NOUN B.Sc. Environmental Science Courses – Full Outline

Explore NOUN BSc Environmental Science Courses—admission, curriculum, and career prospects. Start your journey today!

Discover the complete list of NOUN B.Sc. Environmental Science and Resource Management courses? This guide provides a detailed breakdown of all the courses from 100 to 400 level, including core and elective courses.

Introduction: NOUN B.Sc. Environmental Science Courses

The B.Sc. Environmental Science and Resource Management program at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is designed to equip students with the necessary scientific and management skills to address environmental challenges. This four-year degree program integrates environmental, biological, chemical, and physical sciences while incorporating aspects of social sciences and law to enhance sustainability and environmental quality.

By studying this course, students will gain knowledge in ecosystem conservation, environmental pollution control, climate change mitigation, and sustainable resource management. The curriculum ensures that graduates are well-prepared to tackle real-world environmental problems effectively.

This guide provides a comprehensive list of all NOUN B.Sc. Environmental Science courses from 100 to 400 level, including core and elective courses.

Aim and Objectives of the Program

The aim of the B.Sc. Environmental Science and Resource Management program is to provide students with broad knowledge and understanding of contemporary environmental challenges, theories, concepts, and strategies for managing them effectively.

Program Objectives

The key objectives of the program include:

• Understanding the biophysical and human environments and their interrelationships.
• Developing skills in research methodologies and analytical techniques related to environmental science.
• Learning rational management approaches for environmental planning, conservation, and sustainability.
• Identifying environmental problems and developing practical solutions.

General Admission Requirements into the NOUN ESM Programme

100-Level Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission into the 100-Level B.Sc. Environmental Science program, candidates must have a minimum of five (5) O’ Level credits, including:

✅ English Language
✅ Mathematics
✅ Chemistry
✅ Geography
✅ Any one of Biology, Physics, Agricultural Science, Health Science/Education, Economics, Mining, Photography, or Tourism

Accepted certificates include WAEC, NECO, SSCE, GCE, and NABTEB.

Direct Entry (200 Level)

Candidates applying for Direct Entry (200 Level) must meet the 100-Level entry requirements and hold a Diploma/OND in Cartography, Civil Engineering, Geography, Health Sciences, Land Surveying, or Mining. Candidates with HND Pass or B.Sc. Third-Class in related fields may also apply.

Direct Entry (300 Level)

For 300-Level Direct Entry, candidates must have HND Lower Credit in related disciplines or B.Sc. Second-Class Lower (2:2) in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geoinformatics, or Land Surveying.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, students must complete:

📌 100-Level Students – Minimum 123 Credit Units
📌 200-Level Direct Entry Students – Minimum 90 Credit Units
📌 300-Level Direct Entry Students – Minimum 60 Credit Units

Students must also complete:

• SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme)
• Field Trips and Practical Training
• Undergraduate Research Project and Thesis

Complete List of NOUN BSc Environmental Science Courses

100 Level First Semester Courses

Total Credit Units – Compulsory: 20
Total Credit Units – Elective: 0
Total Credit Units: 20

100 Level Second Semester Courses

Total Credit Units – Compulsory: 20
Total Credit Units – Elective: 0
Total Credit Units: 20

200 Level First Semester Courses

Total Credit Units – Compulsory: 16
Total Credit Units – Elective: 0
Total Credit Units: 16

200 Level Second Semester Courses

Electives:

Total Credit Units – Compulsory: 15
Total Credit Units – Elective: 2
Total Credit Units: 17

300 Level First Semester Courses

Electives:

Total Credit Units – Compulsory: 17
Total Credit Units – Elective: 2
Total Credit Units: 19

300 Level Second Semester Courses

Electives:

Total Credit Units – Compulsory: 17
Total Credit Units – Elective: 2
Total Credit Units: 19

400 Level First Semester Courses

Total Credit Units – Compulsory: 16
Total Credit Units – Elective: 0
Total Credit Units: 16

400 Level Second Semester Courses

Electives:

Total Credit Units – Compulsory: 8
Total Credit Units – Elective: 4
Total Credit Units: 12

Total Credit Units for Core and Elective Courses in ESM

Grand Total:

Final Thoughts on NOUN BSc Environmental Science Courses

The Environmental Science and Management (ESM) course structure provides a well-rounded curriculum that equips students with essential knowledge and practical skills in environmental studies. Covering diverse topics such as pollution control, biodiversity conservation, environmental impact assessment, hydrology, and geographic information systems, the program ensures that graduates are well-prepared to address global environmental challenges.

With a total of 135 credit units (125 core and 10 elective), students gain both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience through field trips, SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme), and research projects. The elective courses also allow students to specialize in areas of interest, broadening their career opportunities in environmental science, policy-making, urban planning, and related fields.

FAQs – NOUN BSc Environmental Science Courses

1. What is the total number of credit units required to complete the ESM program?
The total number of credit units required to complete the program is 135, comprising 125 core units and 10 elective units.

2. Are elective courses mandatory?
Elective courses are not mandatory, but students are required to take a certain number of elective credits to meet graduation requirements.

3. What is SIWES, and why is it important?
SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme) is a practical training program that exposes students to real-world applications of environmental science. It is essential for bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and field experience.

4. How many SIWES courses are included in the program?
There are two SIWES courses: ESM 299 (SIWES I) in 200 Level Second Semester and ESM 399 (SIWES II) in 300 Level Second Semester.

5. What is the significance of research projects in the final year?
The research project (ESM 401) in the 400 Level First Semester is a 6-unit course that allows students to apply their knowledge to real-world environmental problems, conduct independent research, and propose solutions.

6. Are there field trips included in the program?
Yes, ESM 305 (Field Trip in Environmental Science) is included in 300 Level First Semester to provide students with practical exposure to environmental sites and management practices.

7. What career opportunities are available for graduates of ESM?
Graduates can work in environmental consulting, government agencies, NGOs, urban and regional planning, waste management, pollution control, climate change advocacy, and academic research.

8. Is there a focus on environmental laws and policies?
Yes, PUL 303 (Environmental Laws and Policies) is offered as an elective in the 300 Level First Semester, allowing students to understand the legal framework for environmental management.

9. How does the program address climate change?
The program includes specific courses such as ESM 343 (Climate Change and Environment) and ESM 345 (Applied Climatology), which focus on climate science, adaptation, and mitigation strategies.

10. Can students specialize in specific areas of environmental science?
Yes, through elective courses, students can focus on areas such as urban environmental management, oceanography, rural development strategies, freshwater ecology, and environmental politics.

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