Abu Dhabi University (ADU)'s Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Environmental Health and Safety has received an accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), an internationally recognised charity and professional voice for environmental health.
The bachelor programme has been accredited for an initial period of five years. CIEH has commended ADU for the programme's excellent course structure; vision for environmental health and safety development; as well as the university's commitment to ongoing dialogue with CIEH for further advancement of the program.
In addition, other aspects which contributed to the CIEH accreditation were the coverage of the major elements to prepare graduates for a role in environmental health and safety; open door policy; student learning activities; and ADU's dedication to arranging internships for graduates. ADU, as recommended by the CIEH panel, is also planning to introduce a portfolio assessment appropriate to internships; strengthening reflective practices throughout the programme including the element in its assessment regime; and exploring student representation with the formulation of students unions and councils.
"ADU strives to ensure that all its programmes and courses meet international standards. The accreditation from CIEH serves as recognition of ADU's dedication to the delivery of quality programmes to students particularly in the field of environmental science," said Nabil Ibrahim, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University.
"The newly accredited programme will open up different opportunities to students who are interested in research and applied projects that will explore all aspects of the environment. Future graduates in this field will have the knowledge and skills they need to understand and solve environmental health and safety problems in the UAE and the Gulf region," Ibrahim added.
Launched late last year as an initiative of Her Highness Shiekha Latifa Bint Hamdan, the BSc in Environmental Health and Safety is aimed at creating a solid foundation of national human capital specialising in various areas of the environmental sciences. The program also includes other specialisations in this field that will contribute to Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.
Dr. Gabrielle Mailloux, Chair of Department of Applied Sciences & Mathematics, and Director of Environmental Health & Safety Program of ADU said, "CIEH's accreditation is a valued source of achievement for ADU programs in Environmental Health and Safety. It gives our students the assurance of quality education and access to a wide range of instructional resources that allow them to advance their skills and competencies, and to raise the calibre of future leaders of the UAE, who will play an important role in making it an international hub for research and development in the field of environmental sciences."
The BSc in Environmental Health and Safety also includes elective courses in desert studies, water resource management, and other topics related to ecology, climate, natural resources and marine biology. Six degree concentrations have been developed to assist students in programme planning namely pollution monitoring and control; community and urban planning; food safety and inspection; policy planning and implementation; project assessment and management; and industrial and occupational health and safety.
Graduates of this program will be prepared for professional careers such as Environmental Health Officers, Workplace Safety Assessors, Air Quality Controllers, Food Safety and Security Specialists, Drinking Water Quality Controllers, Liquid & Solid Waste Disposal Experts, Toxicologists, Epidemiologists, Pest Control Consultants, Occupational Health and Safety Officers, Risk Assessment Consultants, Community Planners, and Policy Developers. Interested students can enquire in the University Admission Department for requirements.
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© Press Release 2011
