Aim of the programme

Aim of the MSc programme in SMNR
To provide highly motivated and highly qualified academics equipped with knowledge and understanding of SMNR, to conduct problem-solving scientific research from an integrated social and technology perspective. Students are trained to recognize the opportunities of globalization and the impact on local development and to present integrated social and technological solutions to achieve the sustainable development goals in Suriname, the region, but also internationally.

The sub-objectives of the MSc programme in SMNR are:

1. To offer an academic education in knowledge, insight and management skills for the sustainable exploitation and management of natural resources, with attention to environmental problems and attention to nature conservation and management in Suriname.
2. Train scientists to identify problems in the unsustainable management of natural resources, to describe them quantitatively and qualitatively, to analyze them, to develop and present sustainable solutions for them in relation to a problem, to guide decision-making processes and implementation and finally to monitor the process after implementation.
3. Train experts using local and international experts through independent research in 4 specialisations, viz.: 1) Land resources management, 2) Sustainable energy management, 3) Sustainable food systems, 4) Water resources management.
4. Deliver graduates who can effectively communicate scientific information in a professional manner.

 

Profile of the MSc graduate

The MSc graduate is able to contribute to the sustainable management of the natural resources in Suriname according to the guidelines for sustainable development of the United Nations (SDGs) and laws and regulations in Suriname, from an integrated social and technical perspective. The graduate is able to independently conduct advanced scientific research on SMNR, in the themes of land, energy, food and water, in order to propose solutions to complex problems and to participate in decision-making processes.

The graduate of this programme is optimally trained to work as a researcher or policy maker in various (international or regional or national) institutions or organizations such as government agencies, quasi-governmental agencies, non-governmental agencies, the private sector, international or regional organizations and in education and research institutions. Depending on the number of years of experience, the MSc graduate starts as a junior or senior researcher, and the graduate can also decide, after having gained a few years of experience, to set up his own research bureau. In time, the MSc graduate can hold positions such as a staff member, head of a department, project manager, consultant, policy maker, policy advisor or a position at an international institution.

 

The programme learning outcomes are:

A. Knowledge and insight - The SMNR graduate:

1. has demonstrable broad knowledge about and insight into the         
   sustainable development and management of various renewable
   and non-renewable natural resources in the world and Suriname.

1.1. has demonstrable knowledge and understanding of aquatic and
     terrestrial ecosystems and ecosystem services.

1.2. has demonstrable knowledge and understanding of climate
      change and its impact on natural resources.

1.3. has demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the principle
      of sustainable development in relation to the management and
      use of natural resources.

1.4. has demonstrable knowledge and understanding of national and
      international legislation and policy regarding natural resources.

1.5. has demonstrable knowledge and insight into economic valuation
      of natural resources.

1.6. has demonstrable knowledge and understanding of project
      management related to natural resources.

 2. has demonstrable in-depth knowledge and insight into the
     sustainable development of renewable and non-renewable natural
     resources in the world and Suriname, within one of the specific
     specialisations.

Specialisation: Land Resources Management:

2.1. has knowledge and insight into the most important characteristics
     and processes of different land use systems.

2.2. has knowledge and insight into the mutual interactions between
      different land uses and the interactions with the ecosystem.

2.3. has knowledge and insight into the causes of land use changes.

2.4. has knowledge and insight into different planning strategies for
      sustainable land use.

Specialisation: Sustainable energy management

2.5. has knowledge and understanding of energy supply systems and
      the potential of renewable energy sources.

2.6. has insight into current conversion technologies for the generation
       of usable energy from different energy sources.

2.7.  has knowledge about the economics of energy supply.

2.8.  has insight in evaluating the environmental impact of current and
       future energy systems.

Specialisation: Sustainable food systems

2.9.  has knowledge and insight into sustainability of food systems.

2.10. has knowledge and insights with regard to economic and
        environmental aspects of the agri-food chain.

2.11.  has knowledge of managing sustainable agricultural and food
       supply chains

2.12. has knowledge and understanding of food quality assurance and
       food safety.

Specialisation: Water resources management

2.13. has knowledge and understanding of different aspects of the
        global hydrological cycle and the Earth's climate system

2.14. has knowledge and insight into both surface water and
       groundwater resources and the influences of the climate on them.

2.15. has knowledge about pollution of water sources and its impact on
       people and nature

2.16. has knowledge and understanding of how hydrological processes
       are dynamically linked to human activities, including land and
       water use.

 3. has advanced knowledge and understanding of scientific research
     methods and techniques

3.1. has knowledge and insight into applied statistical methods.

3.2. has knowledge and insight into applied mathematical models.

3.3. has knowledge and insight into the use of GIS.

3.4. has knowledge about and insight into scientific methods in the
       field of data collection and data analysis.

B. Applying knowledge and insight - The SMNR graduate:

4. is able to independently conduct advanced scientific research and
    develop, monitor, evaluate and further optimize solution models for
    complex problems.

5. is able to analyze complex problems regarding natural resources in
    Suriname from technological, ecological, economic and social
    perspectives, within one of the specific specialisations, with the
    integrated knowledge and insights and the problem-solving
    capacity.

 C. Critical Attitude - The SMNR Graduate:

6. is able to reflect critically on one's own work and the work of others
    and to display a critical attitude.

7. is able, on the basis of scientific research, to formulate judgments on
   the basis of incomplete or limited information, taking into account
   the social and ethical responsibilities associated with the
   application of one's own knowledge and judgments.

 D. Communication, Collaboration and Leadership - The SMNR Graduate:

8. is able to clearly and unambiguously communicate conclusions
    arising from scientific research, as well as the knowledge, motives
    and considerations underlying them, to an audience of specialists        or non-specialists.

9. is able to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team and contribute
   effectively to solving complex problems related to the management
   of natural resources.

 E. Learning Skills – The SMNR Graduate:

10. possesses the learning skills and a self-directed learning attitude
     that enable him or her to engage in ever deeper scientific theories,
     reflect on them and, if necessary, undertake further studies with a
     largely self-directed or autonomous character.