Overview:

The College of Natural and Applied Sciences is delighted to share an overview of the college, and our partnerships that are expanding Liberia’s STEM capacity. The College of Natural and Applied Sciences impact students with knowledge in Marine Science, Ocean Acidification, Oceanography, Genetics, Microbiology, Microchemistry, Environmental Science, General Zoology, Ecotoxicology, Computer Science, and Information Technology.

The College of Natural and Applied Sciences at United Methodist University is committed to advancing knowledge and innovation through rigorous scientific education and research. The college fosters analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and technical skills across the natural applied sciences and computer sciences, equipping students to meet Liberia’s and the world’s growing demand for scientific expertise.

Vision. To be Liberia’s leading hub for science education and research that solves real-world problems in marine, environmental, and life sciences.

Mission. We educate ethically grounded scientists and practitioners, generate actionable knowledge for national development, and co-produce solutions with government, industry, and communities – especially along Liberia’s 570-km coastline.

Strategic Objectives

Deliver rigorous, hands-on STEM programs aligned to national priorities (coastal resilience, fisheries, public health, clean air/energy).
Build Liberia’s only full pipeline in Marine Science – from undergraduate training to applied fieldwork.
Embed research and field practice (e.g., capstone projects, community monitoring) across all degrees.
Grow partnerships (EPA, OA-ICC, OA Alliance, KCRC, University of Ghana AfriSET, Energy Policy Institute of the University of Chicago) to strengthen laboratories, curricula, and workforce pipelines.
Champion open, ethical science and data literacy for policy and community impact.

Our Distinctive Edge: Liberia’s Only Marine Science Program

Despite abundant marine resources, one of West Africa’s longest coastlines (~570 km, second only to Nigeria), and ~56% of Liberians living along the coast, UMU is the only university offering a full Marine Science track – with options spanning Marine and Fisheries Science and a broad suite of ocean courses (e.g., Biological, Chemical, and Physical Oceanography; Coastal Hydrology; Marine Pollution and Ecotoxicology).

Flagship regional event. UMU hosted the First Basic Ocean Acidification Training Course for West Africa (September 9-13, 2024) in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia, the IAEA’s OA-ICC, and the OA Alliance—cementing our leadership in coastal and ocean literacy.

Partnerships powering Marine and Environmental Science. CNAS collaborates with the Kigali Collaborative Research Center (KCRC), the University of Ghana (AfriSET Program), and is supported by the Energy Policy Institute, University of Chicago

Programs Offered – Natural Science:

This department provides foundational and advanced training in physical, biological, and environmental sciences. Programs are designed to prepare students for careers in research, education, industry, environmental protection, and further professional study.

Bachelor of Science in Marine Science
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Hours: 56
- Cost per Credit Hour: USD $35
- Specializations: Equips students with knowledge in Marine Sciences, oceanography, biological oceanography, chemical oceanography and air pollution.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Hours: 120
- Cost per Credit Hour: USD $35
- Overview: Equips students with knowledge of environmental systems, sustainability, climate change, and environmental policy. Prepares graduates for careers in environmental assessment, conservation, and consulting.
Bachelor of Science in Zoology
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Hours: 72
- Cost per Credit Hour: USD $35
- Overview: Provides a deep understanding of classical and modern physics. Prepares students for research roles, teaching, or technical industries such as telecommunications and energy.
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Hours: 120
- Cost per Credit Hour: USD $35
- Overview: Covers organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry. Graduates may work in labs, pharmaceutical companies, teaching, or pursue medical or postgraduate study.
Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Hours: 63
- Cost per Credit Hour: USD $35
- Overview: Emphasizes molecular biology, ecology, genetics, and physiology. Ideal for careers in healthcare, environmental science, lab research, or teaching
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Hours: 55
- Cost per Credit Hour: USD $35
- Overview: Develops quantitative and analytical skills applicable in finance, teaching, research, data analysis, and graduate study

Programs Offered – Computer Science:

This department focuses on building skilled professionals in software development, systems analysis, networking, and information systems management. Programs reflect current global tech trends and practical applications.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Hours: 126
- Cost per Credit Hour: USD $35
- Specializations: Offers in-depth study of algorithms, software development, data structures, artificial intelligence, and database systems. Prepares students for roles in programming, systems architecture, and advanced computing.
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Hours: 120
- Cost per Credit Hour: USD $35
- Overview: Focuses on IT systems, network administration, cybersecurity, and end-user support. Graduates are prepared for positions in IT management, tech support, and digital infrastructure maintenance.

Sheck Abdul Sherif

Dean College of Natural and Applied Sciences

Email Addresses:

sheck.sherif@umu.edu.lr / sheck.sherif@gmail.com +231 88 642 3573

Professional Summary

Dynamic and results-driven Environmental Advisor and Maritime Specialist with 15+ years of experience in marine governance and biodiversity policy. Proven track record in supporting national environmental strategies and driving sustainable development in West Africa.

Experience

United Methodist University / AfriqAir / Afri-SET / University of Ghana, Project Lead – Clean Air for Liberia

Jan 2025 – Present

Lead multi-stakeholder project on national air quality management, integrating environmental data into
Coordinate advocacy workshops, capacity-building, and public

Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network (GOA-ON), Executive Council Member Oct 2024 – Present

Provide strategic guidance and facilitate regional scientific
Advocate for policy inclusion and capacity-building in the Gulf of

United Methodist University, Liberia, Dean, College of Natural & Applied Sciences

Designed academic programs promoting environmental literacy and
Spearheaded cross-disciplinary partnerships and curriculum

National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, National Consultant – Fisheries Inspec- tion & PSMA Strategy

Developed Liberia’s National Fisheries Inspection
Trained FMC staff and Fisheries Observers on inspection

Liberia July 2022 – Present

Apr 2021 – July 2021

Blue Action Network (BAN), Co-founder & CEO Mar 2021 – Present

Lead national and regional environmental advocacy and project
Engage government, NGOs, and international agencies in marine

Environmental Protection Agency, Liberia, Technical Advisor & Focal Person – Marine Environment

Provide technical advisory support on marine conservation and
Represent Liberia in high-level regional and international biodiversity

Liberia Jan 2016 – Jan 2023

Ocean Acidification Africa (OA-Africa) Network, Co-chair Jan 2019 – Present

Led training, policy integration, and scientific engagement across
Represented the network at COPs, IAEA workshops, and international

Various roles with Macalister-Elliott S Partners, FAO, IAEA, Duke University, Conser- vation International, and the World Bank, Consultant

Supported biodiversity policy, fisheries management, and environmental

Jan 2008 – Present

Education

PhD Queen’s University Belfast, Environmental Planning UK

Cand. Jan 2018 – Present

PGC International Anti-Corruption Academy, Anti-Corruption & Collective Action Austria Jan 2023 – Jan 2023

MSc	World Maritime University, Marine Environmental and Ocean Management	Sweden Jan 2014 – Jan 2014
BSc	University of Ghana, Oceanography and Fisheries	Ghana Jan 2008 – Jan 2008
AA	Don Bosco Polytechnic, Electronics Engineering	Liberia Jan 2001 – Jan 2001

Skills

Biodiversity Conservation S NBSAP Implementation: 15+ years experience in marine governance and biodiversity policy

Policy Advisory S Government Liaison: Proven track record supporting national environmental strategies and government engagement

Project Management S Donor Coordination: Lead multi-stakeholder projects and coordinate donor activities

Stakeholder Engagement S Facilitation: Experienced in engaging cross-sectoral stakeholders and facilitating dialogues

Environmental Governance S Sustainable Development: Committed to Whole of Government and Whole of Society approaches for sustainable development

Monitoring, Evaluation S Reporting: Experienced in environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting Capacity Building S Knowledge Exchange: Led capacity building workshops and knowledge exchange initiatives Climate Change S Ocean Acidification: Active in ocean acidification research and policy advocacy

Languages

English: C1

References

Quuen’s University Belfast, Dr. Wesley Flannery w.flannery@qub.ac.uk,

World Bank, Stephen Akester sakester@worldbank.org,

Autonomous University of Barcelona, Professor Patrizia Ziveri patrizia.ziveri@uab.cat,

College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS), United Methodist University – Overview

As Dean of CNAS, I’m delighted to share an overview of our college, our unique academic portfolio, and our partnerships that are expanding Liberia’s STEM capacity.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

Vision. To be Liberia’s leading hub for science education and research that solves real-world problems in marine, environmental, and life sciences.

Strategic Objectives

Deliver rigorous, hands-on STEM programs aligned to national priorities (coastal resilience, fisheries, public health, clean air/energy).
Build Liberia’s only full pipeline in Marine Science – from undergraduate training to applied fieldwork.
Embed research and field practice (e.g., capstone projects, community monitoring) across all degrees.
Grow partnerships (EPA, OA-ICC, OA Alliance, KCRC, University of Ghana AfriSET, Energy Policy Institute of the University of Chicago) to strengthen laboratories, curricula, and workforce pipelines.
Champion open, ethical science and data literacy for policy and community impact.

Our Distinctive Edge: Liberia’s Only Marine Science Program

Degree Programs and Course Guides

Credits and course titles below are drawn from UMU’s proposed curricula and serve as an advising guide. See departmental handbooks for full degree maps.

Program	Illustrative Core Areas / Sample Core Courses	Typical Core / Elective Credit Totals
B.Sc. Marine Science (incl. Fisheries tracks)	Core foundation + ocean/coast modules, e.g., Biological Oceanography (MARS 331), Chemical Oceanography (MARS 333), Physical Oceanography (MARS 335), Coastal Hydrology (MARS 313), Marine Pollution and Ecotoxicology (MARS 441), Earth Observation and GIS (MARS 445), Tropical Marine Ecosystems (MARS 446).	Core ≈ 56 credits; Electives ≈ 53 credits
B.Sc. Environmental Science	Representative courses: Principles of Environmental Science, Industrial Ecology, Environmental Mitigation and Technology, Green Chemistry, Environmental Law, Environmental Microbiology, Natural Resource Conservation, Environmental Health and Pollution Control I–II.	Core stream documented (course-by-course) in the ENSC plan.
B.Sc. Biology	Two-semester Intro Biology (BIOL 111/112); Microbiology (BIOL 321); Biochemistry I–II (BIOL 325/326); Ecology (BIOL 409); Genetics (BIOL 431); Research Methods/Project (REM 495/496); electives such as Parasitology (BIOL 331) and Economic Botany (BOTA 305).	Core ≈ 63 credits; Electives ≈ 18 credits
B.Sc. Zoology	General Zoology I–II (BIOL 215/216); Invertebrate Zoology I–II (ZOOL 315/316); Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy I–II (ZOOL 411/412); Comparative Vertebrate Physiology I–II (ZOOL 415/416); Developmental Biology (ZOOL 420); plus, Ecology (BIOL 409) and Genetics (BIOL 431).	Core ≈ 72 credits; targeted electives (e.g., Histology, Entomology, Micro-Techniques).
B.Sc. Mathematics	Pre-Calculus (MATH 107) → Calculus I–III (MATH 201/202/301); Linear Algebra (MATH 204); Real Analysis (MATH 302); Differential Equations (MATH 304/310); Probability and Statistics I–II (MATH 309/404); Abstract Algebra (MATH 401); Complex Variables (MATH 402); Research Methods/Project (REM 495/496).	Core ≈ 55 credits; selected electives (e.g., Programming, Topology, History of Math).
B.Sc. Chemistry	General Chemistry I–II (CHEM 101/102); Organic Chemistry I–II (CHEM 211/212); Analytical Chemistry (CHEM 301); Physical Chemistry I–II (CHEM 311/312); Inorganic Chemistry I–II (CHEM 321/322); Instrumental Methods / Instrumental Analysis (CHEM 421); Industrial Chemistry (CHEM 425); Environmental Chemistry (CHEM 423); Seminar (CHEM 411); Research Methods (REM 495) and Research Project (REM 496); allied requirements include Physics/Math and Biochemistry I–II (BIOL 325/326).	Advanced Inorganic Chemistry; Physical Chemistry – Molecular Approach; Chemistry of Natural Products

Experiential Learning and Research

Capstones and Research Methods are embedded across degrees (REM 495/496), preparing students for graduate study and professional practice.
Marine and Environmental students engage in coastal fieldwork, ecological surveys, environmental law and policy projects, and GIS, aligning with Liberia’s EEZ/IEZ stewardship and community needs.

Strategic Partnerships (Teaching, Labs, and Policy)

EPA of Liberia, MoFA, IAEA OA-ICC, OA Alliance: ocean acidification science and training.
KCRC (Kigali Collaborative Research Center): instrumentation, engineering interfaces.
University of Ghana (AfriSET Program): faculty development, sensor networks, field protocols.
Energy Policy Institute, University of Chicago: data analysis and policy translation.