Malawi University of Science and Technology Bachelor of Science in Water Quality Management
MUST BSc in Water Quality Management; PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Water is an irreplaceable resource and critical for sustainable and socio-economic development as well as healthy ecosystems. If well managed, water can ease the globe from the burden of disease, leading to improved health, welfare as well as productivity of human populations.
The water sector in Malawi is facing challenges such as degradation of water resources, inadequate promotion of hygiene and sanitation, as well as, treatment and disposal of solid and liquid waste according to theme four of MDGS II (2011-2016). There have been reported cases of prevalence of water-related diseases (e.g. Cholera) and cases of increased pollution of water bodies. It is anticipated that in the coming years there will be more adverse impacts on water quality in both surface and ground water due to issues of climate change, human activities (deforestation, agriculture, increased population), urbanization as well as industries (mining, manufacturing). The resulting pollution will negatively affect the environment, livelihoods and the economic development of the country in the long run. This calls for a regulatory framework which Malawi already has in place. Despite an elaborate environmental regulatory framework, enforcement has been a challenge. The problem is in part due to limited qualified personnel in water quality and pollution management.
As of 2016, there was no university programme in the country focusing on water quality and pollution management. This programme therefore addresses this gap.
Career Prospects
Graduates under this programme can work in a wide range of professional areas such as in watershed management, biology, ecology, agronomy, soil science, forestry, chemistry (water quality), hydrogeology, communication, education, policy, planning, environmental health and safety (water quality focus), water quality (monitoring, sampling, lab analysis), water quality modeling, GIS analysis, green building, water quality/environmental engineering (in resource development), water resources engineering, utility engineering, municipal water systems operations, water well drilling and pump installation.
