BSc Environmental Sciences

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

American University of Sharjah

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability at American University of Sharjah (AUS) is a 4-year interdisciplinary natural science and sustainability degree that integrates environmental science with biology, chemistry, policy and social perspectives to address regional and global environmental challenges. It suits students who want careers in environmental management, sustainability planning, conservation, renewable energy, environmental consulting and research, using scientific and critical thinking to solve real-world ecological problems.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build core science foundations with modules such as Introduction to Environmental Science, General Biology, General Chemistry, Earth Systems Science and Environmental Mathematics/Statistics, developing understanding of ecological concepts, environmental processes, and quantitative analysis essential for sustainability study.

Year 2

During the second year, students deepen their scientific and analytical capabilities through modules like Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation, Environmental Chemistry, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and Environmental Policy and Regulation, emphasizing practical environmental problem-solving and assessment techniques.

Year 3

In the third year, students engage in more advanced topics such as Climate Change and Atmospheric Science, Hydrology and Water Resources, Sustainable Development and Renewable Energy, Environmental Impact Assessment, and Environmental Modeling, gaining skills in evaluating complex environmental systems and sustainability strategies.

Year 4

The final year culminates in professional practice and independent research with modules such as Senior Research Project in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management and Sustainability Planning, and Internship in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability, allowing students to apply scientific methods to real-world projects and sustainability challenges.

Focus areas (in a string):

Environmental monitoring, sustainability planning, ecology and biodiversity, environmental impact assessment, water and climate systems, policy and regulation

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Apply scientific methods to environmental problems, assess ecological and human impacts, use analytical tools (e.g., GIS and modeling), integrate sustainability frameworks, and communicate solutions effectively

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), UAE Ministry of Education, aligning with regional and international environmental science education standards.

Reputation (employability rankings):

American University of Sharjah is internationally recognised with strong STEM and sustainability initiatives, and its graduates are prepared for environmental science roles in government, private and NGO sectors as well as graduate study pathways, including a 4+1 master’s option with American University, Washington, DC.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This hands-on approach is delivered through the following specific resources and activities:

Specialized Earth Sciences Laboratories: The program operates dedicated labs such as the Petrology and Mineralogy Laboratory, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy Laboratory, Geochemistry Laboratory, and the Planetary Science and Remote Sensing Laboratory.
Mandatory Fieldwork and Mapping Camps: A core component of the program is compulsory geological field camps and mapping exercises. Students conduct fieldwork in diverse UAE environments such as the Hajar Mountains, desert regions (e.g., Liwa), and coastal sabkhas to study rock formations, structures, and surface processes.
Advanced University Core Facilities: Students use shared, high-tech facilities for analysis, including the Advanced Materials Characterization Lab (with SEM, XRD), the Central Analytical Laboratory, and the Micro/Nano Fabrication Facility.
Industry-Standard Software and Digital Tools: Students are trained in essential geoscience software, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software (e.g., ArcGIS), remote sensing platforms (e.g., ENVI), geological modeling software (e.g., Petrel, Leapfrog), and programming languages (Python, MATLAB) for data analysis.
Capstone Senior Research Project: A major senior design/research project requires students to conduct an original investigation, often involving field data collection, laboratory analysis, and computational modeling on a topic in geology, planetary science, or environmental geoscience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of American University of Sharjah's Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability develop expertise in sustainable development, climate change mitigation, renewable energy, and biodiversity conservation, equipping them to address UAE's environmental challenges through scientific analysis and policy solutions. Typical job roles include environmental consultant, sustainability manager, conservation scientist, and renewable energy analyst.

Progression & Future Opportunities: AUS embeds sustainability across career development:

Career Development Center offers sustainability-focused job fairs, internship placements with environmental agencies, and Green CV workshops.
Strong employability (90%+ within 6 months) with starting salaries AED 12,000–20,000 monthly in UAE government/private sustainability roles.
Partnerships with Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, Sharjah Environment Authority, and Masdar City provide research internships and graduate recruitment.
American-style accreditation ensures global recognition for senior environmental management and policy leadership positions across GCC.
Proven outcomes: graduates lead sustainability initiatives at government agencies and establish environmental consultancies within 3-5 years.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates pursue MSc programs in Environmental Science, Sustainability Studies, or Climate Change at AUS or international universities like Imperial College London, specializing in renewable energy policy or environmental impact assessment. Many advance to PhD pathways leveraging senior research projects and industry collaborations for academic or UN agency careers.