COURSES ON CLIMATE SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Introduction
Near East University offers a range of courses related to climate science and environmental sustainability across its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
These courses are formally embedded within accredited degree programmes and are assigned European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits in accordance with international higher education standards.
The courses aim to equip students with knowledge and competencies in:
- Climate change and environmental systems
- Sustainable development principles
- Resource efficiency and environmental responsibility
- The impact of technology and industry on the environment
Courses and Credit Structure
| Course Name | Programme | Level | ECTS | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YBS490 – IT and Sustainability | Management Information Systems | Undergraduate | 6 | Examines the relationship between information technologies and sustainability, including green IT and environmental impact of digital systems |
| YBS401 – E-Government | Management Information Systems | Undergraduate | 6 | Covers digital governance, public service sustainability and environmental policy integration |
| YBS202 – New Trends in Business | Management Information Systems | Undergraduate | 5 | Includes sustainability, ESG frameworks, green transformation and responsible business practices |
| CE321 – Environmental Engineering | Civil/Environmental Engineering | Undergraduate | 6 | Focuses on environmental systems, pollution control and sustainable engineering solutions |
| IE412 – Energy Management Systems | Engineering | Undergraduate | 6 | Examines energy efficiency, renewable energy systems and sustainability strategies |
| ENVE401 – Sustainable Development | Engineering / Interdisciplinary | Undergraduate | 6 | Introduces sustainability concepts, climate change challenges and global environmental policies |
| ENVE402 – Climate Change and Environmental Policy | Engineering / Social Sciences | Undergraduate/Postgraduate | 6 | Explores climate policy, adaptation strategies and international environmental agreements |
Programme Integration
These courses are delivered as part of officially accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across multiple faculties, including:
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Artificial Intelligence and Informatics
- Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences
All courses contribute to programme learning outcomes and are subject to the university’s quality assurance and continuous improvement processes. These courses are regularly reviewed and updated within the scope of the university’s internal quality assurance system based on the Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) cycle.
Learning Outcomes
Students completing these courses are expected to:
- Understand the scientific basis of climate change and environmental challenges
- Apply sustainability principles in professional and academic contexts
- Evaluate environmental impacts of technological and industrial systems
- Develop innovative and sustainable solutions aligned with global frameworks
Climate Literacy Commitment
Near East University integrates climate change and sustainability education across its curricula to ensure that all students develop environmental awareness and responsibility as part of their academic experience. Detailed course information, including syllabi and ECTS allocations, can be accessed through the university’s official course catalogues and academic information systems.
Important Note
All courses listed above are credit-bearing and officially recognised within the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) and form an integral part of the University’s accredited degree programmes.
Undergraduate Courses
ENV102 – Introduction to Environmental Science
Program: BSc in Environmental Engineering
Credits: 5 ECTS
Content: Basics of environmental systems, pollution, sustainability principles.
Syllabus: https://sustainability.neu.edu.tr/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2023/11/03/ENV102.pdf
ENV201 – Ecology and Environmental Sustainability
Program: BSc in Environmental Engineering
Credits: 6 ECTS
Content: Ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity, and sustainability strategies.
Syllabus: https://sustainability.neu.edu.tr/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2023/11/03/ENV201.pdf
ENV361 – Climate Change and Its Impacts
Program: BSc in Environmental Engineering
Credits: 5 ECTS
Content: Causes and consequences of climate change, mitigation and adaptation.
Syllabus: https://sustainability.neu.edu.tr/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2023/11/03/ENV361.pdf
ENV382 – Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Program: BSc in Environmental Engineering
Credits: 5 ECTS
Content: UN SDGs, sustainability indicators, policy frameworks.
Syllabus: https://sustainability.neu.edu.tr/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2023/11/03/ENV382.pdf
ENV471 – Environmental Impact Assessment
Program: BSc in Environmental Engineering
Credits: 5 ECTS
Content: Regulatory frameworks, project assessment techniques, environmental protection.
Syllabus: https://sustainability.neu.edu.tr/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2023/11/03/ENV471.pdf
ENV202 – Environmental Microbiology
Program: BSc in Environmental Engineering
Credits: 5 ECTS
Content: Microbial interactions with the environment, wastewater microbiology, bioremediation.
Syllabus: https://sustainability.neu.edu.tr/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2023/11/03/ENV202.pdf
ENV204 – Environmental Chemistry
Program: BSc in Environmental Engineering
Credits: 5 ECTS
Content: Chemical processes in water, air, soil; pollution chemistry and analysis.
Syllabus: https://sustainability.neu.edu.tr/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2023/11/03/ENV204.pdf
ENV374 – Sustainable Water Management
Program: BSc in Environmental Engineering
Credits: 5 ECTS
Content: Water conservation, integrated water resources management, policy and planning.
Syllabus: https://sustainability.neu.edu.tr/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2023/11/03/ENV374.pdf
ENV381 – Sustainability in Waste Management
Program: BSc in Environmental Engineering
Credits: 5 ECTS
Content: Sustainable strategies for solid waste management, recycling, and policy frameworks.
Syllabus: https://sustainability.neu.edu.tr/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2023/11/03/ENV381.pdf
ENV431 – Environmental Legislation and Policy
Program: BSc in Environmental Engineering
Credits: 5 ECTS
Content: National and international environmental laws, conventions, and policy instruments.
Syllabus: https://sustainability.neu.edu.tr/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2023/11/03/ENV431.pdf
Postgraduate Courses
INR506 – Environmental Politics and Climate Diplomacy
Program: MSc in International Relations
Credits: 8 ECTS
Content: This course focuses on the political and diplomatic dimensions of global environmental issues, with a particular emphasis on climate change. Topics include climate negotiations, multilateral agreements (e.g., Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement), environmental governance, and the role of international organizations in climate diplomacy.
Syllabus: https://sustainability.neu.edu.tr/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2023/11/03/INR506.pdf
CIV507 – Sustainable Development and Urban Transformation
Program: MSc in Civil Engineering
Credits: 8 ECTS
Content: This course explores the concepts of sustainable development with a particular focus on urban planning and transformation. Topics include sustainable infrastructure, environmental impact of urbanization, urban resilience, green city models, and policy frameworks for sustainable cities. Case studies and global urban sustainability strategies are also discussed.
Syllabus: https://sustainability.neu.edu.tr/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2024/11/05/CIV507.pdf
CIV563 – Climate Change and Sustainable Construction
Program: MSc in Civil Engineering
Credits: 8 ECTS
Content: This course focuses on the impacts of climate change on the built environment and introduces sustainable construction practices. Subjects include climate-responsive design, low-carbon materials, energy efficiency in construction, green certification systems (e.g., LEED, BREEAM), and policy tools for climate-resilient buildings.
Syllabus: https://sustainability.neu.edu.tr/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2024/11/05/CIV563.pdf
Note: These courses are part of accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and they contribute to official qualifications with a clear focus on environmental sustainability and climate change education. The syllabi linked below provide detailed content and learning outcomes.
Environmental Sustainability-Focused Postgraduate Programmes: Environmental Education
Near East University offers officially recognised postgraduate programmes in Environmental Education at both Master’s and PhD levels under the Graduate School. These programmes are designed to develop advanced knowledge, research capacity, and professional competencies in environmental sustainability, environmental awareness, and interdisciplinary environmental studies.
The programmes integrate scientific, educational, and societal perspectives to address environmental challenges and contribute to sustainable development through research, teaching, and community engagement.
Graduates are awarded formally recognised postgraduate degrees and are equipped to contribute to sustainability-oriented education, research, and policy development at national and international levels.
Programme Overview
Master’s Programme
- Programme Name: Environmental Education (Master’s Programme)
- Level: Postgraduate (Master’s Degree)
- Total Credits: 120 ECTS
- Language of Instruction: Turkish
- Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
- Degree Awarded: Master’s Degree
PhD Programme
- Programme Name: Environmental Education (PhD Programme)
- Level: Doctoral (PhD)
- Total Credits: 240 ECTS
- Language of Instruction: Turkish
- Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Sustainability Focus
Both programmes specifically address environmental sustainability through:
- Sustainable development and environmental awareness
- Environmental policies and governance
- Climate-related and environmental challenges
- Interdisciplinary environmental problem-solving
- Community engagement and environmental responsibility
- Research and innovation in sustainability education
Key Courses and Research Areas
The programmes include courses and research topics related to environmental sustainability, such as:
- Environmental Education
- Sustainability and Sustainable Development
- Environmental Policies
- Environmental Awareness and Society
- Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies
- Research Methods in Environmental Education
Doctoral-level studies focus on:
- Advanced sustainability research
- Climate-related challenges and environmental transformation
- Academic publication and original contribution to the field
Research and Academic Development
Students are actively engaged in:
- Interdisciplinary research projects
- Scientific publications
- Conferences, seminars, and workshops
- Community-based sustainability initiatives
The programmes aim to develop researchers and professionals who can contribute to solving environmental problems and advancing sustainability practices.
Programme Leadership
- Head of Programme: Prof. Dr. Aşkın Kiraz
- Position: Head of Environmental Education Division
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for careers in:
- Environmental education and academia
- Sustainability and climate-related research
- Environmental policy and governance
- NGOs and international organisations
- Public and private sector sustainability initiatives
Commitment to Sustainability
These programmes support the University’s sustainability strategy and contribute to the development of environmentally responsible individuals and communities through education, research, and social impact.