem/issue of particular interest to him/her, or in a specific field not covered by existing courses. 680 Master Thesis (8Cr): A student is expected to spend a total of 128 hours engaged in specified learning and assessment activities in the field of water resources. By the end of work, the student is expected to present a thesis that reflects thorough understanding and analysis of the chosen topic using scientific methodologies.