School of Environmental Sciences
Institute of Environmental Management and Quality Control
Bachelor of Science with Honours in
Environmental Management and Quality Control
Degree Designation: B.Sc. (Hons) Environmental Management and Quality Control
Introduction
Environmental Management and Quality Control (EMQC) is a discipline that integrates scientific principles, management practices, and quality assurance systems to monitor, protect, and sustainably manage the environment. Professionals in this field are equipped to assess environmental risks, implement monitoring programmes, and ensure that industrial, agricultural, and urban activities comply with environmental standards and quality norms.
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours in Environmental Management and Quality Control programme at Njala University produces graduates with in-depth knowledge in environmental monitoring techniques, water quality analysis, soil and air quality management, waste management, food and drug safety, and geographic information systems (GIS). Students are trained for careers in the public sector, private industry, and international environmental organisations.
Sustainable development is only possible when our environment is managed with scientific rigour and quality assurance. Sierra Leone's development future depends on professionals who can safeguard its natural capital.
Rationale
Sierra Leone faces mounting environmental challenges including land degradation, water pollution, air quality deterioration, and the improper management of solid and hazardous waste. These challenges require trained environmental managers who can apply quality control frameworks to ensure environmental standards are met across all sectors.
The EMQC programme addresses this need by producing graduates capable of conducting environmental impact assessments, managing environmental monitoring systems, advising on policy, and collaborating with institutions such as the Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) and the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau (SLSB).
Aims, Goals & Objectives
This programme aims to train students in both the scientific and managerial aspects of environmental quality, producing graduates who are skilled in monitoring, assessing, and managing environmental systems sustainably.
Environmental Monitoring
Students learn to design and implement environmental monitoring systems for water, soil, and air quality.
Quality Assurance
Students apply quality control standards to environmental, food, and drug safety management.
GIS & Remote Sensing
Students use geospatial technologies to analyse and communicate environmental data.
Waste Management
Students develop competencies in solid, liquid, and hazardous waste management strategies.
Policy & Compliance
Students engage with national and international environmental laws, policies, and compliance frameworks.
Target Group
This programme is open to high school graduates with backgrounds in the basic and applied sciences, particularly those interested in environmental protection, quality assurance, and natural resource management.
Intended career pathways:
- Environment Protection Agencies
- Environmental consulting and impact assessment
- Food and drug quality control
- Water resources and sanitation management
- Meteorology and climate monitoring
- Postgraduate studies and research
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMQ 211 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 3 | EMQ 217 | Environmental Monitoring Techniques | 3 |
| EMQ 212 | Environmental Chemistry | 3 | EMQ 218 | Soil Quality Management | 3 |
| EMQ 213 | Applied Meteorology | 3 | EMQ 219 | Air Quality Management | 3 |
| EMQ 214 | Introduction to Environmental Management | 3 | EMQ 2110 | Food and Drug Quality and Safety | 3 |
| EMQ 215 | Water Quality Analysis | 3 | EMQ 2111 | Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing | 3 |
| EMQ 216 | Introduction to Environmental Law | 3 | EMQ 2112 | Waste Management Principles | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMQ 3113 | Environmental Impact Assessment | 3 | EMQ 3220 | Advanced Water and Wastewater Treatment | 3 |
| EMQ 3114 | Research Methods in Environmental Science | 3 | EMQ 3221 | Hazardous Waste Management | 3 |
| EMQ 3115 | Industrial Ecology and Cleaner Production | 3 | EMQ 3222 | Environmental Pollution and Control | 3 |
| EMQ 3116 | Environmental Auditing and Accounting | 3 | EMQ 3223 | Advanced GIS for Environmental Management | 3 |
| EMQ 3117 | Climate Change and Environmental Management | 3 | EMQ 3224 | Wildlife Management and Conservation | 3 |
| EMQ 3118 | Toxicology and Ecotoxicology | 3 | EMQ 3225 | Quality Management Systems (ISO Standards) | 3 |
| EMQ 3119 | Statistical Methods for Environmental Science | 3 | EMQ 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. |
|---|---|---|
| EMQ 4127 | Environmental Law & Policies | 3 |
| EMQ 4128 | Corporate Environmental Management | 3 |
| EMQ 4129 | Environmental Health and Safety | 3 |
| EMQ 4130 | Natural Resources Economics | 3 |
| EMQ 4131 | Environmental Governance and Sustainability | 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:
Design and implement environmental monitoring and quality assurance programmes for water, soil, air, and food safety.
Conduct environmental impact assessments and environmental audits in compliance with national and international standards.
Apply GIS and remote sensing tools to analyse, map, and communicate environmental data for management decisions.
Develop and manage waste management programmes including solid, liquid, and hazardous waste across industrial and municipal contexts.
Engage with environmental policy and governance frameworks to advise organisations on legal compliance and sustainable practices.
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.