School of Environmental Sciences
Institute of Environmental Management and Quality Control
Bachelor of Science with Honours in
Disaster Management and Climate Change Adaptation
Degree Designation: B.Sc. (Hons) Disaster Management and Climate Change Adaptation
Introduction
Disaster risk management (DRM) and climate change adaptation (CCA) are both sets of actions that help reduce the risk of disasters and their impact on people and the environment. Disaster risk management involves preparing for and responding to potential disasters in a timely and effective manner, with the goal of creating an environment that reduces the negative effects of hazards. Climate change adaptation involves taking long-term actions to help people adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather, sea level rise, and food insecurity.
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours in Disaster Management and Climate Change Adaptation programme aims to teach students how to use interdisciplinary methods and tools to help build resilient societies. Students develop skills in risk assessment, risk communication, capacity assessment, preparedness and contingency planning, and learn to work on projects in local, national, and international organisations.
Climate change is a major economic, social, and environmental threat to humanity. Disasters can create ripple effects that impact societies and development — making qualified professionals in this field essential for Sierra Leone and the wider world.
Rationale
The goal of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) is to help people and societies become more resilient by managing risks and adjusting to climate change. Disasters can have ripple effects that undermine development and peaceful societies; managing climate and disaster risks helps prevent these effects.
By applying interdisciplinary concepts, students learn to use a variety of methods and tools from different disciplines, develop skills in risk assessment and communication, and contribute to research in the field. This programme strives to cultivate a new generation of leaders dedicated to creating more resilient and sustainable societies.
Aims, Goals & Objectives
This programme aims to provide students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills in Environmental Management and Sustainability. The goal is to produce graduates capable of addressing disasters and climate change challenges through effective management and sustainable practices.
Building Resilience
Students learn to build resilience in communities through interdisciplinary methods and tools.
Understanding Risks
Students learn to understand the risks and threats associated with climate change and disasters.
Developing Adaptation Strategies
Students develop effective and just climate adaptation strategies.
Improving Coping Capacity
Students improve the coping capacity of affected social-ecological systems.
Engaging All of Society
Students learn to engage all sectors of society in climate and disaster risk management.
Target Group
This programme is open to high school graduates in the basic and applied sciences, including mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geography, agriculture, and engineering science.
Intended career pathways:
- Development planning
- Environmental management & assessment
- Spatial data analytics
- Health and safety
- Meteorology & quality management
- Postgraduate studies, research & consultancy
Entry Requirements
General University Requirements:
Five credits at GCE "O" Level or WASSCE, including English Language, in not more than two (2) sittings.
Departmental Requirements:
At least grade 6 or better in five subjects, including at least two from: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, Geography, or Engineering Science.
Programme Structure
The programme is organised into eight semesters with a minimum of 126 credit hours for graduation, distributed as follows:
📅 First Year Courses
| Code | Semester 1 Course | Cr. Hrs | Code | Semester 2 Course | Cr. Hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL 101 | Cell Biology, Genetics, Physiology & Microbiology | 3 | BIOL 102 | Introduction to Botany and Zoology | 3 |
| CHEM 101 | General Chemistry I | 3 | CHEM 102 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| MATHS 121 | Pre-Calculus | 3 | MATHS 122 | Introduction to Calculus, Applied Maths & Statistics | 3 |
| PHYS 101 | Forces, Motion and Thermal Physics | 3 | PHYS 102 | Radiation and Optics | 3 |
| GEOG 101 | Introduction to Physical Geography | 3 | GEOG 102 | Intro. to Human Geography & Geography of Sierra Leone | 3 |
| GEST 111 | English Language | 2 | GEST 112 | English Language | 2 |
| ICT 121 | Information & Communication Technology | 3 | ICT 122 | Information & Communication Technology | 3 |
| Semester 1 Total | 20 | Semester 2 Total | 20 | ||
📅 Second Year Courses
| Code | Semester 1 Course | Cr. Hrs | Code | Semester 2 Course | Cr. Hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EOH 211 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 3 | EOH 217 | Environmental Monitoring Techniques | 3 |
| EOH 212 | Introduction to Emergency/Crisis Management | 3 | EOH 218 | Epidemiology | 3 |
| EOH 213 | Applied Meteorology | 3 | EOH 219 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| EOH 214 | Basic Principles of Disaster Planning and Management | 3 | EOH 2110 | First Aid | 3 |
| EOH 215 | Introduction to Climate Breakdown | 3 | EOH 2111 | Introduction to Environment and Ecosystem | 3 |
| EOH 216 | Principles of Environmental Management | 3 | EOH 2112 | Climate Change Adaptation and Disasters | 3 |
| ENG 201 | English Language | 2 | ENG 202 | English Language | 2 |
| Semester 1 Total | 20 | Semester 2 Total | 20 | ||
📅 Third Year Courses
| Code | Semester 1 Course | Cr. Hrs | Code | Semester 2 Course | Cr. Hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EOH 3113 | Disasters and Sustainable Development | 3 | EOH 3220 | Environmental Impact Assessment | 3 |
| EOH 3114 | Research Approaches in Disaster Management | 3 | EOH 3221 | Emergency/Disaster Management | 3 |
| EOH 3115 | Community Based Disaster Risk Management | 3 | EOH 3222 | Environmental Pollution | 3 |
| EOH 3116 | Disaster Risk Management | 3 | EOH 3223 | GIS and Remote Sensing in Disaster Management | 3 |
| EOH 3117 | Climate Change and Natural Hazards | 3 | EOH 3224 | Vulnerability and Risk Assessment | 3 |
| EOH 3118 | Introduction to Toxicology | 3 | EOH 3225 | Climate Smart Risk Reduction | 3 |
| EOH 3119 | Climate Change Impacts, Mitigation and Adaptation | 3 | EOH 3226 | Group Seminar and Scientific Writing | 3 |
| Semester 1 Total | 21 | Semester 2 Total | 21 | ||
📅 Fourth Year Courses
Semester 1 — Taught Courses
| Code | Course | Cr. |
|---|---|---|
| EOH 4127 | Environmental Law & Policies | 3 |
| EOH 4128 | Climatic Risk Modeling and Adaptation | 3 |
| EOH 4129 | Climatic Hazards and Climate Change | 3 |
| EOH 4130 | Environment and Hazards Management | 3 |
| EOH 4131 | Natural Resources and Disasters | 3 |
| Total | 15 | |
Semester 2 — Completion Requirements
- Industrial Attachment
- Research Project / Dissertation
- Directed Readings
- Final Comprehensive Examinations
Assessment & Grading System
A five-point letter grading system is used in assessing students, following the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) guidelines. Continuous assessment includes class attendance and participation, assignments, field projects, presentations, and written examinations.
Grading Scale
| Marks (%) | Grade | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 75 and above | A | 5.0 |
| 65 – 74 | B | 4.0 |
| 50 – 64 | C | 3.0 |
| 40 – 49 | D | 2.0 |
| 30 – 39 | E | 1.0 |
| Below 30 | F | 0.0 |
Honours Classification (FGPA)
| Class | FGPA Range |
|---|---|
| First Class | 4.3 and above |
| Second Class (Upper) | 4.00 – 4.29 |
| Second Class (Lower) | 3.60 – 3.99 |
| Third Class | 3.00 – 3.59 |
Programme Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme, students will have acquired comprehensive knowledge and practical skills, including the capacity to:
Understand and manage different types of disasters considering their specificities.
Integrate knowledge and analyse public health aspects of disaster events and climate change at local and global levels.
Describe and evaluate environmental, social, cultural, economic, legal and organisational aspects influencing vulnerabilities and capacities.
Work both theoretically and practically across all phases of disaster management — risk reduction, response, and recovery.
Analyse and evaluate research in emergencies and disasters while demonstrating insight into the role and limitations of science.
Teaching & Learning
A learner-centred approach incorporating theoretical instruction and practical hands-on exercises, including field group projects, seminars, laboratory work, and simulation exercises.
Resources Required
At least three core lecturers with specialised expertise in the programme disciplines. Essential physical resources include classrooms, laboratories, and field survey equipment.
Monitoring & Review
The programme is monitored according to Njala University and TEC Quality Assurance guidelines, and reviewed every five years to address the evolving needs of academia and industry.
📥 Programme Documents & Downloads
The following documents are available for download, providing full details of the programme specification, course descriptions, and institutional requirements.
Progression Requirement
To advance from one year to the next, students must achieve a Sessional Grade Point Average (SGPA) of 3.0 or higher, with no outstanding course requirements.