Asian Institute of Technology School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD)

Master in Agricultural Systems and Engineering (ASE)

In response to regional demand for professional training, two areas of specialization are offered: Agricultural Systems (AS) and Agricultural Engineering (AE). Students are trained to develop, adopt and disseminate knowledge and technologies that focus on the utilization and management of biological and agricultural systems and natural resources. Both AS and AE are in a productive alliance to complement each other within the wide spectrum of activities being undertaken at Agricultural Systems and Engineering (ASE). The ASE places its emphasis on sustainable agricultural development based on a holistic understanding of agronomic and biophysical production factors, from the perspective of producer and the effects of economic and social forces on agricultural enterprises.... [-]

Master in Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management (AARM)AARM is committed to improving regional institutional capacity in aquaculture and aquatic resources management and related fields through innovative approaches that integrate education, research, and outreach.Asia contributes over 90% of global aquaculture production and plays a key role in the development of appropriate culture systems and technologies. Aquaculture production accounts for almost half of world fish supply and increases by 10%. It is expected to surpass capture fisheries production in the next 10 years. Further development of aquaculture is also expected to help us move away from dependence on overexploited capture fisheries resources and to enhance and conserve aquatic habitats and biodiversity, but this expansion should not exceed the carrying capacity of water resources.Wild aquatic resources are essential sources of nutrition for rural populations. Any degradation of these resources from over-fishing, use of illegal fishing gears, the introduction of exotic fish, misuse of chemicals, agro-industrial waste discharge, deforestation, breeding ground degradation and dam construction that can lead to blocking of migratory pathways will have dramatic impacts on the nutritional and health status of rural people.Population growth, poverty, resource use conflicts, illegal activities, pollution, biodiversity conservation, policy and institutional gaps and conflicts are the major issues and problems in coastal management. A management approach that integrates sectors (government agencies, non-government organizations, community, etc.), disciplines (science, engineering, and management), land- and sea-based activities (agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, fisheries, tourism, etc.) is important to address the various issues and problems in the coastal area.... [-]

Master in Climate Change and Sustainable Development (CCSD)

CCSD is a key element of maintaining sustainable livelihoods and economies in Asia. Given the enormous cultural, social, political, and biophysical diversity across Asia, the climate change and sustainable development professionals need a strong working knowledge of several interrelated sciences. Through teaching, research and outreach activities, the CCSD program at AIT seeks to develop professionals who can contribute to addressing issues of the climate change impacts and sustainable management of resources, through a curriculum and research program that exposes the students to a wide range of contemporary topics.

Due to the interdisciplinary character of CCSD, students with a wide variety of backgrounds including agriculture, biosciences, environmental sciences, energy, forestry, including social sciences such as e.g. anthropology, geography, economics and sociology are encouraged to seek admission to the certificate, Diploma, Master and Doctoral Degree programs offered by the CCSD program. There are three areas of specialization including Climate Science, Mitigation, and Adaptation.
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Master in Energy

Energy Field of Study (FoS) of SERD has been instrumental in capacity building in energy-related areas since 1979. Energy experts trained at AIT are working in various national and international organization, including planning and development departments of ministries, energy utilities, energy companies, energy conservation agencies, consulting firms and educational institutions, at different capacities. Apart from capacity development activities, Energy FoS has been involved in several international, regional and national research projects. A major emphasis of current research activities is on the promotion of Renewable Energy (RE), Energy Efficiency and Energy, Environment and Climate, and Energy for Sustainable Development.The Energy FoS is interdisciplinary in nature, encompassing technology, planning and management aspects, that address the current and emerging needs of the energy sector. The focus of energy studies at AIT is on the following areas: Energy for sustainable development, Energy, environment and climate change, Renewable energy and energy efficiency, Electric power system management, Restructuring of energy industries, Energy economics and planning, and Integration of renewable energy in power system.... [-]

Master in Environmental Engineering and Management (EEM)

Environmental Engineering and Management (EEM) at AIT began in 1964 with the need for sanitary engineering to address the problems of providing adequate water supplies and sanitation facilities. The overall program looks for solutions to environmental problems including wastewater treatment and disposal systems; air pollution engineering and management; solid and hazardous wastes; waste minimization and life cycle assessment; environmental impact assessment and management; and environmental toxicology. The three major focal areas are Environmental Technology and Management (ETM); Environmental Toxicology, Technology and Management (EETM); and Water and Wastewater Engineering (WWE).The EEM has produced over 1,100 master and 90 Ph.D. graduates from 40 countries in Asia and beyond. ETM emphasizes a systems approach to managing the environment, including the interrelated roles of industry and government agencies. Some of the subjects covered in the specialization of air pollution, solid wastes, industrial pollution control, hazardous wastes control and minimization, environmental impact assessment and waste audits. ETTM is a multidisciplinary inter-university program (Chulabhorn Research Institute, Mahidol University, and AIT) with assistance from a team of international experts.... [-]

Master of Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology (FEBT)

FEBT focuses on two areas of specialization: Food Process Engineering and Bioprocess Technology. Food Process Engineering focuses on the application of engineering principles to the design of postharvest and food processing equipment; changes that may occur within products during handling, processing, and storage; measuring and controlling the quality of raw food materials; food supply chain safety; the handling and utilization of wastes generated during on-farm processing. Bioprocess Technology dedicated to the developments in biotechnology and its applications in agro/food, functional food, biopolymers, dairy and meat science, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Industrial bioprocess technology for the conversion of raw agricultural products to useful food products, biomaterials with specific growth promoting properties are developed for application in organic farming. To strengthen applicability of microorganisms for specific purposes, courses are given in genetic engineering of microorganisms. DNA with interesting properties is transferred to produce strains for industrial applications.... [-]

Master in Gender and Development Studies (GDS)

In the current context of rapid social, economic, technological and environmental changes in Asia, it is imperative to understand the effects of change on various sub-groups: women, men, indigenous peoples, different classes, and other social groups. Gender and Development Studies (GDS) highlights both the need for specialized academic degree awarding studies in gender and development and the integration of gender analysis and gender relation perspectives in AIT's other fields of study. GDS offers graduate-level courses and provides substantial input to student's masters and Ph.D. dissertation research. Short courses and workshops are also offered on gender planning and gender analysis in various development fields.

By functioning as an academic arm of community-based efforts for the advancement of women and sustainable development, GDS aims to work as a regional center of excellence in the field of gender, technology and development studies, and to integrate gender as a key intellectual perspective and ethical concern in AIT as well.

By functioning as an academic arm of community-based efforts for the advancement of women and sustainable development, GDS aims to work as a regional center of excellence in the field of gender, technology and development studies, and to integrate gender as a key intellectual perspective and ethical concern in AIT as well.
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Master in Natural Resources Management (NRM)

Natural resources are the basis of livelihoods and economies of every nation in Asia. Given the rich cultural, social, political, and biophysical diversity across Asia, the professionals working in natural resources management need a strong working knowledge of several interrelated sciences.

Through teaching, research and outreach activities, the NRM of SERD at AIT seek to develop professionals who can contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of terrestrial and coastal resources and ecosystems. We provide education and research opportunities leading to M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in NRM. The complex nature of NRM issues requires a broad range of skills and techniques ranging from the social to the physical sciences.... [-]

Master in Pulp and Paper Technology (PPT)

Due to the impact of globalization and the significance of the technology expansion, it became imperative to prepare students in pulp and paper technology in the Southeast Asia (SEA) region. This is especially important because of the strong presence of pulp and paper industries within this region. The government of Finland generously met this need resulting in the establishment in 1996 of the Pulp and Paper Technology Program (PPT) at the Prestigious AIT. The PPT program offers academic and professional curricula with pulp, paper, bio drying and biorefining specializations for candidates with science and engineering backgrounds within the multidisciplinary research and education environment of AIT. The PPT program along with continuing development of course benefiting industry and in cooperation with North American and European research and educational centers aims to channel information about relevant worldwide academic achievements into SEA pulp and paper and allied industries. These industries thus gain innovative ways to compete successfully in the global marketplace.The PPT program of SERD provides students with comprehensive understanding of the pulp and paper industry, its unit processes, environmental aspects and the sustainability of the processes and products. PTT is offering two master's degree options and eight certificate programs with specific focus on core areas of pulp and paper technology.... [-]

Master in Regional and Rural Development Planning (RRDP)

The RRDP focuses on rural poverty, improvement of the quality of life and social and economic development of rural areas. Practice-oriented rural-regional planning is carried out regularly at district and sub-district levels following a participatory and integrated approach. Attention is paid to the management of development institutions, infrastructure, and physical resources. Sectoral and spatial planning is equally emphasized along with the management of rural development programs and local development projects to strengthen rural communities for sustainable development. Selected areas of concern are: poverty analysis; concepts and processes of rural and regional development; community development planning; agricultural development and planning; planning and management of rural development programs and projects; regional planning techniques; rural-urban relations; NGO management policy and development administration; sustainable development theories and practices; and decentralization and governance.
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Master in Urban Environmental Management (UEM)

UEM responds to the need to examine the urban environment and housing problems from the management and planning perspectives to promote sustainable urban development. The UEM develops the capabilities and skills to confront deteriorating environmental conditions that threaten urban productivity, quality of life of urban residents and social cohesion of urban communities.



The UEM promotes sustainable development by drawing on and integrating theories and perspectives from the established disciplines of urban planning; urban and regional development; economic development; and public policy and management into a distinctive framework of problems, issues and questions concerning the urban environment in a developing country/city context.... [-]