INTRODUCTION

The primary aim of the curriculum is to help Associates move from a discipline-limited awareness of surface manifestation of problems to an interdisciplinary, intersectoral and action-oriented "systems" approaches. To achieve this, the Standard Curriculum Guidelines (SCG) adopts a schematic approach based on a flow from basic knowledge acquisition to sharpening of analytical skills and finally decision-making skills in Associates. The eight Core Modeles suggested below have been informed by this learning path of the SCG viz:

MODULE I

Title: THE LEAD PROGRAMME

On entering the LEAD Programme, the newly selected Associates should be properly induced on the philosophy, methodology, goals and objectives of the Programme, as well as the obligations and learning contract involved. This introductory module will be covered at the national and international orientation sessions.

CONTENTS

The Philosophy, Methodology, Objectives, Vision and Mission of the LEAD Programme.

MODULE II

Title: UNDERSTANDING THE ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT, BASIC CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES

The module is to equip the Associates with the basic concepts principles that will engender their understanding of the environment and development in general. It refreshens the associates’ on basic concepts they are already familiar with in their disciplines, and introduces them to those they might never have known of before. This module marks the beginning of acquisition of basic knowledge by the Associates.

CONTENTS

• Atomic Theory, Composition of Matter Chemical transformation and biodegradability

• Ecology/Natural Resources

  • Biotic Systems – Food chains, Ecosystems, Forest,

  • Biodiversity; Endangered Species etc.

  • Abiotic Component – Soil, Wastes, Mineral & Air Resources

  • Demography and Population Dynamics

• Energetics

• Social Systems Institutions Structures and Issues

  • Group Dynamics and Social Psychology, The Family Cultures; Governance; Urbanization; Quality of Life,Women, Children, Minorities, and Indigenous Peoples;etc.

• Basic Economics – Pricing Theory, Market Theory, Development Theory, International Economics; Sustainable Development etc.

MODULE III

Title: GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Here the Associates will be sensitized on the major environmental issues that attract global attention. This should be a core module, as the Associates have to be made to realize early in the programme the global implication and dimensions of local environmental/development problems and issues. This module will also expose the Associates to environmental issues outside their geographical regions.

CONTENTS

MODULE IV

Title: THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

PROFILES, POLICIES, LEGISLATIONS AND PRIORITIES

This module covers topics presently being treated along with those in Module III in section 3 of our National Curriculum but which we now think should constitute a core module. After two year we have now realized that the curriculum have to pay more attention to the state of the environment and development within the LEAD countries. The Associates level of knowledge on national environment and development profile and their evolution calls for a better reinforcement than currently existing in the curriculum. The national environment/development situation deserves the same prominence as that given the global issues in Module III.

CONTENTS:

• Life Zones

• Biological Diversity;

• Culture (peoples, values & norms)

• Economy – Evolution, Adjustment Programmes (if any) etc,

• Bureaucracy and Policy Making Mechanisms;

• Development Planning and Implementation (National Accounting etc.);

• National Environmental Legislation (including Customary Environment laws)

• UNCED Reports

MODULE V

Title: PLANNING TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES

Having acquired the basic knowledge in the proceeding modules, the Associates are exposed in this module to the various modern tools which will sharpen their analytical skills for the collation, processing interpretation and utilization of spatial and temporal information; including contemporary telecommunication technologies. The topics under this module are interrelated and they constitute a crucial link between basic knowledge acquisition and the decision making stages of the curriculum.

CONTENTS:

• Data acquisition and Processing

• Spatial Data Analysis: Remote Sensing; Geographic Information Systems (GIS); Geographic Positioning systems (GPS) etc.

• Computer Appreciation and Programming Laboratories – Environmental Softwares and Applications.

• Information Resource Management – Information Sourcing and Utilization – Print and Electronic; Electronic Communication technologies and applications – Internet, Multimedia, E-mail etc.

• Environmental Impact Assessment – Basics and Practices.

MODULE VI

Title: PLANNING AND DECISION MAKING

This module aims at developing in Associates the skill needed to select and implement solutions in order to bring about change at local, regional, national and global levels. The Associates’ managerial and leadership potentials, and decision-making skills are expected to be enhanced by this module.

CONTENTS

MODULE VII

Title: TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY