Programme Background and Rationale

In the 21^st century, it has become apparent that environmental degradation, deforestation, droughts, energy crisis, water scarcity, food insecurity and climate change are the global environmental problems. The needs for highly qualified manpower in the management of environment and natural resources needed are not being over emphasized. Amoud University has launched this environmental management programme to answer to the environmental problems that cause hazards to our environment and destroy our natural resources.

This Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management programme attempts to create a balance in the ecosystem and ecosystem equilibrium, and its relationship with the socio-economic needs of the society, and to improve socio-economic development and environmental sustainability. It also involves description and monitoring of environmental changes to maximize human benefits and to minimize the degradation of the environment through human activities. The graduates this programs should have theoretical and practical knowledge to solve environmental problems in the country and beyond.

This environmental management programme should contribute to these efforts. It offers trainings in a wide range of environmental natural resource aspects and issues. Graduate of the programme should satisfy the professional and research demands of the region and the country and contribute to reversing the present natural resource degradation of the country and the region. The programme takes off from the facts that degradation of natural resources, development programs and activities in the Somaliland, particularly at the grass root levels, have not been managed by professionals of environmental management.

Programme Objectives

General Objective

The general objective of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management programme is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out the multi-faceted activities of environmental management using appropriate methodologies and approaches to protect and conserve environmental natural resources.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the programme, students should:

1. Demonstrate capacity to apply new methodologies, techniques and approaches with modern technologies to manage environmental resources in the country, and globally.
2. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the science of ecology, environment and health of environmental resources, and factors affecting sustainability of environment.
3. Display a broad understanding of the theories, principles, practices and approaches to environmental resource planning in urban and rural development contexts in the country and globally.
4. Exhibit accurate conceptualization of environmental chemistry, EIA, environmental economics and policy planning as well as the capacity to use modern technologies including GIS in environmental management.
5. Be able to carry out research on environmental management using appropriate methodologies to solve environmental related problems.

 Programme Duration

The programme shall run on a semester basis consisting of four semesters each lasting 17 weeks, or other modes as appropriately structured by the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment and department of environmental management, and approved by Senate.

Programme Modalities

The programme shall be conducted by course work, examinations and project, based on credit units. The last two weeks of each semester of each academic year shall normally be used for end of semester examinations. Further,

1. A student shall take foundation/general courses in English, mathematics, science, Arabic, Islamic studies during the first one year in the freshmen programme. The freshman programme also acts as a gateway to full admission into the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management programme.
2. By the end of junior year, a student shall be required to attend at least 300 hours of internship in a real work environment.
3. A student shall come up with a well written project during the senior year of study.

 Curriculum Plan

The programme shall run on a semester basis consisting of eight (8) semesters each lasting 17 weeks in a period of four (4) academic years on full time or on part time as structured by the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, and the department of environmental management, and approved by Senate.

General Regulations

General University regulations and guidelines for undergraduate programmes shall apply with regard to application, registration, teaching, learning, examinations, research and graduation. A student is required to sign a memorandum of understanding during the registration process on pre-scribed forms.

 Admission Requirements

This Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management programme is best suited to students who intend to make a career in agriculture. To qualify for admission into the degree of bachelor of environmental management, an applicant shall:

1. Hold a Somaliland GCSE certificate of at least Grade “C”, or its equivalent from a recognized examination body.
2. Successfully complete a one-year freshman programme at Amoud University, and attained a GPA of at least 2.00.
3. Hold a diploma certificate in environment, agriculture or its equivalent from recognized universities.
4. Meet other conditions as spelt out by the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment and the department of environmental management with approval of the Senate.

 Enrolment Types

There are three (3) categories of enrolments as follows:

1. Full-Time Day enrolled students who shall attend classes between 7.30 am 5.00 pm from Saturday to Thursday.
2. Full-Time Evening enrolled students who shall attend classes between 4.00 pm and 10.00 pm from Saturday to Thursday.
3. Sandwich, part-time, and other modes enrolled students who shall attend classes during specific periods as specified by the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment and department of environmental management, and approved by Senate.

Staff, Facilities and Equipment

The Faculty of Agriculture and Environment has sufficient resources to offer this programme. The faculty has 10 lecture hall, 2 demonstration plots, and a commercial farm; an agricultural laboratory and a library. But the main university library has plenty of information materials on agriculture, environment and animal husbandry science. The faculty has 2 green houses, a borehole and a tree nursery. Coupled with over 20 highly qualified and experienced local and international staff; the faculty ensures that students complete their programme within schedule.

 Funding

The programme of environmental management is sustained largely by funds from tuition fees and other relevant levies. The student must show proof of ability to pay tuition fees on time before being enrolled into the programme. There are no special funding arrangements for the students enrolled in the programme. However, if, and when, additional funds are available, they shall be dispensed according to the university financial policies.

Target Groups

The expected enrollments in the programme include:

1. Graduates of SGCSE who intend to pursue a career in environmental management.
2. Employees of Ministry of Environment and national programs who intend to acquire advanced knowledge of environmental management.
3. People working with local and international NGOs involved environmental management activities who intend to acquire advanced professional knowledge in environmental management.
4. Graduates of diploma colleges of environmental education who aspire to acquire modern and advanced knowledge in the field of environmental management.

 Expected Programme Outcomes

The graduate of this programme should be:

1. Environmental educators, who are up-to-date, well qualified and competent professionals, equipped with the multi-disciplinary knowledge and skills of environmental education.
2. Researchers and technological innovators who can carry out research in environmental management and solve environmental problems through research.
3. Environmental protectors and conservationists who can influence environmental policies and practices at local, region and global levels while working with government institutions, local and international non-governmental organizations.
4. Teachers of environmental education in formal and non-formal settings at the local, region and global arena.
5. Consultants, advisors and advocates of environmental protection and conservation programmes and environmental development policies as well as implementers of environmental protection projects.