A new semester brings the prospect that environmental protection will be one of the common compulsory courses in Anhui Normal University (AHNU). It is the first Chinese university to take such a step.

According to Jiang Yumin, president of AHNU, much importance has been attached to education in environmental protection, both in class and through social activities. With courses on environmental protection in full swing, it aims to popularize the idea among students.

A related teach and research division has been established, with a dozen key teachers from the College of Environmental Science, the College of Life Science, the College of Chemistry and Materials Science and the College of Land, Resources and Tourism. They will work together to compile teaching materials and develop teaching programs

Altogether, six courses are available to students: Environment and Human Society, Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Environmental Pollution and Health, Environment and Resources, Environmental Sociology and Environmental Pedagogy respectively.

Every full-time undergraduate student is required to select one of the courses during the four years on campus. After the 34-hour teaching program, students can acquire two credits on passing the exam.

(China.org.cn by Wang Wei, September 20, 2008)