Environmental Sciences

The approval for the establishment of the Department of Environmental Sciences was granted by the Executive Council in February 1998. The department was initiated with the aim of creating awareness and understanding of knowledge and skills required for sustainable environmental management.

Introduction

Increasing environmental degradation due to urbanization has highlighted the need of Environmental Sciences as an integrated discipline designed to provide a comprehensive knowledge of the fundamentals of biological and natural sciences in solving environmental problems. The Environmental Sciences department is currently running BS and M.Sc. Environmental Sciences Program under the Faculty of Science at AIOU. The courses offered in the department are designed considering the multidisciplinary nature of the discipline and focus on understanding about fundamental processes that contribute to environmental pollution and natural resource degradation with the aim train students to combat pollution and ensure sustainable development in the country. The courses are reviewed from time to time through Committee of Courses to incorporate emerging modern trends in the subject.

Graduates from the Department of Environmental Science can find potential opportunities and career in national and international organizations working for sustainable development.

2 Objectives

Develop a Strong Foundation
To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of both fundamental and applied concepts in Environmental Sciences, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Promote Research Competency
To prepare students for independent and collaborative research across a range of professional settings, including national laboratories, field research stations, academic institutions, environmental consultancies, and private-sector organizations.
Foster a Research-Oriented Environment
To cultivate a dynamic research culture that encourages innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the dissemination of scientific findings through reputable national and international journals.
Enhance Technical and Analytical Skills
To equip students with modern analytical tools, laboratory techniques, and data interpretation skills essential for addressing current and emerging environmental challenges.
Strengthen Policy and Decision-Making Capacity
To build student capacity to contribute to evidence-based policy-making and environmental governance at local, national, and global levels.
Promote Sustainability and Community Engagement
To instill principles of environmental ethics, sustainability, and community-based resource management through hands-on learning, outreach, and real-world project implementation.
Integrate Technology and Innovation
To incorporate digital tools such as GIS, remote sensing, and environmental modeling into coursework and research to address complex environmental systems.
Encourage Entrepreneurial Thinking
To develop environmentally responsible entrepreneurship skills that promote green technologies, sustainable business models, and eco-innovation.