Program Overview
The Master in Climate Change program trains multidisciplinary professionals to lead sustainable development projects and design adaptation and mitigation strategies in vulnerable communities. Emphasizing environmental, socio-political, and economic aspects, the program equips graduates to develop innovative solutions for combating global warming. The 90-credit program includes theoretical coursework, a research project, and a Master's thesis, and prepares students for careers in climate change management, environmental consulting, and research.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master in Climate Change program aims to train multidisciplinary professionals capable of developing projects and designing strategies for sustainable development in vulnerable communities. The program is designed for university graduates seeking quality training in this area. Successful completion leads to a Master in Climate Change degree awarded by the enrolled university. The program emphasizes understanding climate change at environmental, socio-political, and economic levels. It aims to equip students with the ability to find alternatives and business opportunities arising from climate change and to develop adaptation and mitigation plans through Research, Development, and Innovation projects. A prior environmental background is considered beneficial for students.
Objectives:
The general objective is to train multidisciplinary professionals in climate change who can develop projects and design strategies for sustainable development in vulnerable communities. Specific objectives include: understanding sustainable development across various dimensions; familiarizing oneself with international conventions and treaties on sustainability and climate change; understanding global transformations affecting the planet due to human progress; analyzing transformation processes in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean; describing atmospheric pollutants from fossil fuels; identifying the regulatory framework of atmospheric pollution for businesses; understanding preventative measures and end-of-line controls in industrial processes; understanding pollutant dispersion laws; recognizing the importance of minimization and clean technologies; describing principles of recycling and composting; analyzing climate change's effects on the water cycle; relating causes of biodiversity loss and actions against climate change; understanding endangered species and conservation efforts; understanding sustainable forest management; analyzing soil remediation techniques; describing carbon sequestration techniques; implementing ISO 14001; developing environmental impact studies; understanding emission rights markets and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM); calculating carbon footprints; and emphasizing the role of environmental education in post-disaster reconstruction and development.
Outline:
The Master in Climate Change program has 90 credits and a duration of 12 to 24 months, depending on student commitment. It's structured into four parts:
Part 1: Theoretical and Conceptual Framework (40 hours/45 credits):
This part provides a foundation in environmental issues related to climate change. Modules include: Introduction to Sustainable Development (1 hour), Treatment of Gaseous Effluents (10 hours), Waste Management (4 hours), Water Cycle (3 hours), Natural Resources (4 hours), Soil Contamination (4 hours), Business Environmental Management (4 hours), Environmental Impact Assessment (4 hours), Product Life Cycle Analysis and Carbon Footprint (3 hours), and Risk Management and Environmental Education (3 hours).
Part 2: Climate Change (32 credits):
This part focuses on the current and future implications of climate change, emphasizing adaptation and mitigation strategies. Modules include: Agreements, Negotiations, and Instruments on Climate Change (8 credits), Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change (9 credits), Climate Change Mitigation (8 credits), and Science and Politics of Climate Change (7 credits).
Part 3: Scientific Research and Master's Final Project Thesis (20 credits):
This part covers Scientific Research Methodology (5 credits) to prepare students for their Master's Thesis (15 credits). The thesis requires a complete document developing a proposed project, contributing to the fields studied, and reflecting relevant theories and disciplines. Note: Credit equivalence may vary depending on the university.
Teaching:
The program uses an integrative methodology combining knowledge and skills acquisition through integrative exercises and project practices. The teaching staff includes numerous professors from various universities and institutions, including: Dr. Ángel M. Álvarez Larena, Dr. Roberto M. Álvarez, Dr. Óscar Arizpe Covarrubias, and many others (a full list is provided in the text). The program director is Dr. Eduardo García Villena.
Careers:
Potential career paths include: diagnostics, planning, and development of mitigation and adaptation strategies; design and planning of energy-efficient facilities; consulting services; climate change office technician; environmental management; and teaching.
Other:
The program's development was influenced by the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. FUNIBER offers training scholarships for the program. The program content may be subject to slight modifications based on updates and improvements.
