Water Resources and Geo-Environmental Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Water Resources and Geo-Environmental Sciences (BS) – (99 Credits)

Conscious of the importance of water issues for Lebanon and the Arab world, AUT started a unique BS program in Water Resource Sciences that means to prepare Lebanese students to work in all areas of water

science and management. They will acquire essential expertise in water quality and treatment, water law and conflict resolution, and other areas necessary to manage water resources efficiently.

This unique program has the support of Tannourine Water company which ensures internships and training as well as scholarships and of the Ministry of Energy and Water so students have access to information concerning projects on regional and national levels and can share in them.

AUT has joined international organizations such as Global Water Partnership which is an organization based in Stockholm, Sweden and whose mission is to support the sustainable development and management of water resources at all levels .

What is the mission of  Water Resources Science?

To train multi-disciplinary experts become future scientists and managers of our water resources and fill the ever increasing demand for high economic impact jobs.

A unique program

The Water Resources & Geo-Environmental Sciences program is the first and currently the only undergraduate major offered in Lebanon.

What problems am I being trained to solve?

The Arab world is over 90% arid, and the main reservoir for water resources in the region is Lebanon. Accordingly, we focus on solving issues of water storage, water conservation, water management and water quality to cope with the increasing demand for water supply.

What topics does the program cover?

Students learn through a unique program, following a multi-disciplinary approach by integrating the hydrogeology, environment, socioeconomic and policy aspects of water treatment and management into the curriculum.

What types of career opportunities are open when I study Water Resources Sciences?

There is an increasing demand for water resources experts in Lebanon and the region. This unique program covers a wide variety of specializations in fields such as: 

  • Environmental science and climate change
  • Water purification and bottling
  • Waste water treatment and reuse
  • Public & environmental health
  • Water quality monitoring and quality control • Water policy • Integrated water resource management

Why should I study Water Resources Science at AUT?

The 99-credit program is constantly updated to meet new challenges posed by water scarcity and is taught by top experts in water including scientists from UNESCO Institute for Water Education based in Delft, Netherlands. Visiting professors together with AUT faculty ensure you are exposed to the latest research and technologies. In addition the Memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Energy and Water make sure you are informed of policy changes that affect the water sector in Lebanon. The required internships that you spend at water companies or government agencies ensure you know what the job market is about and better prepares you for professional success. Students of Water Resources Science at AUT work with municipalities on testing water quality. An example of this is the Phoenix Project with Byblos Municipality. Another advantage AUT offers is the presence of an Advisory Board composed of experts in the public and private sectors that advise students on career opportunities and advises the faculty on curriculum changes to accompany the latest developments in the water field.

Where are the career opportunities available to me?

Career opportunities include the private sector such as environmental or engineering consultants, environmental groups, water bottling and production industry and companies, water treatment plants, management of dams, international organizations such as WHO, UNDP, FAO, UNEP, ESCWA, UNIDO, as well as NGOs. The public sector (Ministry of Energy and Water, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Public Health), Water Authorities and Municipalities.

What higher academic degrees can I pursue after the BSc in Water Resources and Geo-Environmental Sciences?

Candidates can pursue MSc and PhD degrees in water resources management, environmental sciences, or in international water and environmental law, where a high demand for experts is needed.

Placement Exam Required

English

Water Resources and Geo-Environmental Sciences (99 Credits)

General Education Requirements26 Credits 
Code# CourseTitleCrPrerequisites
Group A : Language and Communication (12 credits)
ENG260English Language Skills I (ENG 200 – English Writing Skills)3Placement
ENG280English Language Skills II (ENG 203 – English Communication I)3 
ENG305Research Methodology (ENG 204 – English Communication II)3ENG203
BUS210Business Communication Skills (COM 210 – Communication & Presentation Skills)3ENG203
Group B : General Business & Humanities (7 credits)
ENT301Start-up Business Entrepreneurship 3 
HUM212AUT Cultural Plus1 
HUM318Human Rights3ENG 203
Group C : Arts & Social Sciences (3 credits)
ART205Contemporary Arts 3 
HUM210Arts Appreciation3 
HUM211Music Appreciation3 
POL202Globalization and Political Change3ENG 203
SOC202Justice, Society and Gender3ENG 203
Group D : Mathematics, Science and Technology (3 credits)
HLT210Health and Wellness3 
NTR201Introduction to Nutrition3ENG 203
Group E : Health and Physical Education (1 credits)
PED.Physical Education1 
Faculty Environment Course Requirements21 CreditsGrade must be C or higher in every Major Course
Code# CourseTitleCrPrerequisites
BIO201General Biology4 
CHE201Basic Chemistry4Co. ENG203
CHE211Introductory Organic Chemistry4CHE201
STA210Statistics for Science3 
ENV332Environmental Impact Assessment3 
GEO201Geology3 
Specialization Core Requirements43 Credits 
Code# CourseTitleCrPrerequisites
WGS201Introduction to Water Resources3ENG203
WGS210Soil Science4 
GEOE220GIS and Remote Sensing3WGS201, WGS220, GEOE201
WGS220Applied Hydrology3WGS201
WGS255Environmental Microbiology3BIO201
WGS240Aquatic Ecology3 
WGS302Applied Geomorphology3GEOE201
WGS321Water Pollutants3CHE201, WGS201
WGS322Water Chemistry Techniques + Lab4CHE201, WGS201
WGS345Water Policy and Economics3ENG204, WGS201
WGS355Water Law3ENG204, WGS201
WGS360Environmental Modeling3WGS201, WGS240
WGS365Water and Wastewater Engineering3WGS201, WGS321
WGS200Water Resources Seminar1 
WGS390Internship l1 
Free Elective 9 Credits 
Total Credits 99 Credits