MSc in Natural Resource
and Environmental Management

The MSc in Natural Resource and Environmental Management is a taught programme comprising several streams:

• Coastal and Marine Resource Management
• Climate Change
• Waste Management
• Applied Meteorology
• Water Resources Management

The objective of this Programme is to contribute to sustainable development by training professionals in environmental and natural resource management.

Programme Overview

The Programme seeks to provide graduate students with advanced training in techniques, mechanisms and policies for sustainable use and management of natural resources with emphasis on the Caribbean.

The Programme is  delivered in a maximum of 12 months.  This includes a nine-month period for course delivery and examination, and a two and half to three month period for the Research Project. Courses are taught as two to three week modules with examination following the completion of each module.

The MSc consists of three University-wide core courses, five CERMES core courses, five specialisation streams of four courses each and a research paper (see Student Handbook).

All core courses are worth three credits each and consist of 24 hours of lectures and an average of 12 hours of practical work.  Specialisation courses are worth four credits each and consist of 36 hours of lectures and an average of 18 hours of practical work.  The research paper is worth eight credits.  Students must therefore obtain a total of 45-46 credits as follows:

• 37-38 credits from courses

• 8 credits from the research paper

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

UNIVERSITY-WIDE CORE COURSES

ENVT 6000 Concepts and Issues for Environmental Managers [Top]
This course provides an overview of the key concepts and issues that students are expected to be knowledgeable about, and may consider in greater detail later in their academic work and careers. The topics are examined largely from a Caribbean perspective within the global context. These topics, which may vary from year to year as new ideas and issues arise, include: environmental statistics, social-ecological system concepts, ecosystem-based management, global and regional governance through multilateral agreements, sustainable development, poverty and globalisation. Specific areas of attention include biodiversity, fisheries and coastal management, environmental impact assessment, climate change, sustainable tourism, law and various environmental management and planning tools.

ENVT 6001 Introduction to Environmental Planning and Management [Top]
The purpose of this course is to introduce environmental planning and management in the Caribbean. It therefore explores the nature of the inter-relationship between environmental systems and human systems, and examines the complexity of environmental policy, planning and management. Topics include perspectives on environmental management and planning, international and regional agreements and administrative arrangements for environmental planning, policy design, physical planning, spatial planning and management, implementation and evaluation of management strategies, issues and dynamics, and people-centred practices in planning and management.

ENVT 6002 Professional Skills for Environmental Managers [Top]
This course equips students with a portfolio of skills that will allow them to present themselves, and to conduct and present their work, in a professional manner. It starts by addressing fundamental issues of verbal and non-verbal communication geared at enhancing the students’ ability to share information in a range of settings. The improvement of writing skills, an introduction to research, data handling, the preparation of well-structured technical proposals and reports, and the delivery of professional and persuasive presentations are all topics covered in this course.

CERMES CORE COURSES

ENVT 6100 Environmental Impact Assessment [Top]
This course introduces students to the practice of EIA in the Caribbean. Topics covered include: what is EIA; steps in an EIA; preparation of terms of reference; baseline studies; mitigation measures; comparison of alternatives; public involvement and the review process.

ENVT 6120 Measurement and Analysis in Natural Resource Management [Top]
This course will provide hands-on practical experience in field data collection techniques, laboratory procedures and statistical analysis and interpretation of biological and socio-economic data relevant to the management of natural resources. Measurement and analysis experience will cover the full range from broad-scale rapid assessment, and expert judgment through to detailed fine-scale, long-term monitoring using standard protocols. Topics covered include design and implementation of a conservation and monitoring programme for an endangered species (sea turtles); rapid assessment techniques (gully ecological survey); guidelines for socio-economic data collection; marine and potable water quality assessment and monitoring techniques; long-term monitoring of marine community health and productivity (coral reefs, seagrasses, mangroves); and parametric and non-parametric statistical testing and interpretation.

ENVT 6101 Geographic Information Systems [Top]
This course focuses on the application of GIS in natural resource management. It seeks to give students an understanding of the key principles of GIS and a practical understanding of the application of GIS for visualisation and analysis through both theoretical and practical activities. Additionally, students will get a functional understanding of at least one GIS software package. Topics include: data capturing techniques, spatial data and data models, cartographic techniques, GIS design, implementation and the issues associated with managing a GIS project.

ENVT 6102 Resource Economics [Top]
This course surveys a wide range of economic issues relating to natural resource and environmental policy. It commences with an introduction to elementary concepts of economic theory, i.e. the consumer, the firm, supply and demand and criteria for economic efficiency. This is followed by consideration of: environmental economic efficiency, environmental economics, the economics of natural resource depletion, economic valuation methods, poverty and natural resources, and natural resource accounting.

ENVT 6144 Meteorological Impacts [Top]
This course provides background knowledge of the damaging effects of weather phenomena such as floods, droughts, strong winds and low temperatures and extreme weather events in all economic sectors, but particularly in agriculture and water resources. The course includes topics such as contamination of surface water and groundwater, saltwater intrusion into rivers and aquifers; pollution displacement, strong winds and impacts on agriculture; forest and bush fires and weather related hazards (pest and diseases) on agriculture. Also included in this course are some mitigative and protective strategies to combat these negative impacts.  

SPECIALISATION STREAMS

COASTAL AND MARINE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

This stream will provide students with the knowledge and skills in concepts, policies, tools and techniques necessary for fishery and coastal zone management, and with a clear appreciation of the transdisciplinary approach required to be either effective fishery and coastal zone managers or effective advisors and consultants to organisations whose activities impact on the coastal zone. Emphasis will be on Caribbean case studies, with ample opportunity for practical experience.

The four specialisation courses offered in this stream are:

ENVT 6122 Fisheries Biology and Management [Top]
This course introduces students to biological assessment techniques for fishery resources and focuses on management needs and a critical analysis of fishery management tools and their application to Caribbean fisheries. Topics include: importance and state of world fishery resources and management; introduction to ocean biogeography and productivity patterns; traditional and genetic-based stock identification techniques; stock dynamics (growth, mortality, reproduction/recruitment rates of individuals and populations); introduction to yield prediction modelling and interpretation; framework of international law and fisheries policy; influence of NGOs and market demand (eco-labelling); prioritising management goals and objectives; choice of management tools (quotas, gear restrictions, minimum size, limited entry, closed seasons, MPAs). Emphasis will be on tropical species and Caribbean case studies.

ENVT 6123 Sustainable Tourism in the Coastal Zone [Top]
This course provides students with information and exposes them to resources and experiences through which they will develop analytical and practical skills for the efficient management of natural and cultural resources as part of the tourism product. It looks at the emergence of sustainable tourism and its use as a strategy for both development and conservation and critically assesses the elements of the tourism industry thereby evaluating possible directions for the future of sustainable tourism in the Caribbean. Topics covered are: the historical development of tourism in the Caribbean; the social, economic and environmental impacts of tourism; the structure and sectors of the industry standards in the tourism industry; community-based tourism; heritage tourism; sports tourism and sustainable tourism.

ENVT 6124 Coastal Ecology and Dynamics [Top]
This course examines the distribution, ecology and dynamics of critical coastal marine communities and non-living coastal resources of the Caribbean with emphasis on the biophysical processes that shape them, and the linkages and interactions among them. Topics will include: a basic overview of ocean currents and Caribbean circulation; structure and function of critical coastal ecosystems (coral reef, seagrass and mangroves), sensitivity to natural and anthropogenic stresses and appropriate mitigative measures; sea level changes; wind-generated waves and their properties, including refraction, diffraction and reflection; coastal erosion, transport, deposition and resultant geomorphologic features; the sediment budget and beach stability; and a review of coastal management tools examining their advantages and disadvantages. These tools will include the use of water quality standards, harvest and use controls and coastal protection structures.

ENVT 6125 Managing Coastal and Marine Resources and Biodiversity [Top]
This course examines institutional and organisational arrangements for integrated management of coastal and marine resources and biodiversity at international, national and local scales. These are considered in the context of current and emerging models for governance of natural resource systems. The course provides the technical base for biodiversity conservation and integrates this topic with management of fisheries, oceans and coastal zones. Topics include: Governance of complex systems, management implications of international and regional conventions, ecosystem-based management; determination and application of coastal setbacks, zoning, regulatory regimes in coastal zone management, co-management; the precautionary approach; origin and value of biodiversity; and causes, magnitude and impacts of biodiversity loss. There will be a one-week field trip. In recent years this has been to the Grenadine Islands.


CLIMATE CHANGE
This stream will provide students with - an understanding of the causes of climate change globally and within the Caribbean; knowledge of current climate trends and projections for the Caribbean; an appreciation of potential impacts of climate change on natural and socio-economic systems in the region; knowledge of adaptive and mitigative measures available to buffer the impacts; an understanding of the regional and international policy framework within which climate change is addressed; and with the negotiation skills required to make significant contributions at regional and international climate change meetings and Conventions.

The four specialisation courses offered in this stream are:

ENVT 6130 Climate Dynamics and Modelling [Top]
This course develops knowledge and skills for modelling and simulating climate and interpreting the results from climate models. It demonstrates the contribution and relevance of interdisciplinary research and policy considerations as inputs to climate modelling. Topics include: constituents, structure and primary atmospheric processes; weather, climate and climate variability; climate driving forces, including greenhouse gases and their effects; anthropogenic aerosols and volcanic eruptions; ultraviolet radiation, ozone and CFCs; global energy balance including oceanic circulation; numerical modelling and climate models; scaling issues and limitations of General Circulation Models; climate sensitivity; monitoring, observation and modelling of past climates and trends; global warming, hurricanes and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO); future climate trends and changes.

ENVT 6131 Policy Response to Climate Change [Top]
This course evaluates a broad suite of policy approaches to GHG reduction and climate stabilization, in the context of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Kyoto Protocol. It develops knowledge and skills for policy formulation, and for strengthening negotiating capacity to protect regional interests in the global climate change debate. Topics include: the international policy response; UNFCCC, Berlin Mandate and Kyoto Protocol as instruments for atmospheric stabilization; policy approaches of developed and developing countries; negotiating positions of major UN Groups: European Union (EU), Japan-United States-Canada-Australia-New Zealand (JUSCANZ), Group of 77 and China (G77), Environmental Integrity Group (EIG), Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS); application of key negotiating tenets, including the precautionary principle and common but differentiated responsibilities; exploring elements of a CARICOM negotiating position.

ENVT 6132 Vulnerability to Climate Change and Impact Assessment [Top]
This course will adopt a problem-solving approach to climate impacts and vulnerability assessments in the Caribbean. It will draw on lessons from the hazard and disaster management community, the UNEP Country Studies, IPCC Common Methodology, and other methodologies and studies appropriate to the circumstances of the Caribbean and Small Island Developing States. From these an integrated approach to assessing impacts, vulnerability and adaptation will be developed. Themes will include: variability, extreme events (e.g. hurricanes, storm surge, droughts, floods) and their link to climate change; methods and tools in climate impact assessment; use of scenarios in vulnerability and impact assessments; impact of projected climate change and sea-level rise on key socio-economic sectors in the Caribbean; types and treatment of uncertainty; risk assessment and management; decision making based on outputs from vulnerability and risk assessments.

ENVT 6133 Climate Change Impacts: Mitigation and Adaptation [Top]
This course will examine current trends and approaches to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Methodologies, broad strategies and specific options will be discussed and their efficacy at the global, regional and local scales will be evaluated. Among the topics to be discussed are: objectives of the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol and their implications for mitigation and adaptation in the Caribbean; costs and benefits of emissions reductions; economic instruments for promoting mitigation including taxes, insurance schemes and tradable emission permits; carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation; types of adaptation – autonomous, anticipatory and planned; constraints to the implementation of adaptation options and strategies; timing of adaptation; technologies for energy efficiency and their application to the Caribbean: small hydro, solar thermal, photovoltaics, wind, ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), and no-carbon fuels; equity issues and their implications for adaptation in small vulnerable states.

WASTE MANAGEMENT
This stream is delivered on-line. Students will access the coursework via the UWI Distance Learning Network (WebCT) where the main texts as well as other reading materials will be stored. There will also be weekly interactive tutorials where students and lecturer will engage in discussions related to specific topics or other relevant materials using the “Chat Room” provided.

The four specialisation courses offered in this stream are:

ENVT 6148 Managing the Impacts of Waste on the Environment [Top]
This course provides an overview of the key concepts and issues related to the environmental impacts of waste including definitions of waste, assessing the potential impacts using an EIA approach and littering and illegal disposal. The role of multi-lateral environmental agreements in waste management and that of activism will be presented along with the regional and local management and mitigation initiatives. Students will be introduced to the regional public sector, private sector and NGO initiatives; international funding agencies and projects in the South Eastern Caribbean, inter-agency and cross-cutting sectoral initiatives, and waste management in the context of natural disasters with emphasis on mitigation.

ENVT 6149 Solid Waste Classification, Composition and Collection [Top]
In this course students are introduced to the environmental implications of inadequate management of solid waste and provided information on the tools and methodologies for undertaking waste classification and developing mechanisms for efficient collection of municipal solid waste. Topics will include classification and composition of municipal solid waste in which students will learn about the different categories of waste, methods for analysing waste and for determining generation rates on a per capita basis; collection systems; designing a collection system, including methodologies for calculating the cost associated with operation of the collection fleet.

ENVT 6150 Waste Disposal, Treatment and Diversion [Top]
This course continues from ENVT 6149 and students are introduced to solid waste master planning and alternatives; the development and design of engineered landfills, containment and cover systems; water balance calculations in landfills; predictions of contaminant transport in subsurface environment using EPA models; bioreactor landfill design and leachate re-circulation; landfill gas management and utilisation; composting of organic waste; solid waste incineration; solid waste recycling; and medical waste management.

ENVT 6220 Water and Wastewater Management [Top]
The focus of this course is on the technical, managerial and organisational aspects of making water resources available to consumers and the removal, treatment and disposal of wastewater. Students will be provided with an understanding of the issues surrounding aspects of water and wastewater management such as water collection and treatment, transportation and distribution of water; water demand estimation, supply and demand management; water distribution in urban and rural areas; water quality standards and measurement; definitions and characteristics of wastewaters; the potential environmental and public health concerns; sanitation, different wastewater collection and wastewater treatment and disposal systems; green-, grey- and black-water recycling and reuse; residuals management; storm-water drainage and management in urban and coastal areas; policy, legislation and regulations; financial mechanisms and institutional arrangements. In addition the potential impact of climate change on water and wastewater management and the range of responses, adaptations and mitigations measures will be explored.


APPLIED METEOROLOGY
This stream is offered through CERMES, in collaboration with the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH). It will provide students with training in advanced techniques for the analysis of meteorological and hydrological data and their application in several key sectors of the economy. The primary objective of this stream is to contribute to the sustainable development of the region through the provision of professionals trained in the application of meteorology.

The four specialisation courses offered in this stream are:

ENVT 6140 Atmospheric Physics and Weather Systems [Top]
This course provides an understanding of the basic characteristics of the atmosphere and of the physical and dynamical processes which play a role in the motions of the atmosphere. It also includes a description of some local, mid-latitude and tropical weather systems.

ENVT 6141 Climatology and Agrometeorology [Top]
This course develops an understanding of the drivers of climate as well as global and Caribbean climatology. It examines the role of climate in vegetation distribution and agriculture. An understanding of the influences of weather parameters on plant and animal production and activity, and how this knowledge can aid in improving and sustaining agricultural production are also provided.

ENVT 6143 Applied Statistics [Top]
Considerable amounts of weather and water data have been collected over the last 100 years. Usage of such data for many applications requires skill in special statistical methods. The course begins with topics including probability distributions, regression and correlation theory, multivariate analysis, analysis of variance and sampling, estimation and decision theory. Emphasis is given to statistical methods widely used for analysis of climatic and hydrological data including multiple regression, time series analysis, extreme value analysis and statistical treatment of rainfall and associated events especially low flows, droughts and floods.

ENVT 6200 – Hydrology [Top]
Hydrology is the study of the occurrence and movement of water in the environment and is essential to the understanding of water quantity and quality issues for those involved in the management of water resources in any way. This course will provide an understanding of hydrological processes and a knowledge of the techniques used to assess water resources. It starts from a basic understanding of the hydrological cycle and its processes and an introduction to rivers, flood plains and wetland environments. The course will cover hydrological parameters such as rainfall, evaporation and surface run-off, stream processes and systems, the measurement of these parameters and their use in modelling. Water quality and related pollution issues associated with surface waters such as streams, rivers and other water bodies will be covered. The interactions between surface water and groundwater will be introduced. Data gathering, monitoring programmes and data analysis approaches will be presented. Techniques used to assess water resources such as modelling, remote sensing and GIS will be introduced to give an overview of their use and potential. Other topics that will form part of the course will include: the hydrology of dams covering catchment characteristics, reservoir yields and sedimentation; aspects of urban hydrology; pluvial and fluvial flooding and; the interaction between hydrological and ecological processes.

ENVT 6132 Vulnerability to Climate Change and Impact Assessment [Top]
This course will adopt a problem-solving approach to climate impacts and vulnerability assessments in the Caribbean. It will draw on lessons from the hazard and disaster management community, the UNEP Country Studies, IPCC Common Methodology, and other methodologies and studies appropriate to the circumstances of the Caribbean and Small Island Developing States. From these an integrated approach to assessing impacts, vulnerability and adaptation will be developed. Themes will include: variability, extreme events (e.g. hurricanes, storm surge, droughts, floods) and their link to climate change; methods and tools in climate impact assessment; use of scenarios in vulnerability and impact assessments; impact of projected climate change and sea-level rise on key socio-economic sectors in the Caribbean; types and treatment of uncertainty; risk assessment and management; decision making based on outputs from vulnerability and risk assessments.


WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
This specialisation stream is offered by CERMES, in collaboration with the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH). The goal is to prepare graduates to address technical, social, economic and political dimensions of water resources management, especially in Small Island Developing States. The specialisation courses will cover the physical and organisational dimensions of water supply, distribution and wastewater management and the variety of issues facing water services managers. They will provide training in hydrological and hydrogeological (groundwater) analysis techniques and their application.

ENVT 6200 – Hydrology [Top]
Hydrology is the study of the occurrence and movement of water in the environment and is essential to the understanding of water quantity and quality issues for those involved in the management of water resources in any way. This course will provide an understanding of hydrological processes and a knowledge of the techniques used to assess water resources. It starts from a basic understanding of the hydrological cycle and its processes and an introduction to rivers, flood plains and wetland environments. The course will cover hydrological parameters such as rainfall, evaporation and surface run-off, stream processes and systems, the measurement of these parameters and their use in modelling. Water quality and related pollution issues associated with surface waters such as streams, rivers and other water bodies will be covered. The interactions between surface water and groundwater will be introduced. Data gathering, monitoring programmes, and data analysis approaches will be presented. Techniques used to assess water resources such as modelling, remote sensing and GIS will be introduced to give an overview of their use and potential. Other topics that will form part of the course will include: the hydrology of dams covering catchment characteristics, reservoir yields and sedimentation; aspects of urban hydrology; pluvial and fluvial flooding and; the interaction between hydrological and ecological processes.

ENVT 6210 - Groundwater Resources [Top]
Many of the freshwater resources on the Earth are in the form of groundwater and as a result they are increasingly under stress from over abstraction and pollution. The sustainable management of groundwater is critical for current and future generations. In the Caribbean, groundwater resources are the primary source of freshwater not just for domestic use but for agriculture, tourism and industry, on many islands such as Barbados, whole economies depend on it. The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to groundwater systems and their management. It will start with the origins, nature and behaviour of aquifers and subsurface waters and how it fits into the wider natural environment. Themes and concepts related to groundwater flow, including Darcy’s law and the continuity equations, parameterisation and related concepts will be covered. The techniques of hydrogeological investigation, evaluation of groundwater resources and monitoring including groundwater quality and groundwater modelling will be presented. The principles of solute transport will be discussed. The vulnerability of subsurface waters to the effects of land use change, pollution, over-abstraction and climate change will be explored along with coastal hydrogeology, groundwater management and its place in integrated water resources management.

ENVT 6220 - Water and Wastewater Management [Top]
The focus of this course is on the technical, managerial and organisational aspects of making water resources available to consumers and the removal, treatment and disposal of wastewater. Students will be provided with an understanding of the issues surrounding aspects of water and wastewater management such as water collection and treatment, transportation and distribution of water; water demand estimation, supply and demand management; water distribution in urban and rural areas; water quality standards and measurement; definitions and characteristics of wastewaters; the potential environmental and public health concerns; sanitation, different wastewater collection and wastewater treatment and disposal systems; green-, grey- and black-water recycling and reuse; residuals management; storm-water drainage and management in urban and coastal areas; policy, legislation and regulations; financial mechanisms and institutional arrangements. In addition the potential impact of climate change on water and wastewater management and the range of responses, adaptations and mitigations measures will be explored.

ENVT 6230 - Water Management and the Environment [Top]
Integrated water resources management considers how water should be managed by considering the multiple viewpoints and factors that need to be taken account when making decisions and taking actions. The competing uses of water in the natural, social and economic environment requires knowledge and expertise from across many different disciplines. The aim of this course will be to examine the varying aspects that constitute water resources management in island and non-island countries in the Caribbean region and the relationships between the technical, natural, social, economic and political environment, particularly those issues facing SIDS. The course places an emphasis on the economics of water and water resources as well as on legal and policy perspectives. Course material will cover: concepts of catchment/watershed management, integrated water resources management; national and international laws and institutional arrangements that impact on water management; economics; the political ecology of water; the impacts of water resources developments including land/marine interaction issues, decision support tools and, development pressures.


RESEARCH PROJECT

ENVT 6900 [Top]
The research project is usually undertaken immediately after semester II between June to September. Students are required to submit a research report at the end of this period for examination. Research projects will be supervised by CERMES faculty and will be in priority research areas relevant to the students’ specialisation stream. Students from non-campus countries will be encouraged to conduct their research in these countries, providing that adequate supervision arrangements can be made.

FIELD TRIPS
For all specialisation streams, students may be given the opportunity to go on one week field trips which are typically within the Wider Caribbean region. Students may be asked to contribute towards travel costs associated with these trips.