Environmental science - inter disciplinary subject for understanding of natural and human environments

Environmental science is an ‘interdisciplinary’ subject, testing students on a combination of skills and knowledge from diverse fields of biology, chemistry, physics, geography, earth and marine sciences, and social sciences. A study of diverse viewpoints and data sources help build a fuller understanding of natural and human environments. Since this STEM subject requires a study of different habitats, climates, land formations and societies, fieldwork and trips to various countries is an important part of these degrees. Tests and analysis could result in hours of lab-work.

Entry requirements will vary based on university and country. For a bachelor’s degree, a Class 12 student will require good grades in few of the related subjects like biology, chemistry, economics, geography, geology, mathematics or physics. The first few semesters will include compulsory core modules to allow general understanding of environmental science and its main principles and theories. The later semesters will allow students to choose subject options and/or electives for growing specialization in one or more environmental science topics. A bachelor’s degree in the relevant field or subjects will be required to apply for a Masters program.

Aquatic Biology/Marine Biology: Aquatic biology focuses on study of freshwater environments such as lakes, ponds, rivers and wetlands, while marine biology is concerned with saltwater environments, including the oceans and brackish bodies of water. Both include study of various aspects of life in these types of ecosystem, specific habitats and relationships, issues of conservation, resource use and economic implications.

Climate Studies & Meteorology: Involves an understanding of the possible causes of climate change, existing evidence for change and projections for the future, and potential solutions. Topics could include environmentally sustainable approaches to energy production and consumption

Earth Systems/Earth Science: focuses on large-scale changes in the Earth and its atmosphere, and its environmental systems that affect the planet. Subjects include geomorphology (understanding land formations and predicting future changes), weather systems, climate change, ice ages and oceanic systems.

Environmental and biological conservation: Involves studying different groups of organisms such as birds, mammals and insects; and their natural habitats, understanding their survival challenges, and conservation techniques. Topics in this field are geared to protect various species and limit the risk of extinction.

Pollution Management: Involves study of human pollution of the natural environment, types of pollutants, assessing extent and consequences of pollution, how to stop occurence, how to lessen its negative impact.

Soil Ecology/Soil Science: Is focused on the various processes that can affect soil, and how this can impact natural environments and human needs such as agricultural production. Topics include soil nutrition levels, spread of pathogens (such as viruses and bacteria), impact of pesticides and other chemicals, and soil porosity.

Hydrology/Water Resource Management: Involves management of available water resources for human needs such as drinking, sanitation, agriculture, leisure and industry, the challenges faced, approaches to balancing supply and demand, assessing related environmental, economic and legal factors.

There are many different environmental science careers open to graduates, in sectors ranging from parks, reserves, zoos, waste disposal, public policy development, agriculture. Horticulturist, Minerals surveyor, Sustainability consultant, are some of the options. Details on some of the environmental science careers:
Environmental consultant Providing advice to various organizations (private or government) on issues related to assessing the environmental impact of an existing or planned project; advising on the pollution or contamination of land, air or water; measuring the ‘carbon footprint’ of an activity; advising on relevant legislation and regulations; and generally helping companies to become more sustainable.
Environmental educator Likely to be employed by trusts, zoos, wildlife parks, botanical gardens, etc. Involves giving talks, leading nature walks and organizing events, training volunteers and running workshops or courses, and liaising with educational and community groups.
Environmental management roles Responsible for developing and implementing environmental strategies that promote sustainable development for public or private sector. Involves assessments, identifying problems and organizing training of staff to ensure everyone follows relevant policies and contributes to achieving environmental targets.
Nature conservation officer Oversee sustainable management of a natural area for non-profits, national parks and nature reserves, private estates, local authorities and consultancies. Involves planning and supervising projects to increase biodiversity fundraising, raise awareness of relevant issues.
Recycling/Waste Management Officer Organize and manage waste disposal, recycling facilities, waste collection, development and implementation of waste reduction policies with local authorities, private environmental service companies, NGOs, etc. Involves managing existing recycling schemes campaigning and running initiatives to promote recycling.
Environmental Chemist Responsible for collecting and testing soil, air and water samples to determine their quality and how effect on the environment with the aim to identify and prevent environmental threats that would affect people, plants and animals.
Environmental geologist Analyze and collect data related to the geological components of the environment, study minerals, soil and groundwater as well as assess industrial work areas such as mining operations.
Water Quality Inspector Involves working on solutions to improve water quality and various related problems of drinking water, surface water or groundwater. Involves analysis of the current situation, testing water resources, actions to improve the quality.

University of California, Berkeley (UCB), USA
Stanford University, USA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands
Harvard University, USA
ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Switzerland
University of Oxford, UK
University of Cambridge, UK
Tsinghua University, China
Imperial College London, UK
National University of Singapore, Singapore