Master of Science in Environmental Sciences

Overview

The M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences is a 30 credit hour program that is offered both full and part-time within the Biology Department. Students are required to complete 24 credit hours of coursework in addition to 6 credit hours assigned to research and the completion of an M.Sc. thesis. The coursework includes 4 credit hours of College of Science requirements (Ethics, Research Methods, and Statistics), 10 credit hours of core environmental sciences courses and elective courses (10 credit hours) that allow the student to specialize in any specific topic relating to environmental sciences. Student progress is overseen by a research supervisor (and co-supervisors) and a thesis defense committee. The program is a fee-based program open for all students who meet the entry requirements.

Program Objectives

• Develop proficiency of basic concepts in cellular and molecular biology, ecology and environmental sciences, and general biology.
• Foster teamwork and improve oral and communication skills.
• Foster a student-oriented research program that results in professional publications.
• Embrace student-oriented teaching methods that nurture critical thinking abilities and apply their knowledge to solve theoretical and empirical real-life problems.
• Prepare students for the future job market and careers.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Discuss contemporary issues relating to environmental challenges, ethics, and professional responsibilities.
• Describe relationships between environmental components and processes and the role of anthropogenic factors.
• Evaluate material from available resources on issues and challenges relating to environmental problems facing the UAE.
• Evaluate the means by which human society can conserve and restore the environment using approaches drawn from various sciences and fields of study.
• Demonstrate strong written and oral presentation skills.
• Conduct scientific environmental research, and use quantitative methods to analyze results.

Degree Requirements

Required Credit Hours: minimum of 30 hours

College of Science

Environmental Science

Thesis

Admission Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited university recognized by the UAE Ministry of higher education and scientific research;
• A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent in all undergraduate work.
• A score of at least 6.0 on the IELTS Academic exam or equivalent.
• This test score must be less than two years old at the time of application, with the following exceptions:

Conditional Acceptance

An applicant with a Bachelor degree recognized by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research may be granted conditional admission into the Master’s program in one and only one of the following cases:

An applicant with an IELTS score of 5.5, or its equivalent. Such a Student must meet the following requirements during the period of conditional admission or be subject to a dismissal:

1. Must achieve a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, or its equivalent, by the end of the student’s first semester of study;
2. May take a maximum of six (6) credits hours in the first semester, not including intensive English courses;
3. Must achieve an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the first 9 credit hours of credit-bearing courses studied in the Master’s program.

An applicant with an undergraduate cumulative GPA less than 3.0 but equal or higher than 2.5, or its equivalent. Such a student must meet the following requirements during the period of conditional admission or be subject to a dismissal:

1. May take a maximum of nine (9) credits hours in the first semester of study;
2. Must achieve an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the first 9 credit hours of credit-bearing courses studied in the Master’s program.

More information

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