Welcome to the Department of Environmental Science at the Royal University of Phnom Penh.

Founded in 2001, the Department of Environmental Science is the first and leading program of its kind in Cambodia. For over two decades, the department has played a pioneering role in advancing environmental education, research, and sustainable development in the country.

We are proud to offer a dynamic academic environment where students gain a strong foundation in environmental science, including climate change, biodiversity conservation, pollution control, and natural resource management. Our program combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing graduates to become skilled professionals and responsible leaders.

As part of our community, you will have opportunities to engage in research, fieldwork, and collaborative projects that address real-world environmental challenges. We encourage you to think critically, act responsibly, and contribute meaningfully to protecting our environment.

Welcome to a program with a proud history and a strong commitment to shaping a sustainable future.

“Knowledge for Nature, Innovation for Sustainability.”

An understanding of environmental science is increasingly important in a rapidly developing world. This is particularly true in Cambodia, where development often occurs without sufficient planning to ensure long-term sustainability, and where environmental laws are not consistently implemented or enforced. These challenges to environmental protection and conservation further underscore the critical importance of environmental science education.

The Department of Environmental Science (DES) at the Royal University of Phnom Penh is committed to addressing these issues. It aims to contribute to solving Cambodia’s environmental challenges by equipping future environmental managers with the necessary knowledge and skills. In addition, DES encourages its staff to engage in research, consultancy, and outreach activities that have direct and meaningful impacts on environmental management in Cambodia.

Students have graduated from the Department of Environmental Science, most of them subsequently finding employment in government or non-government agencies. Since graduating, many students have also received financial support to pursue postgraduate studies locally and internationally.

In addition to their teaching duties, faculty members from the Department of Environmental Science have completed substantial research projects, with both regional and international cooperation. The Department has also run training, short courses and workshops in environmental conservation to government agencies at provincial and national levels. These activities have helped build the Departments capacity and network, and have promoted the reputations of both the Department of Environmental Science and the Royal University of Phnom Penh.

The Department of Environmental Science at the Royal University of Phnom Penh was officially established in 2001 by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, with the aim of producing quality environmental scientists and activists at an undergraduate level. The undergraduate curriculum was developed by departmental staff with input from local and international experts, and especially from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, and Roskilde and quality University, Denmark, which helped the department offer workshops, consultative meetings, assurance for study materials. The Department has worked to strengthen the undergraduate program, undertaking significant curriculum and faculty development exercises. In addition, the department regularly organizes complementary activities such as field trips, science fairs, monthly seminars and internship programs, providing students with opportunities to gain practical knowledge and experience.

JOB PROSPECTS

Graduates have an excellent opportunity for employment in public, private, international and local NGOs, university teaching and research in the field of environment or other related subjects. Moreover, the graduates have also high potential to get further studies at post-graduate levels either locally or internationally.

Research focus

• Water and Sanitation Sector: groundwater and surface water quality, water supply and sanitation, wastewater pollution and modeling

• Air Pollution Sector: emission inventory, ambient air quality monitoring, emission factor development, source apportionment studies, air pollution modeling, indoor air pollution and human health

• Solid Waste Sector: solid waste characterization, composting, promotion of 3Rs, solid waste treatment technology and management

Cross-cutting Thematic: co-benefit studies between environmental pollution and climate change, pay ecosystem and service, energy and environment, remote sensing and GIS and modeling for the environment, climate change adaptation and mitigations

Vision

To become a leading educational program in Cambodia for high-quality environmental research, contributing to policy development and practical solutions with both national and international recognition.

Mission

• To provide high-quality training for human resources, equipping them with specialized knowledge and professional competencies in the environmental field.

• To enhance the understanding of environmental systems, ecosystems, and the relationship between humans and the environment, while seeking sustainable and innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)

PEO 1: Analytical and Problem-Solving Excellence Graduates will creatively analyze and resolve environmental challenges by evaluating environmental data, conducting risk assessments, and implementing evidence-based strategies for sustainable management.

PEO 2: Communication and Lifelong Learning Graduates will demonstrate advanced communication and collaborative skills with diverse stakeholders, fostering an innovative mindset and a commitment to lifelong learningwithin the fields of environmental science and technology.

PEO 3: Leadership and Professional Research Graduates will lead and implement innovative research projects that contribute to the advancement of environmental science and drive continuous professional development and leadership in their careers.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Knowledge (Cognitive Domain)

• PLO 1: Demonstrate a profound understanding of environmental systems, ecological principles, and the complex interactions between human activities and the natural environment.
• PLO 2: Apply advanced theories and methodologies in environmental science to evaluate environmental data and conduct comprehensive risk assessments.

Skills (Psychomotor & Cognitive Domain)

• PLO 3: Utilize modern technical tools and innovative technologies to monitor, analyze, and model environmental changes and impacts.
• PLO 4: Design and execute high-quality research projects that provide evidence-based solutions to local and global environmental challenges.
• PLO 5: Communicate environmental information, policies, and technical findings effectively to both specialist and non-specialist stakeholders through various media.
• PLO 6: Employ critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills to manage environmental resources sustainably and adapt to emerging ecological issues.

Affective Domain

• PLO 7: Demonstrate professional leadership and the ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams to achieve environmental goals.
• PLO 8: Exhibit a strong commitment to professional ethics, social responsibility, and lifelong learning in the pursuit of environmental innovation and career development.

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