Introduction
Patan Multiple Campus- Department of Environmental Science under the aegis of Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University (IOST-TU) currently offers academic degree programmes in Master of Science (MSc).  The program was launched in Patan Multiple Campus in 2021. It is the only constituent campus of Tribhuvan University offering MSc. in Environmental Science.
The course of environmental science is interdisciplinary in nature. This curriculum of MSc in Environmental Science aims at giving the graduate students a broad scientific understanding of environmental aspects making them competent and aware decision makers through analytical interdisciplinary approach. The broad objectives of the course are:

1. To enhance scientific understanding of nature
2. To empower with critical thinking and innovative practice,
3. To build foundation for undertaking research studies, and
4. To understand policy formulation and its implications.

The comprehensive two-year course distributed in four semesters builds the theoretical concepts and practical knowledge of environmental science subject with ample scope of research exploration. Each subject course in the syllabus has been designed to achieve a specific set of learning objectives. All chapters outlined within the units of the subject course must be covered during the course of teaching. However, the course content may be supplemented with updated knowledge and state-of-art tools. The reference list includes books referred as textbooks and suggested books for further readings, nevertheless, latest journal articles and scientific reports on the subject matter are highly suggested. The syllabus has adopted a progressive student-oriented teaching methodology of class lecture, laboratory works, assignments, student seminar presentations, project works and research activities. Dissertation in the fourth semester is a mandatory provision for the completion of Master’s degree.

About the Department of Environmental Science, Patan Multiple Campus

The Department of Environmental Science at Patan Multiple Campus has a rich history of growth and dedication to academic excellence. The undergraduate program in Environmental Science was initiated in 2062 B.S. (2006) under the Institute of Science and Technology. Building upon this foundation, the department itself was formally established in 2074 B.S. (2017). Expanding its academic offerings, the department began its MSc program in Environmental Science in 2077 B.S. (2021).

Figure 1 Major milestones of Department of Environmental Science at Patan Multiple Campus

Currently, the department provides both BSc and MSc degrees in Environmental Science, catering to approximately 150 students enrolled across various years and semesters of the programs.

Figure 2 The building, where the department was first established in at Patan Multiple Campus

Faculty and Expertise

The department boasts a team of six full-time faculty members, which includes:

• 1 Associate Professor
• 6 Assistant Professors

In addition to the full-time faculty, there are 14 part-time faculty members contributing their expertise. Notably, 80% of the full-time faculty members hold PhD degrees in various aspects of Environmental Science, earned from reputed universities worldwide. This high level of qualification ensures that students benefit from research-oriented teaching and learning methodologies.

Academic and Professional Development

The department emphasizes more than just traditional classroom education. It is committed to:

• Research-Oriented Learning: Integrating real-world environmental challenges into the curriculum.
• Skill Development: Offering hands-on training and internship opportunities to equip students with practical skills.
• Exposures: Providing students with exposure to fieldwork and interdisciplinary collaborations with national and international institutes.

Figure 3 Strength of Department of Environmental Science

Vision and Commitment

The Department of Environmental Science is dedicated to producing competent and innovative graduates who are well-prepared to address the pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. Through its focus on quality education, skill development, and research, the department aims to contribute significantly to the academic and professional fields of environmental science.

List of the faculty members and staffs at the Department of Environmental Science, Patan Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University

1. Teaching Faculty: Full time: 6, Part-time: 14, Others: 20 (MSc. Course contract)

2. Administrative and Technical staffs

Course Structure

The MSc Environmental Science course of study is divided into four semesters in two academic years. The course comprises compulsory and specialized theory courses, compulsory practical courses and research activities. The two-year course carries 64 credits (39 credits theory, 15 credits practical and field, and 10 credits research) with 1,600 marks and 1,710  lecture hours.  

The first semester covers seven compulsory courses (four theory and three practical) with 18 credits. The theory courses of the first semester are Ecology and Environmental Philosophy, Environmental Earth Science, Atmospheric Science and Environmental Chemistry, and Environmental Quality Management. The practical courses are Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology, Hydrology, Meteorology and Geology, and Environmental Pollution.

The second semester offers four compulsory courses (three theory and one practical), one specialized theory course, case study and intensive field work with 17 credits. The compulsory courses of the second semester are Climate Change and Resilience, Environmental Economics and Management, Remote Sensing and Geo-information Science (theory and practical), Case Study and Field Work. There are four specialized courses offered in the second semester, among which the students must select any one. The specialized courses offered are Mountains and Plains, Freshwater Environment, Biodiversity Conservation and Management, and Urban Environment.

The third semester offers three compulsory courses (two theory and one practical), two specialized theory courses and community work/internship along with field visit based on specialized course with 17 credits. The compulsory courses of the third semester are Energy and Environmental Interdisciplinary, Research Methodology and Biostatistics, Statistical Applications (practical), Community Work or Internship and Field Work. The specialized courses are divided into two groups, the students must select one from each group. Group A includes Water Resource Management, Environmental Hazards and Disaster Risk Reduction, and Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Group B includes Environmental Policies and Sustainability, Pollution Control Technology, and Restoration Ecology. The selection of courses in third semester will be based on the particular course that the student has taken in second semester. For instance:

The fourth semester offers two compulsory courses (one theory and one practical) and dissertation with 12 credits. The compulsory course is Environment Modelling and Applications (theory and practical). The students must complete the dissertation and submit it within six months after the completion of the academic session of the third semester. In special cases, the research committee may extend the duration with the consent of the Head of the Department on request from the student and the recommendation of the concerned supervisor with valid reasons.