Amazon University 1. IKIAM IKIAM is a university located in one of the last frontiers of the world: the Amazon. Its central responsibility is to generate knowledge to protect and sustain this vast and diverse ecosystem so that its known – and as yet unknown – values can be realized for future generations through research, education, and sustainable resource development. The Objectives for the University in the long term are: • •
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To provide first class undergraduate education for Ecuadorian students that leads to meaningful employment as well as preparation for further graduate education To provide a first class undergraduate and graduate research and education program that leverages the unique assets and setting of the University for regional as well as international students To become a center of excellence for regional and international biodiversity research To develop strategies and applications for sustainable management and use of biodiversity resources To develop strategies and applications for responsible stewardship and monitoring of biodiversity resources To optimize collaborations and coordination of University activities with other universities in Ecuador and abroad
2. UNIVERSITY ACADEMY STRUCTURE.2.1 Schools/Faculties:
2.1.1 School of Life Sciences The University’s unique location, as well as its focus on biodiversity and natural resources, creates a special role for The School of Life Sciences. The School will concentrate on both basic and applied aspects of the Life Sciences, preparing students interested in pursuing advanced degrees, as well as those entering the work force with their Bachelor’s degree. The School will offer three Bachelor of Science degree majors: 1. Ecology and Biodiversity; 2. Applied and Environmental Biotechnology; Agricultural Science and Forestry. Each of these majors will have several concentration options offering different electives and focus. After completion of the first two years of general University requirements, students will take foundational courses, and in their third and fourth years will also take electives in their chosen concentration. With this unique educational and research missions, the University, and its School of the Life Sciences, will become a magnet for those interested in the theoretical, practical, and applied studies of biodiversity and conservation. BS/Major in Ecology and Biodiversity (EB) The general focus of the major in Ecology and Biodiversity is the study of complex assemblages of organisms and their interactions with the environment, and ecosystems at regional to global scales. •
The Foundational subjects are: • Principles of Ecology • Conservation Biology • Evolutionary Biology • Tropical Field Ecology
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The Concentrations in the Ecology and Biodiversity Major are: • Regional Biodiversity and Conservation Biology • Organismal Biology • Evolutionary Biology
BS/Major in Applied and Environmental Biotechnology (AEB) This major focuses on the theory, practice, and uses of molecular genetics, microbiology, and applied biotechnological disciplines, for industrial, medicinal, and environmental applications. Application areas of interest include medical technology and diagnostics, industrial biotechnologies for “green” chemistry and biochemistry, environmental monitoring, and natural products discovery and development. •
The Foundational Subjects are: • Molecular Genetics • Molecular Biology • Biochemistry
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Introduction to Bioinformatics
The Concentrations in the Applied and Environmental Biotechnology Major are: • Industrial Biotechnology • Environmental Biotechnology
BS/Major in Agricultural Sciences and Forestry (ASF) This major focuses on the sustainable development and management of agronomic and forest resources for food, industrial, biotechnological, and other applications. •
The Foundational subjects are: • Plant physiology/Animal physiology, Agronomy, Soil Science, Introduction to Forestry
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The Concentrations in the Agricultural Sciences and Forestry Major are: • Agronomy • Forestry • Animal Science
2.1.2. School of Earth Sciences The Earth Sciences’ students will be prepared for graduate studies in this area and in related fields, as well as more immediate degrees in mineral extraction, monitoring and management of resources and the environment. BS/Major in Meteorology, Climate, and Atmospheric Sciences (MCAS) The general focus of the major in Meteorology, Climate and Atmospheric Sciences (MCAS) is the study of atmospheric environment including its physics, chemistry and linkages with the land and ocean. A particular focus is the subset of those phenomena that relate to the tropical region of the Amazon and the role of the forest in regulating day-today weather and the regional climate system. The linkages between the water, energy and biochemical cycles over the Amazon and Andean regions are specializations promoted in this research and education program. The major provides students with a base of knowledge in the fundamentals of atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics, chemistry, as well as the regional and global climate. •
The Concentrations in the Meteorology, Climate and Atmospheric Sciences major are: • Weather and the Environment • Climate Monitoring and Modeling
BS/Major in Geological Engineering and Mining (GEM) The general focus is the study of the soil and mineral resources, mining potential, and sustainable agro-ecosystem soil resources management. The goal of the program is to prepare students for engagement in exploration and minerals extraction as well as agroecosystem management activities through a unique program that includes technical training
as well as education in how to balance mining and agricultural activities with responsible stewardship of the Amazonia and Andean environments. •
The Concentrations in the Geological Engineering and Mining Major are: • Exploration and Mines Management • Soil Science and Soil Resources Management
BS/ Major in Environmental Science and Engineering (ESE) The general focus of the major in Environmental and Engineering is the study of the natural environment and its interactions with human activity. A particular focus is the natural environment of the Amazon forest and surrounding regional. This major prepares students for careers in environmental engineering and or research/academic careers in environmental engineering science. •
The Concentrations in the Environmental Science and Engineering Major are: • Environmental Engineering • Environmental Engineering Science
2.1.3 The School of the Science of Settlements The School of the Science of Settlements (SSS) focuses on the study of sustainable human use, inhabitation, and development of resources in Amazon rainforest and other sensitive ecosystems. While there is a romantic notion of these places as “wilderness” they have for centuries been occupied and affected by human activities. As population expands, industry becomes more sophisticated, and the demand for global resources escalates, the threats to these sensitive ecosystems will increase as well. To conserve them for future generations will require knowledge, policies, and design techniques, enabled by advanced digital systems on one hand, and on the other, a deeper appreciation of native ways of life. The School of the Science of Settlements offers unique programs of study in ways to manage, experience, and design for this globally important resource and region. The school benefits from: its ideal location on the edge of the Amazon rainforest; partnerships with institutions and businesses that share a commitment to sustainability. BS/Major in Natural Resource Management The general focus of the major in Natural Resource Management is the conservation of the Amazon rainforest ecosystem through the management of human interventions at all scales. A particular focus is the creation and implementation of land use, tenure and development policy and practice at the local, national, and international levels enabling sustainable use of rainforest resources. •
The Foundational subjects are: • • • •
Introduction to Environmental Planning, Natural Systems of Rainforest Conservation law and practice Environmental economics
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The Concentrations and Practical/Lab/Studio opportunities are: • Resource Policy and Planning • Land, Water, and Ecosystem Management • Environmental Studies.
BS/Major in Sustainable Eco-tourism The general focus is the creation of a sustainable tourism industry for the Amazon rainforest that will enable zero impact visitations while promoting global awareness of the value of, and threats to this global resource. •
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The Foundational Subjects are: • Introduction to the Travel Industry and Practice • Tourism Economics • Interpreting the Natural Environment • Anthropology of Native Cultures
The Concentrations and Practical/Lab/Studio Opportunities in the Eco-Tourism Major are: • Eco Tourism and Hospitality Management • Tourism Entrepreneurship
BS/Major in Sustainable Design and Development The general focus of the major is the creation of low-impact models of human inhabitation compatible with natural resource preservation. Defining areas of study include design of high performance structures, sustainable patterns of development, and digital tools to monitor and reduce the impacts of use and urbanization.
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The Foundational subjects are: • Principles of Land Planning • Infrastructure Systems • Real Estate Products • Anthropology of Traditional Settlements • Design Skills: Observing and Representing the Built Environment
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The Concentrations and Practical/Lab/Studio Opportunities in the Sustainable Design and Development Major are: • Land Use Policy and Planning • Eco-Building and Design • Landscape and Infrastructure
3. INFRASTRUCTURE & ADMINISTRATION.3.1 Organization Charts for the University
3.2 Organization Chart Administration & Finance