Environmental Science, Subjects

Photo: Shaun Eaves, 'Duffy's creek', Lewis Pass, New Zealand

Please note: Information on this page relates to the 2016 academic year unless otherwise specified.

On this page:

Overview

Humanity’s interaction with the environment is the biggest issue facing planet Earth right now. Climate change, resource management and biodiversity are growing concerns that require skilled professionals to research, monitor, analyse data and communicate research findings to the public. Environmental Science graduates will be highly sought after for careers in this challenging area and well prepared for postgraduate study.

This major is taught across the Faculty of Science rather than from a single school, and it can only be taken in partnership with another major in either physical, biological, mathematical or earth sciences (see list below). A Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Environmental Science is one of the highest quality degrees available, providing a broad but rigorous introduction to the general principles of Environmental Science as well as depth in another related area through the partner major.

Environmental Science draws on the wide-ranging expertise of staff in the Faculty of Science at Victoria and in Wellington’s science community. Teaching and research supervision include contributions from Victoria's Climate Change Research Institute, Antarctic Research Centre and local Crown Research Institute staff.

Environmental Science is distinct from Environmental Studies, which is involved with the social and biophysical dimensions of environmental issues rather than the science of the environment. Environmental Science is for students wishing to acquire the mathematical and scientific background necessary to become environmental scientists.

Undergraduate information

Environmental Science major requirements

1. 60 points from 100-level BIOL, CHEM, ESCI, GEOG, MATH, PHYS and STAT of which STAT 193 and 15 points of MATH must be included
2. ENVI 214, 40 200-level points from BIOL, CHEM, ESCI, GEOG, MATH, PHYS and STAT in addition to the requirements of the partner major
3. ENSC 301; ENSC 302 or 303; further approved 300-level courses to achieve at least 60 points.

A partner major must be one of the following:

How to find out more

Environmental Science courses are taught within the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Cotton Building.