Short Course Programs

Objectives of the Short Courses Program in Environmental Studies
The aim of the short course program is to provide up to date knowledge, skills and techniques in natural resources conservation, management, engineering and planning to middle level personnel employed in public and private sectors. Senior level management courses may be provided on request.

Structure of the courses
Each course, lasting 2-6 weeks, consists of lectures, practical exercises, field trips and group discussions with an emphasis on hands on activities. Besides sample courses listed below, the Department of Environmental Science can, on request develop and offer courses to suit special requirements.

GIS for Environmental Planning and Management
This course is designed for participants with some professional experience in environmental related management and planning issues such as land use, wildlife, agriculture land information etc. A Bachelors degree or equivalent in relevant subject and knowledge of basic computer skills are expected. The course covers all aspects of GIS from data acquisition to the production of maps and reports. IDRISI and PC ARC/INFO are used. Each participant has access to a PC and various peripherals relevant to GIS. Commonwealth scholarships are available for participants from outside Botswana.

Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment
The course aims at introducing planners and decision makers to the basics of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The course has a strong practical orientation and includes working in groups and field work. The course covers EIA and sustainable development, stages, methods and options in the EIA process. Other topics include EIA requirements and procedures of major donor agencies. Use of EIA experiences from Botswana and the SADC region is extensively utilized. Applicants must be holders of BA or BSc degrees in environmental science, economics, development administration, planning, biology or any other relevant field or have a diploma or certificate with at least 5 years of experience in a senior planning position. The course is conducted by a team of experts drawn from the university and the private sector. Candidates from outside Botswana may obtain financial support from the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Remote Sensing Techniques for the Study of Environmental Processes
The course is intended to provide background information on a range of earth processes including those related to soils, geomorphology, hydrology and ecology. Physical processes operating in the semi-arid environments are emphasized. Discussion of processes is followed by development of interpretative skills using aerial photographs and remote sensing techniques. The extension of these skills to GIS is also explored. This course is conducted by departmental personnel with long international experience. Remote sensing hardware and software are available for participants' use. Candidates from outside Botswana may obtain financial support from the Commonwealth secretariat

Public Participants and Local Institutional Development for Natural Resources Management
This course us designed for planners and decision makers involved in natural resources management. The course introduces participants to concepts, theories, and the various methods and techniques of public participation and local institutional development. In the third week, participants undertake a one week supervised field exercise and apply techniques learnt in class to practical resources management situations. Participants are finally guided in basic data analysis procedures and report writing. Resource persons are drawn from ES department, the government, NGOs and institutions outside Botswana.

Housing Design, Construction and Management
This course is for technical officers whose day-to-day duties include assisting self-help home builders, inspection of houses, maintenance and management of residential properties. It covers basic requirements for the design of dwelling units, building materials, construction management, maintenance of buildings, cost estimation and housing policies. Emphasis is placed on achieving an efficient and sustainable housing system. Field and practical exercises and group discussions form an integral part of the course. Resource personnel are drawn from the University of Botswana with guest lectures from the Botswana Technology Centre, Botswana Housing Corporation, Government Departments and the private sector.

Introduction to Laboratory Management Techniques
This course exposes participants to various aspects related to current trends in laboratory management in developing countries. It aims at improving skills in laboratory management and operations, trains and prepares participants for higher positions of responsibility. Aspects covered include laboratory design and organization, safety and equipment maintenance, storage and handling materials for analysis, administration, use of computers, financial and personnel management, public relations and collaboration with specialized laboratories. Applicants should have one or more of the following qualifications: OTD, OND, BSc, HTD, HND or equivalent in a science related discipline plus at least 5 years of working experience in a laboratory. In service training could also be considered where an applicant lacks the minimum qualifications. The course is conducted by an interdisciplinary team of senior laboratory personnel, consultants, academicians and researchers. Scholarships to this course are available to applicants employed by tertiary institutions outside Botswana from the UNESCO regional office in Nairobi.

Economics and Natural Resource Management
"Inadequate appreciation of the close interactions between the environment and economic development and planning is widely considered to be the root cause of environmental problems and policy failure (cf. Agenda 21)". This course aims at filling this gap through the use of theoretical concepts and policy applications. The following policy oriented subjects are covered: sustainable development and policy analysis and guidance, poverty, affluence and resources and pollution, macroeconomics and the environment and economic project appraisal, environmental economic policy instruments. The course consists of a mixture of lectures, case studies and group work. Participants are expected to write and present a brief essay on a research topic. Entry requirements are an undergraduate degree in environmental science and/or economics or extensive verifiable work experience.

Certificates Awarded
On successful completion of the course, each participant is awarded a certificate of achievement.

Application Procedure and Enquiries
Applications should be submitted before commencement of the desired course and further enquiries should be sent to the Graduate school of the Environment and Energy, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Campus, Tehran, P.O.Box 14155-775, Tehran, Iran.