Welcome to the Mona Academy of Science and Technology (MAST), your gateway to professional development! At MAST, we are dedicated to advancing learning for the positive transformation of the Caribbean and the wider world.
Conceptualized by the Faculty of Science and Technology at The University of the West Indies, Mona, MAST has partnered with four esteemed institutions to bring you over 10 dynamic courses from June to August 2024. Our partners include: Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI), Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, German Agency for International Cooperation (GiZ), Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) and The Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF SPC).
Our courses are taught by leading experts in their fields, ensuring you receive the highest quality education and practical insights. Join us and take the next step in your professional journey with courses designed to inspire, educate, and empower. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills or gain new expertise, MAST is here to support your growth and success. Explore our offerings today and transform your future!
Course: Drone Technologies
Overview: Want to level up your tech skills and join the drone revolution? The Drone Technologies course is the perfect place to start! Choose from any one or all five modules. You’ll learn the ins and outs of drone operation, from UAV Technology, 2D/3D Mapping to doing practical flights. Plus, you’ll get hands-on training from our expert instructors. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this course is designed to help you stay ahead of the curve. So what are you waiting for? Sign up now and take your skills to new heights!
Course: Applied GIS and Remote Sensing
Course: Detection and Attribution
Overview: Linking regional impacts such as loss and damage to climate change, can present significant challenges. Our ability to establish this link statistically represents an emerging field called "detection and attribution". Detection is the process of demonstrating that climate has changed in some defined statistical sense. Attribution is the process of establishing the most likely causes for a detected change with some level of confidence. The objectives of this workshop are to inform Caribbean scientists and practitioners, on the 'what' and 'why' of detection and attribution science; and to introduce some of the methodologies and tools for conducting detection and attribution studies in the region. Click here for programme.
Course: Open Water Driver Certification
Course: Agri-Biotechnology for Food Security and Sustainable Development
Overview: We at the Biotechnology Centre, CCRIB, Faculty of Science and Technology at your very own University of the West Indies have designed a summer certificate course with you in mind. Have you ever wanted green fingers but so unsure that you haven’t tried to grow a plant as yet? Did you know plants can be clean from bacteria, fungi, nematodes and even viruses? Did you know there was a way to grow large numbers of plants that are identical copies, all free from diseases but not genetically modified? The very same plant you put into tissue culture in the lab, say Negro yam, is the very same plant you get out? Did you know there are over 20 varieties of yams growing in Jamaica? Did you know yam seeds weigh less than 0.02 g? Do you know how to make essential oils, biopesticides, herbal candles, soaps, creams and lotions from our plants? If you ever asked any of these questions, either as an individual, or as a company looking to collaborate for sustainable agriculture.
Course: Caribbean Summer Workshop for Introductory (Climate) Modellers
Overview: Training scientists in the Caribbean to perform climate modelling can greatly benefit the region's efforts to address the unique challenges posed by climate change. The Caribbean faces vulnerabilities such as increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes, rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and threats to its tourism and agriculture sectors. By training local scientists in climate modelling, they can develop a deeper understanding of the specific climate dynamics and impacts in the Caribbean, enabling more effective climate adaptation and mitigation strategies tailored to the region's needs. Climate modelling provides a powerful tool for assessing the potential impacts of climate change and evaluating policy options. This workshop will build capacity in the region for climate modelling and provision of associated climate monitoring and response services through the creation of a cadre of aspiring modellers.
Course: An Introduction to EV Technologies for Teachers
Overview: This course is designed to provide teachers with a working understanding of the technologies, trends and sustainability considerations of electric mobility. The course explores technological advancements, environmental implications and societal impacts of electric mobility. Course participants are exposed to strategies that have been employed in the implementation of EV solutions in different countries, challenges that have been encountered, and solutions that are being developed. The course will demonstrate how basic principles of science and technology are utilized to design and build efficient electric mobility systems.
Course: An Introduction to EV Technologies for Teachers
Overview: This course is designed to provide teachers with a working understanding of the technologies, trends and sustainability considerations of electric mobility. The course explores technological advancements, environmental implications and societal impacts of electric mobility. Course participants are exposed to strategies that have been employed in the implementation of EV solutions in different countries, challenges that have been encountered, and solutions that are being developed. The course will demonstrate how basic principles of science and technology are utilized to design and build efficient electric mobility systems.
Course: Coastal Habitat Restoration and Rehabilitation (BIOL6421)
Overview: Healthy coastal ecosystems offer protection against the ravages of natural disasters and climate induced changes like excessive land runoff and increased storminess. Coastal systems have come under increasing threat from human activities and natural disasters. The rate of loss of these systems and associated habitats has accelerated in recent decades due to chronic levels of impacts and climate variability. This loss must be mitigated in light of the tremendous ecosystem services provided by these ecosystems and the need for resilience in the face of a changing climate. It is therefore necessary to assist the natural systems to recover from human/climate induced degradation so that the ecosystem services and associated benefits can be perpetuated or even improved. This course will expose students to the causes of coastal habitat degradation and loss, the loss in associated ecosystem services and therefore the need for effective options and approaches to generate real habitat rehabilitation or restoration. It will assist students to conduct field and desk-top assessments to diagnose these impacts and design effective interventions. Environmental professionals and practitioners who seek to design effective rehabilitation plans for coastal habitats to mitigate loss will learn what works through actual hands-on rehabilitation exercises. Furthermore, there has been ongoing research and continued development of alternative restoration techniques, applicable to small island developing states like Jamaica.
COURSE NAME: FOOD PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Course Overview: The course will cover topics regarding the process of food development.Food development is a multifaceted process requiring collaborative effort across various disciplines. Marketing professionals are pivotal in conceptualizing the product, drawing upon their expertise to define its unique selling proposition and target market. Food science and technology experts translate these concepts into tangible creations ensuring that the final product aligns with consumer expectations regarding taste, texture, and overall sensory experience. Further on an assessment of the product's cost-effectiveness and market viability, considering factors such as ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and competitive landscape. Moreover, sensory evaluation is a crucial component in validating the product concept. Finally, as the product nears completion, attention shifts toward packaging, labelling, and market launch strategies.
PART 1 (ONLINE)
Webinars: 10 theoretical sessions that will last 60 – 90 minutes each.
Time: Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m. (Mexican Time) / 1:00p.m. JA Time
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Dates |
Topics |
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July 17 & 31, 2024 |
· Identifying consumers’ needs, food patterns and worldwide trends. · Ingredients and products · Functional products, analysing the concepts of prebiotics, probiotics and symbiotic. |
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August 14 & 28 , 2024 |
· Concept development based on trends and ingredients (particularly jam) and survey designed · Product development |
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September 11 & 25, 2024 |
· Food packaging · Sensory analysis evaluation of the finished product |
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October 9 & 23, 2024 |
· Cost evaluation of product · Business and Marketing plan |
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November 6 & 20, 2024 |
· Tutored workgroup on final presentation · Finding funding |
PART 2 (FACE TO FACE): This part of the course will take place during the first week of December 2024.
COURSE: ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Course Overview: The Caribbean imports more than 60% of the fuel required for residential, commercial and residential activities thereby making the region vulnerable to high energy costs, price volatility and supply disruptions. This is compounded by a proliferation of inefficient infrastructure resulting in a high energy intensity compared to global averages. A systematic approach to optimising the use of energy is, therefore, crucial to address the region's unique energy-related challenges while leveraging opportunities for sustainable development, economic growth, and enhanced resilience. Effective energy management can significantly reduce energy consumption and operational costs, thereby improving the economic viability of businesses and households. The Caribbean is also highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise, hurricanes, and extreme weather events. Energy management contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, which is critical for preserving the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
The "Energy Management for the Caribbean" course provides a comprehensive introduction to energy management principles, emphasizing the practical application of ISO 50001 standards and the CARICOM Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code (CREEBC). This course is designed to equip professionals, policymakers, and energy managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement effective energy management systems whereby they utilise energy more effectively while maintaining the levels of activity and productivity.
Participants will explore the fundamentals of energy management, including energy auditing, monitoring, and performance assessment. The course delves into ISO 50001, an internationally recognized standard for energy management systems, offering a structured framework to improve energy performance, reduce costs, and enhance environmental sustainability. Attendees will learn how to establish, implement, maintain, and improve an energy management system that aligns with organizational goals and complies with ISO 50001 requirements.
Additionally, the course highlights the CARICOM Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code, providing insights into region-specific regulations and best practices for energy-efficient building design, construction, and operation. Through case studies and practical examples, participants will understand how to integrate CREEBC guidelines to achieve significant energy savings and contribute to regional energy efficiency goals.
By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to develop and manage energy management systems effectively, driving energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives within their organizations. This course ultimately aims to support the Caribbean’s transition to more sustainable energy practices, fostering economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Thank you for choosing the Mona Technology for Science and Technology (MAST)! For enquiries please feel free to contact us at fstprofessional@uwimona.edu.jm or 876 544-3320.
Our 7 faculties and 12 professional schools offer more than 200 programmes to some 18,000 graduate, undergraduate and continuing studies students.
The UWI, Mona ranks first in Jamaica among accredited tertiary-level programmes. In 2012, the University was again one of Jamaica’s Top 100 Employers.
