The Department of Environmental Studies plays a major role in preparing citizens to take on the challenges posed by the complex environmental problems facing local and regional communities.
The curriculum is designed to ensure that students have a good balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills so that they can make informed decisions in the workplace in respect of restorative or preventive action.
Graduates-who are readily employed in private enterprises, the industrial sector and state agencies, including the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Solid Waste Management Company, the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) and several other agencies-are proactive problem solvers who are leading the way in promoting responsible stewardship of the environment.
The Department of Environmental Studies offers the following degree programme options:
Bachelor Degree Programmes |
Associate Degree Programmes |
| B.Sc. Environmental Management | AAS Environmental Health |
| B.Sc. Water Resources Management and Technology | AAS Environmental Management |
| B.Sc. Water and Wastewater Management, Services and Technology |
AAS Geographic Information Systems |
| Bsc. Occupational Safety and Health | AAS Occupational Safety and Health |
| B.Sc. Environmental Health | AAS Water Resources Management and Technology |
| AAS Wastewater Management | |
| Diploma Emergency Care Management |
Bachelor of Science – Environmental Management
Environmental management has become a key issue in the pursuit of sustainable development for small island states, with fluctuating economies and fragile natural environments. The purpose of this programme is to produce graduates who are knowledgeable about the complex environmental issues facing society. The curriculum is comprehensive and action-oriented. In addition to being aligned to established standards for best practice in environmental management, students also have an opportunity to conduct research, thereby ensuring that they will be able to make meaningful interventions in the prudent management of our resources, and to promote behaviors that support sustainable development.
Graduation Requirements: B.Sc. – Environmental Management
To be awarded the Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Management, students must complete 141 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 according to the distribution below:
| Required courses in major area of study | 69 credits |
| Core curriculum courses | 48 credits |
| Support courses | 24 credits |
| Total Credits Required for Graduation | 141 credits |
Career Options:
- Environmental officer
- Compliance officer
- Conservation officer
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) officer
- Bio-remediation technician
- Environmental research officer
Associate in Applied Science – Environmental Management
Environmental management has become a key issue in the pursuit of sustainable development for small island states with fluctuating economies and fragile natural environments. The purpose of this programme is to educate participants to be sensitive, articulate, knowledgeable and action-oriented about the complex environmental issues facing society. The degree addresses ethical considerations of environmental management-including consideration for all life forms-with a view to creating improved standards of environmental behavior and an appreciation for the importance of prudent management of natural resources, within a sustainable development context.
Graduation Requirements: AAS – Environmental Management
To be awarded the Associate in Applied Science degree in Environmental Management, students must successfully complete 69 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0, according to the following distribution:
| Required courses in major area of study | 30 credits |
| Core curriculum courses | 24 credits |
| Support courses | 15 credits |
| Total Credits Required for Graduation | 69 credits |
Career Options:
- Environmental technologist
- Environmental officer
- Pollution control officer
- Recycling officer
- Compliance officer
Associate in Applied Science – Environmental Technology
The Environmental Technology programme is designed to provide students with the education and training necessary to advance in the expanding environmental field. The programme affords students a sound foundation in the basic and engineering sciences, with an emphasis on practices related to pollution prevention and control.
The curriculum develops students’ understanding of the origin and actions leading to environmental problems, and equips students to formulate appropriate interventions and solutions.
Graduation Requirements: AAS – Environmental Technology
To be awarded the Associate in Applied Science degree in Environmental Technology, students must successfully complete 66 credits with a minimum of GPA of 2.0, according to the following distribution:
| Required courses in major area of study | 30 credits |
| Core curriculum courses | 24 credits |
| Support courses | 12 credits |
| Total Credits Required for Graduation | 66 credits |
Career Options:
- Air sampling and monitoring technician
- Environmental engineering technician
- Emergency spill response technician
- Field sampling technician
- Pollution control officer
Bachelor of Science – Water Resources Management and Technology
The programme is designed to help students acquire a sound knowledge of specific water-related disciplines and of current and emerging technologies that support modern water resource management operations. The curriculum facilitates an integrated outlook on water resources development and a multi-disciplinary approach to water resources management. In addition to developing the competencies that students need to address current local and international issues in the water industry, the programme offers a strategic, future-oriented perspective on water resources management, thus positioning graduates to be on the cutting-edge of their profession, wherever they may be employed.
Graduation Requirements: B.Sc. – Water Resources Management and Technology
To be awarded the Bachelor of Science degree in Water Resources Management and Technology, students must complete 138 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 according to the distribution below:
| Required courses in major area of study | 69 credits |
| Core curriculum courses | 48 credits |
| Support courses | 21 credits |
| Total Credits Required for Graduation | 138 credits |
Career Options:
- Water analyst/technician
- Assistant hydrologist
- Water supply technical operator
- Hydrological technician
Associate in Applied Science – Water Resources Management and Technology
The programme essentially comprises the first two years of the B.Sc. degree in Water Resources Management and Technology. Students pursuing the bachelor’s degree programme can exit with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Water Resources Management and Technology, once they have completed the prescribed list of courses below. Graduates will be prepared for technician or technologist entry level positions in the job market such as assistant hydrologists, hydrological technicians and water supply technicians/operators.
Graduation Requirements: AAS – Water Resources Management and Technology
To be awarded the Associate in Applied Science degree in Water Resources Management and Technology, students must successfully complete 69 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 according to the distribution below:
| Required courses in major area of study | 39 credits |
| Core curriculum courses | 24 credits |
| Support courses | 6 credits |
| Total Credits Required for Graduation | 69 credits |
Bachelor of Science – Water and Wastewater Management, Services and Technology
As our country and region continue along the path of development and diversification, appropriate measures must be put in place to ensure that expansion trends are managed in a sustainable manner. Within this context, there is a critical need for competent professionals who can make effective and efficient use of resources in the provision of adequate wastewater management services. The programme will provide the requisite skills, theory and training for students who work in the field of wastewater management, as well as the ability to implement these skills within the work environment.
Graduation Requirements: B.Sc. – Water and Wastewater Management, Services and Technology
To be awarded the Bachelor of Science degree in Wastewater Management, Services and Technology, students must complete 141 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 according to the distribution below:
| Required courses in major area of study | 75 credits |
| Core curriculum courses | 48 credits |
| Support courses | 18 credits |
| Total Credits Required for Graduation | 141 credits |
Career Options:
- Assistant hydrologist
- Wastewater analyst/technician
- Wastewater technical operator
- Hydrological technician
AAS – Wastewater Management
The programme essentially comprises the first two years of the B.Sc. degree in Water and Wastewater Management, Services and Technology. Students enrolled in the bachelor’s degree programme can exit with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Water and Wastewater Management, Services and Technology, once they have completed the prescribed list of courses below. Graduates will be prepared for technician or technologist entry level positions in occupations such as water supply technical operator, engineering assistant, systems operator and assistant hydrologist.
Graduation Requirements: AAS – Wastewater Management
To be awarded the Associate of Applied Science degree in Water and Wastewater Management, Services and Technology, students must complete 63 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 according to the distribution below:
| Required courses in major area of study | 33 credits |
| Core curriculum courses | 24 credits |
| Support courses | 6 credits |
| Total Credits Required for Graduation | 63 credits |
Bachelor of Science – Environmental Health
Graduation Requirements: B.Sc –Environmental Health
To be awarded the Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health, students must complete 122 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 according to the distribution below:
| Required courses in major area of study | 74 credits |
| Core curriculum courses | 45 credits |
| Support courses | 3 credits |
| Total Credits Required for Graduation | 122 credits |
Associate in Applied Science – Environmental Health
The programme is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to identify and find solutions for environmental problems that adversely affect the health of communities. Students learn about the operations of efficient health management systems and are kept up to date on scientific advances in the field. In addition, they are made aware of current regional developments in the management of environmental health systems.
Graduation Requirements:
To be awarded the Associate in Applied Science degree in Environmental Health, students must successfully complete 72 credits, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 according to the distribution below:
| Required courses in major area of study | 45 credits |
| Core curriculum courses | 24 credits |
| Support courses | 3 credits |
| Total Credits Required for Graduation | 72 credits |
Career Options:
- Environmental health officer
- Environmental health educator
Associate in Applied Science – Geographic Information Systems
The Geographic Information Systems programme allows students to view, understand, question, interpret and visualize data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns and trends in the form of maps, reports and charts. The GIS programme integrates hardware, software and data for managing, analyzing and displaying all forms of information. The use of this technology has expanded rapidly and GIS professionals are now in demand in many different types of public and private sector agencies, regionally and internationally.
Graduation Requirements: AAS – Geographic Information Systems
To be awarded the Associate in Applied Science degree in Geographic Information Systems, students must successfully complete 63 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0, according to the following distribution:
| Required courses in major area of study | 30 credits |
| Core curriculum courses | 24 credits |
| Support courses | 9 credits |
| Total Credits Required for Graduation | 63 credits |
Career Options:
- GIS technician/technologist
Bachelor of Science – Occupational Safety and Health
Graduation Requirements:
To be awarded the Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Safety and Health, students must successfully complete 71 credits with a minimum of GPA of 2.0, according to the following distribution:
| Required courses in major area of study | 75 credits |
| Core curriculum courses | 47 credits |
| Support courses | 3 credits |
| Total Credits Required for Graduation | 125 credits |
Career Options
- Occupational safety and health technician
- Safety manager
Associate in Applied Science – Occupational Safety and Health
The programme is designed to meet the local needs in occupational safety and health and to keep students abreast of the changing industrial environment. Students will learn the various methods used in the identification of potential hazards and other major issues associated with challenges in the workplace and develop the necessary skills for the necessary corrective/preventive measures.
Graduation Requirements:
To be awarded the Associate in Applied Science degree in Occupational Safety and Health, students must successfully complete 71 credits with a minimum of GPA of 2.0, according to the following distribution:
| Required courses in major area of study | 44 credits |
| Core curriculum courses | 24 credits |
| Support courses | 3 credits |
| Total Credits Required for Graduation | 71 credits |
Career Options:
- Occupational safety and health technician
- Safety manager
Diploma – Emergency Care Management
Graduation Requirements: Diploma – Emergency Care Management
To be awarded the Associate in Applied Science degree in Geographic Information Systems, students must successfully complete 36 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0, according to the following distribution:
| Required courses in major area of study | 30 credits |
| Core curriculum courses | 6 credits |
| Total Credits Required for Graduation | 36 credits |
Career Options:
Recommended persons from the Protective Services and other individuals
Faculty Information:
Glenda Charles-Harris
Department Chair
Senior Lecturer
M.Sc., B.Sc., Dip.Ed
Research Interests: Science education
Venessa Elliot
Senior Lecturer – Geographic Information Systems
M.Sc., B.Sc.
Research Interests: Science education
Deryck Pattron
Senior Lecturer – Health education, community Health
PhD, M.Sc.
Research Interests: Food and food hygiene
Ramona Boodoosingh
Senior Lecturer – OSH, Chemistry
M.Sc., B.Sc.
Research Interests: Epidemiology, community Health
Sochan Laltoo
Senior Lecturer – Environmental management
M.Sc., B.Sc.
Research Interests: Environmental analysis
Karen Paul
Senior Lecturer – Environmental management
Dip. Ed., B.Sc.
Research Interests: Techniques in environmental monitoring
Dirk Chin Leung
Senior Lecturer – Environmental engineering
MSc., BSc.
Research Interests: Contaminant fate and support, water and wastewater treatment
Dereck Mejias
Senior Lecturer – Occupational safety, industrial hygiene
M.Sc., B.Sc.
Research Interests: Industrial hygiene
Albert Skair
Senior Lecturer – Health education, disaster preparedness
RSH, B.Sc.
Research Interests: Disaster preparedness and management
Abeni James
Senior Lecturer – MSc., B.Sc.
Research Interests: New Technologies in Aquaculture
Claudia Arrindell
Senior Lecturer -MSc., B.Sc.
Research Interests: Recurring Issues in Public Health
Roy Dalrymple
Senior Lecturer -MSc., B.Sc.
Research Interests: Environmental Health