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M.Sc

Sustainable Environmental Studies

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AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The aim of this programme is to produce competent ‘Sustainable Environment’ experts with requisite skills to manage environmental challenges in Nigeria. The objectives of the programme are to:

  • Increase the students understanding of the multi-disciplinary nature of Environmental Standards.
  • Provide sound specialised and effective practical oriented training of course work, fieldwork and research in environmental standards, management and control.
  • Provide high-level skilled manpower with both academic and professional competence for tackling key environmental concerns in all their ramifications.
  • Produce skilled manpower, trained specifically for environmental surveillance and monitoring for standards and management.
  • To improve the national economic growth and development by promoting manpower development in Environmental Standards
  • Foster interdisciplinary teamwork focused on developing and validating solutions to environmental challenges and management.
  • Provide the broad knowledge necessary to engage in 21st century environmental challenges especially as they are noted across Africa while gaining the depth required offering expertise management strategies.
  • Expose students to diverse perspectives and approaches to problem-solving on environmental concerns.

COURSE STRUCTURE & BREAKDOWN

ENSD 800: Research and Dissertation – 6 Credit Units

Students shall undertake research in areas relevant to their specialization and must present the results of their research in the form of a dissertation. The dissertation will be defended before a board of internal and external examiners as part of the degree requirement.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Conduct Independent Research: Demonstrate the ability to identify, design, and execute a research study in environmental management or related specialization.
  2. Analyze and Interpret Data: Apply appropriate methodologies to collect, analyze, and present data relevant to their research topic.
  3. Defend Research Findings: Communicate and defend research outcomes before academic and professional examiners.

ENSD 801: Environmental Standards: Practical Issues – 2 Credit Units

Students are expected to be guided towards understanding policy and principles of environmental standards, focusing on environmental sustainability, community health, safety, working conditions, and livelihood. The course also covers biodiversity conservation, sustainable natural resource management, pollution prevention, and resource efficiency.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand Policy Processes: Demonstrate an understanding of the principles guiding environmental standards and policy implementation.
  2. Assess Sustainability Practices: Evaluate approaches that promote community health, safety, and environmental sustainability.
  3. Enhance Accountability: Apply monitoring, reporting, and compliance tools in assessing environmental performance and standards.

ENSD 802: Research Methods in Environmental Management – 2 Credit Units

This course introduces students to the philosophy, principles, and methods of research in environmental management. It provides an understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research techniques, including data collection methods, sampling techniques, questionnaire design, data analysis, and interpretation. Students will also be introduced to the use of statistical tools and software in environmental research, and how to write research proposals and reports effectively.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Design Research Projects: Develop clear research questions and choose appropriate methodologies for environmental studies.
  2. Apply Research Tools: Utilize quantitative and qualitative methods to collect and analyze data.
  3. Communicate Research Findings: Write structured research proposals and reports in line with academic and professional standards.

ENSD 803: Environmental Management and Sustainable Development – 2 Credit Units

This course explores the relationship between environmental management and sustainable development. It covers concepts, principles, and approaches for integrating environmental considerations into development planning and policy. Topics include environmental sustainability, ecosystem management, poverty-environment linkages, and strategies for achieving balance between economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection. Students will study case examples of sustainable development initiatives at local, national, and global levels.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand Sustainability Concepts: Explain the principles and dimensions of sustainable development.
  2. Integrate Environment and Development: Analyze the role of environmental management in achieving sustainable growth.
  3. Evaluate Case Studies: Assess successful strategies for implementing sustainable development policies and programs.

ENSD 804: Environmental Policy and Legislation – 2 Credit Units

The course focuses on the study of environmental policies, legal frameworks, and institutional mechanisms at national and international levels. It examines major environmental laws, policies, conventions, and agreements guiding environmental protection and management in Nigeria and globally. Topics include environmental rights, regulatory agencies, enforcement mechanisms, compliance, and policy formulation processes.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand Legal Frameworks: Identify key environmental laws and policies in Nigeria and internationally.
  2. Interpret Environmental Legislation: Explain how laws and policies regulate environmental management practices.
  3. Evaluate Policy Implementation: Assess the effectiveness of environmental policies and propose improvements.

ENSD 805: Environmental Economics – 2 Credit Units

This course introduces students to economic principles applied to environmental management and natural resource use. It explores the economic valuation of environmental goods and services, market and non-market valuation techniques, cost-benefit analysis, environmental externalities, and economic instruments for pollution control. The course also examines the relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand Environmental Valuation: Explain key concepts and techniques for valuing environmental resources.
  2. Apply Economic Tools: Utilize cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis in environmental decision-making.
  3. Analyze Policy Impacts: Evaluate how economic policies affect environmental outcomes and sustainability.

ENSD 806: Environmental Impact Assessment – 2 Credit Units

This course provides students with the theoretical and practical knowledge of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a vital tool for sustainable development. It covers definitions, objectives, and principles of EIA, legal and institutional frameworks, screening and scoping, baseline data collection, impact prediction, mitigation measures, public participation, report writing, and post-project monitoring. Students will be guided through real case studies and EIA report preparation.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand EIA Principles: Explain the purpose and importance of EIA in environmental management and sustainable development.
  2. Conduct EIA Processes: Apply appropriate methodologies in identifying, predicting, and mitigating environmental impacts.
  3. Prepare EIA Reports: Demonstrate competence in drafting professional EIA reports and implementing monitoring plans.

ENSD 807: Environmental Risk Management – 2 Credit Units

This course introduces students to risk assessment and management as tools for identifying, analyzing, and minimizing environmental hazards. Topics include the concepts of risk and hazard, methods of risk assessment, exposure analysis, hazard characterization, and environmental risk evaluation. Students will also study risk communication, mitigation planning, monitoring, and the integration of risk management into environmental policy and decision-making.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Identify Environmental Risks: Recognize and describe different types of environmental risks and hazards.
  2. Assess and Evaluate Risk: Apply techniques for environmental risk assessment and prioritization.
  3. Develop Mitigation Strategies: Formulate and implement effective risk management plans and communication approaches.

ENSD 808: Environmental Pollution and Control – 2 Credit Units

This course examines major sources and effects of environmental pollution. Topics include air, water, and soil pollution; industrial and urban pollutants; ecological disasters and control measures; and pollution monitoring techniques. Students will explore legal, economic, social, and technological tools for pollution prevention and control, as well as environmental management systems and international conventions on pollution control.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Identify Pollution Sources: Recognize key pollutants and their impacts on air, water, and soil quality.
  2. Analyze Control Measures: Evaluate existing pollution control technologies and strategies.
  3. Develop Management Strategies: Plan effective pollution control and monitoring programs for various sectors.

ENSD 809: Environmental Quality Standards – 2 Credit Units

This course introduces environmental quality standards for air, soil, and water. Students will learn about the maximum allowable concentrations of substances in various environmental media and their implications for human health and ecological balance. Topics include air quality parameters, soil quality indices, water quality categories, field sampling, laboratory analysis, and interpretation of environmental data for regulatory compliance and sustainability.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand Quality Standards: Explain the principles and frameworks for environmental quality standards.
  2. Conduct Field and Lab Analysis: Perform environmental sample collection, preservation, and analysis.
  3. Evaluate Environmental Data: Interpret and report environmental quality measurements for policy and management decisions.

ENSD 810: Global Warming and Climate Change – 2 Credit Units

This course explores the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to global warming and climate change. Topics include the greenhouse effect, carbon cycle, greenhouse gases, energy balance, climate variability, and the influence of human activities on the climate system. Students will also examine adaptation and mitigation policies, carbon management, renewable energy, and international climate agreements.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Explain Climate Concepts: Describe the science behind global warming and climate change.
  2. Assess Impacts: Evaluate the effects of climate change on ecosystems, economies, and human societies.
  3. Propose Solutions: Develop strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation at different scales.

ENSD 812: Research Project – 6 Credit Units

The research project provides students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to an independent study in any area of environmental management. Under supervision, students will identify a research problem, review relevant literature, design and conduct field or laboratory investigations, analyze data, and present findings in a well-structured report or dissertation.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this project, students should be able to:

  1. Conduct Independent Research: Identify and investigate an environmental problem using appropriate methods.
  2. Analyze and Interpret Data: Apply analytical and statistical tools to interpret research findings.
  3. Communicate Results: Present research outcomes effectively in oral and written forms that meet academic standards.

ENSD 814: Environmental Planning and Management – 2 Credit Units

This course focuses on integrating environmental considerations into development planning and management processes. It explores tools and frameworks for environmental planning, sustainable land use, resource management, and environmental governance. Emphasis is placed on participatory planning approaches, environmental auditing, and the implementation of environmental management plans at various spatial and sectoral levels.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand Planning Principles: Explain the objectives and processes of environmental planning and management.
  2. Apply Management Tools: Utilize tools such as environmental audits, land-use plans, and resource assessment frameworks.
  3. Promote Sustainable Development: Integrate environmental considerations into policy and decision-making processes.

ENSD 816: Environmental Information Systems – 2 Credit Units

This course introduces students to the use of information systems in environmental data management and decision-making. It covers the design, development, and application of Environmental Information Systems (EIS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for monitoring, analysis, and reporting. Topics include spatial data collection, database management, modeling, and remote sensing applications for environmental planning and management.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand EIS Concepts: Explain the role of information systems in environmental management.
  2. Apply GIS Tools: Use GIS and remote sensing technologies to collect, analyze, and present environmental data.
  3. Manage Environmental Data: Design and maintain databases to support decision-making and policy formulation.

ENSD 818: Environmental Education and Awareness – 2 Credit Units

The course is designed to expose students to the principles, objectives, and strategies of environmental education and public awareness. It examines the role of education in promoting environmental stewardship, behavior change, and community participation. Topics include environmental communication, curriculum design, environmental campaigns, and advocacy methods for sustainable living.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Promote Environmental Literacy: Understand the role of education in environmental management and sustainability.
  2. Design Awareness Programs: Develop effective communication and advocacy strategies for public engagement.
  3. Encourage Participation: Mobilize communities to take proactive roles in environmental protection initiatives.

ENSD 820: Disaster Risk Reduction and Management – 2 Credit Units

This course introduces students to the concepts, principles, and practices of disaster risk reduction and management. It covers disaster types, causes, and impacts, as well as vulnerability assessment, emergency preparedness, response, and recovery planning. Students will explore national and international frameworks for disaster management and the integration of risk reduction into sustainable development.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand Disaster Concepts: Explain the key concepts and types of disasters and their impacts on society and the environment.
  2. Assess and Manage Risks: Apply risk assessment techniques and develop effective disaster management plans.
  3. Promote Resilience: Integrate disaster risk reduction into policies, planning, and community development.

ENSD 822: Environmental Health and Safety – 2 Credit Units

This course focuses on maintaining safe and healthy environments at workplaces and in communities. It examines environmental hazards, occupational health and safety principles, and legal frameworks guiding safety practices. Students will learn about industrial hygiene, hazard control, ergonomics, and emergency response systems to minimize health and safety risks.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand Safety Principles: Explain key concepts of occupational health and environmental safety.
  2. Identify and Control Hazards: Recognize workplace hazards and apply appropriate control and preventive measures.
  3. Promote Safety Culture: Implement health and safety management systems in organizational settings.

ENSD 824: Waste Management and Pollution Control – 2 Credit Units

The course explores the generation, collection, treatment, and disposal of wastes, as well as methods of minimizing pollution. Topics include solid and liquid waste management, waste-to-energy technologies, recycling, and industrial waste reduction strategies. Students will also study the legislative and institutional frameworks for effective waste management and pollution control.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand Waste Systems: Explain the principles and methods of municipal and industrial waste management.
  2. Develop Waste Solutions: Propose strategies for reducing, reusing, recycling, and recovering waste.
  3. Apply Pollution Control: Implement practical and policy measures to mitigate pollution impacts.

ENSD 826: Environmental Governance and Institutions – 2 Credit Units

This course provides insights into the governance structures, institutions, and mechanisms responsible for environmental management. It discusses global, regional, and national environmental institutions, including their roles in implementing environmental policies, treaties, and conventions. Emphasis is placed on transparency, accountability, and stakeholder participation in environmental governance.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand Governance Systems: Identify and describe major institutions involved in environmental management.
  2. Analyze Institutional Frameworks: Evaluate the effectiveness of governance mechanisms and policy implementation.
  3. Promote Good Governance: Apply principles of accountability and participation in environmental decision-making.

ENSD 828: Sustainable Energy and Environment – 2 Credit Units

This course introduces the interconnections between energy production, consumption, and environmental sustainability. Topics include renewable and non-renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, clean technologies, and the global transition to low-carbon systems. Students will analyze the environmental impacts of energy systems and explore sustainable energy policies and innovations for climate mitigation.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand Energy Systems: Describe different energy sources and their environmental implications.
  2. Promote Sustainability: Apply concepts of energy conservation, efficiency, and renewable transitions.
  3. Evaluate Energy Policies: Analyze global and national frameworks for achieving sustainable energy goals.

ENSD 830: Environmental Impact Assessment – 2 Credit Units

This course focuses on the principles, methods, and procedures of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). It covers project screening, scoping, impact prediction, mitigation measures, report preparation, review, public participation, and post-project monitoring. Case studies of EIA applications in various sectors will be discussed.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand EIA Concepts: Explain the objectives and legal framework of EIA.
  2. Conduct Assessments: Apply appropriate methods for environmental screening and scoping.
  3. Develop EIA Reports: Prepare and evaluate EIA reports, including mitigation and monitoring plans.

ENSD 832: Climate Change and Adaptation – 2 Credit Units

The course examines the science, impacts, and responses to climate change. It explores global warming, greenhouse gases, and their environmental and socioeconomic effects. Students will study adaptation and mitigation strategies, international climate agreements, and national policy responses aimed at promoting climate resilience and low-carbon development.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Explain Climate Processes: Understand the causes and effects of climate change.
  2. Analyze Adaptation Strategies: Evaluate community and policy-level adaptation and mitigation measures.
  3. Apply Policy Knowledge: Interpret global and national frameworks such as the Paris Agreement.

ENSD 834: Environmental Law and Policy – 2 Credit Units

This course introduces the legal and policy frameworks governing environmental management. It covers principles of environmental law, environmental rights, and the roles of government, industries, and citizens. National and international conventions, treaties, and regulatory mechanisms are analyzed with emphasis on compliance and enforcement.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand Legal Frameworks: Explain the sources and principles of environmental law.
  2. Interpret Policy Instruments: Analyze national and international environmental policies and treaties.
  3. Promote Compliance: Evaluate enforcement mechanisms and their effectiveness in achieving environmental goals.

ENSD 836: Research Methods in Environmental Studies – 2 Credit Units

This course equips students with the knowledge and skills required to design and conduct environmental research. It covers research design, data collection techniques, sampling methods, hypothesis formulation, and statistical analysis. Emphasis is placed on the preparation of research proposals and report writing for environmental projects.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Develop Research Designs: Formulate research problems, objectives, and hypotheses.
  2. Apply Analytical Tools: Use qualitative and quantitative methods for environmental data analysis.
  3. Prepare Reports: Write scientific reports and proposals based on research findings.

ENSD 838: Environmental Economics and Natural Resource Management – 2 Credit Units

This course introduces economic concepts relevant to environmental management and sustainable resource use. Topics include valuation of environmental goods, cost-benefit analysis, externalities, and economic instruments for environmental policy. The course also examines resource management theories and practices for renewable and non-renewable resources.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand Environmental Economics: Explain the relationship between the economy and the environment.
  2. Apply Valuation Methods: Conduct economic valuation of natural resources and environmental impacts.
  3. Support Policy Decisions: Use economic tools to promote sustainable development.

ENSD 840: Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment – 2 Credit Units

The course focuses on the sources, effects, and control of toxic substances in the environment. Topics include toxic agents, dose-response relationships, bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and methods of risk assessment. Emphasis is placed on human and ecological risk evaluation and management.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Identify Environmental Toxins: Understand types and sources of toxic substances and their impacts.
  2. Conduct Risk Assessments: Evaluate risks associated with exposure to environmental contaminants.
  3. Design Control Strategies: Propose measures for managing toxic hazards in environmental systems.

ENSD 842: Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Analysis – 2 Credit Units

This course introduces the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in environmental studies. It covers spatial data acquisition, storage, manipulation, analysis, and visualization. Students will learn how to use GIS software to map, model, and analyze environmental phenomena such as land degradation, pollution, and deforestation.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand GIS Concepts: Explain the fundamentals of spatial data and GIS architecture.
  2. Use GIS Tools: Apply GIS software for environmental mapping and spatial analysis.
  3. Interpret GIS Outputs: Utilize maps and models to support environmental decision-making.

ENSD 847: Research Seminar / Thesis – 6 Credit Units

This component requires students to undertake independent research on a selected topic in environmental studies. It involves proposal development, data collection, analysis, and presentation of findings. Students will defend their research before a panel and produce a written dissertation that demonstrates their ability to apply scientific methods to solve environmental problems.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this research, students should be able to:

  1. Conduct Independent Research: Identify and investigate relevant environmental issues using scientific methods.
  2. Analyze and Present Data: Apply appropriate analytical tools and communicate findings effectively.
  3. Produce a Dissertation: Prepare and defend a well-structured academic thesis demonstrating mastery of the subject area.

JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PROGRAMME

As the need for capacity building in the area of procurement management increases, more academic staff with requisite skills to take academic positions in tertiary institutions in Nigeria would be required. This would exert pressure on institutions offering programmes in procurement. Therefore, establishing a programme that will produce qualified academics becomes imperative. Furthermore, this programme would develop procurement researchers that would advance the frontiers of knowledge in procurement. It is also pertinent to note that this programme would support Government’s national economic growth plan as it will plenty employment opportunities for the citizens.

TARGET AUDIENCE

According to World Banks’s demand assessment for professional procurement officers conducted in preparatory to the commencement of the SPESSCE project, at least total of one thousand Three Hundred and Twenty-two (1,322) students are required to fill up spaces in the PGD Sustainable Environmental Studies Programme. These students are mostly officers currently serving in various government ministries, departments and agencies at state and Federal levels that need sustainable environmental competences to support sustainable procurement processes. It also envisaged that graduates with keen interest in procurement whose first degrees are not in procurement would join the programme.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

The Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Environmental Studies is designed for individuals with a Higher National Diploma (HND) or Third-Class Degree, particularly those serving in various government ministries, departments, and agencies at both state and federal levels. The programme aims to equip participants with sustainable environmental competences that support sustainable procurement processes and environmental management practices. The criteria for admission into the PGD Environmental Studies programme are as follows:

  • Matriculation requirement of the university with five (5) O’ Level credits, including Mathematics, English Language, and any other three (3) relevant subjects.
  • Graduates of the university where the programme is domiciled or graduates from other approved universities who hold first-degree classifications acceptable to the Senate in relevant fields of study.
  • Graduates who hold good grades and/or experience in non-degree qualifications acceptable to the Senate in the relevant fields of study.
  • Candidates with at least a Third-Class Degree in Environmental Standards or other relevant disciplines.
  • HND holders with a minimum of Lower Credit or its equivalent in Natural or Applied Sciences, Agriculture, or Engineering from recognised higher institutions may also be considered.

PROGRAMME DURATION

The duration of the programme is a minimum of four (4) semesters and a maximum of six (6) semesters

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The duration of the programme is as follows;

DELIVERY AND ASSESSMENT

Courses shall be delivered using the blended method (both physical and virtual participation) Each taught course shall be assessed by a combination of course examination and coursework assignments. The course examination accounts for 60 per cent of the total course marks and the coursework assignments accounts for 40 per cent of the total course marks. The minimum pass mark is 50 per cent in each course. In the case of project/dissertation, students must achieve at least 50 per cent, in accordance with the rules of the Postgraduate School.