AIT Degree Programs on Wetland and Aquatic Resources Management

Flexible Degree Programs on Wetland and Aquatic Resources Management at the Asian Institute of Technology

1. Master Degree program related to wetland and aquatic resources management

Natural or man-made environmental changes cause negative impacts on aquatic resources, which are utilized by the poorest groups in Asia. The negative factors include over-fishing, use of illegal fishing gears, introduction of exotic fish, misuse of chemicals, and agro-industrial waste discharge. Indirect impacts arise from deforestation leading to increased turbidity of water, siltation, and breeding ground destruction, and dam constructions that can lead to blocking of migratory pathways.

To enable local institutions to reduce these emerging threats on sustainable use of aquatic resources, Asian Institute of Technology launched a flexible Master Degree program in Wetland and Aquatic Resources Management to strengthen students in participatory problem solving approaches and integrated resources management options. The degree program targets students who want study at AIT while working in their own institutions or development projects.

2. Educational flexibility offered by AIT

The degree program closely follows existing academic standards and regulations of AIT but offer the following flexible educational option:

* A pre-master bridging program (optional)
* Offer increased range of subjects and disciplines related to aquatic resources systems
* Flexibility in course duration (3 – 4 years to complete the Master degree)
* Students are required to follow the first semester courses on-campus but the following semesters can be planned according to individual preferences (students develop an individual study plan with the Advisor)
* Offer field based “special studies” to complete the total coursework requirement (maximum 3 credits)
* Both the thesis research and special studies can be conducted and submitted while working in their own institution (part-time study)

3. Who can apply?

Students who have a Bachelor degree in the following areas are eligible to apply for the degree program:

* Aquaculture
* Aquatic Resources/ Fisheries management
* Agricultural systems
* Coastal zone management
* Environmental science/ management/ Eco-toxicology
* Gender
* Water resources management
* Rural development/ Socio- economics
* Natural Resources Management
* Geographic information systems/ remote sensing

AIT assigns the selected student to the one of the following Fields of
Study (FoS) taking his/ her education background into account:

* Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management
* Agricultural Systems and Engineering
* Environmental Engineering and Management
* Gender and Development Studies
* Natural Resources Management
* Regional and Rural Development Planning
* Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
* Water Engineering and Management Program

4. Course curriculum

Based on their undergraduate background and training needs, students can register any one of the field of study mentioned in the section 3. Students follow all required courses of the registered FoS plus the course titled “ED71.25 Aquaculture and Aquatic Resource Systems, and one institute wide course (2 credits). The particular FoS develops an individual study plan (courses and field based special studies and thesis topics) for students.”

Students can follow coursework on-campus for two selected semesters and engage in field-based special studies and thesis research for four to six semesters. If the student prefers a longer period (e.g. 4 years) to complete the degree program, an individual study plan for coursework and thesis research will be developed following AIT academic regulations.

For further information, please visit admissions website or contact AIT admissions.

Admissions and Scholarships Office
Asian Institute of Technology
P.O. Box 4, Klongluang, Pathumthani
12120 Thailand
E-mail: admissions[at]ait.ac.th
Tel nos: (66-2)524-5031-33
Fax no: 66-2-524-6326

http://www.ait.ac.th/interimpage/ait_visitor/Admissions/announcement.asp