Other major factors also heavily contributing to this is the rise of water and air pollution and the overall degradation of soil and other elements of the environment. It is not only Bangladesh, but also the rest of the world, that is affected by the insidious grip of climate change. This has resulted in an increased number of natural calamities which is only exacerbating with time. It is high time for us to take up initiatives against this global obstacle for the sake of the present and future generations and the sustenance of all other organisms we share the Earth with. This is why we need to have a clear concept about climate change and natural disasters, and come up with a proper development plan, engage skilled youth and build suitable infrastructure.
With this notion, in 1994, the first ever private university of Bangladesh, North South University, inaugurated Bangladesh’s very first Department of Environmental Science and Management –ESM. Currently, North South University provides their students with the facility of doing Bachelors and Masters in two programs of Environmental Science and Management. The courses offered by the ESM department have been designed following the standards of renowned universities in North America as well as taking into consideration the needs of the locals students. The Bachelor programs consists of 125 credits. The two programs offered for Bachelors degree are, BSc in Environmental Science (this is for students who studied Science at HSC or A levels) and BSc in Environment Management (students with any HSC or A levels background can take part in this program). The Masters program, MS in Environmental Science and Management, comprises courses of 36 credits in total and any Bachelors degree holder can take part in this program.
The ultimate vision of this department is to enhance knowledge about the environment and take the study of environmental science in this country to international standards. Correspondingly, the mission of this department is to educate the students about present and future setbacks and challenges regarding environment and strengthen their capabilities to fight against these challenges, which will make them more acceptable in the international level.
There are opportunities of scholarships in this department for meritorious students from Bangladesh and abroad. North South University is keen on expanding its scope for financial aids. The graduates of this department are studying in eminent universities across the world with prestigious scholarships.
ESM department has skilled, experienced lecturers with world class calibre and degrees from famed international universities. Students of this department are facilitated with study tours and field trips inside Bangladesh and also outside Bangladesh. Study tours are considered to be a very important part of the curriculum in this department and students are taken to field work coupled with other class work. These field trips help the students to prepare and develop themselves for their career and to acquire necessary skills. The graduates of this field get the chance of orchestrating researches and studies on Environment and related matters. In association with the World Bank’s Higher Education Quality Enhancement Program (HEQEP), ESM has developed top-notch laboratories which have Geographical Information System (GIS) and UGC. The department organises many seminars, workshops and conferences for the students and allow for the students to organise and hold seminars. Furthermore, the students can join the Earth Club of North South University and contribute to alleviating the environmental problems.
ESM degree program and its courses assist the students to have excellent command on environmental science and management and take them towards having a successful career. This department’s programs guide the students with knowledge, social skills, practical skills, research work skills and critical thinking. The corporations that ESM graduates work in include the World Bank, UN organizations, USAID, GIZ, Asian Development Bank, IUCN, CEGIZ, etc. Additionally, the students of this department work in banks, multinational companies and other business firms. Many, of course, work in prestigious positions in factories where they are tasked to make sure that the factories are ecologically friendly.
The department’s strongest feature is its teachers and alumnus. They supervise, direct and cooperate with the students to make them the best.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
