Environmental Sciences

Overview

The focus of the Environmental Sciences program of the An-Najah National University is on studying the environmental effects and impacts of current human activities and development on the present and future (in quality and quantity and in time and space) of environmental and natural resources.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning methods adopted and used in water and environmental engineering and sciences include direct instructor lecturing through best available teaching techniques and practices and infrastructures (buildings, teaching assistances, and labs). 

These methods are aimed at knowledge building (new text books-up to date-used and presented to students in course works), comprehension (demonstrating understanding of terms and concepts of water and environmental engineering and sciences), application (solving problems by laboratory and field demonstration), analysis (breaking things down into their elements, formulating theoretical explanations or mathematical or logical models for observed phenomena of water and environmental engineering and sciences), synthesis (creating, design, and make-up problem solving techniques and mechanisms, and combining elements and processes in novel ways), evaluation (choosing, determining, and selecting from among alternatives). 

Active learning approach is practiced in this program resulting in and emphasizing recalling prior material, responding to questions, problem solving, explaining written material, analytical, critical, and creative thinking, , and generating questions and summarizing .  In addition, cooperative learning is employed in this program by involving students to work in teams to accomplish an assigned task and produce a final product. 

This cooperative learning include the following elements: positive interdependence, individual accountability, face-to-face promotive interaction, appropriate use of teamwork skills, and regular self-assessment of team functioning.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from environmental sciences program could work at local/regional/international employers such as:

• Governmental Ministries,

• NGOs,

• Private sector,

• Local governments service providers (municipalities and villages councils),

• Environmental monitoring organisations;

• Environmental consultancies;

• International agencies

• Applied, research, academic/educational, and theoretical fields

• Business.