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Introduction to the Master's in Sustainable Critical Infrastructure Program

The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university, has announced the launch of its Master's program in Sustainable Critical Infrastructure. This program aims to offer learning in integrated sustainable infrastructure planning and development, with an initial focus on urban operations planning and transportation systems.

Program Overview

The Master's in Sustainable Critical Infrastructure program will function under the Department of Engineering Systems and Management (ESM) and will be launched in Fall 2014. This program takes the total number of Master's programs offered by Masdar Institute to nine. The ESM department currently has 17 faculty members and administers the MSc Engineering Systems and Management program.

Program Structure

The program requires a total of 48 credits 24 each from coursework and the Master's thesis. It will be based on a basic theory of urban infrastructure systems and have two self-contained tracks 'Sustainable urban planning and design' and 'Transport planning and systems'. Additional tracks in 'Building Technologies' will be developed in the future. The program consists of eight courses with one required university core course (UCC501), three infrastructure planning and engineering core courses (SCI501, SCI502, SCI503, and SCI504), and four electives from within the program's two concentration areas.

Target Audience

The 'Sustainable Critical Infrastructure' program is expected to attract students with previous degrees in architecture, urban planning, building science, civil engineering, and other engineering disciplines related to infrastructure systems.

Research Areas

The program is launched at a time when Abu Dhabi has announced a US$100 billion investment in various infrastructure projects over the next five years. Some of the investments will go into projects such as the Khalifa Port, Khalifa Industrial Zone-Abu Dhabi (Kizad), metro and light rail public transit, and Etihad Rail. Infrastructure projects like these will require qualified and trained professionals with the right expertise for their implementation, which the 'Sustainable Critical Infrastructure' program can provide.

Accreditation

The Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has granted approval for the Master's in 'Sustainable Critical Infrastructure' program. The accreditation announcement was made during the Masdar Institute-Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2014 Symposium 'Perspectives on Sustainable Critical Infrastructure' that was held on 24 March at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.