Program Overview
Introduction to Environmental Science
Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the environment, incorporating its structure and functioning, and human interactions with the environment. This integrative subject builds on a strong disciplinary base in major subjects such as Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, or Physics, with additional relevant study in areas including Antarctic Studies, Forestry Science, Water Science and Management, Mathematics, Science, and Statistics.
Program Overview
The University operates field stations at Cass (in the Waitaha Canterbury high country) and Kawatiri Westport that are particularly well equipped for Environmental Science teaching and research.
Available Programs
- Bachelor of Science with Honours
- Postgraduate Certificate in Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science
- Master of Science
- Doctor of Philosophy
Program Requirements
Bachelor of Science with Honours
To complete the Bachelor of Science with Honours majoring in Environmental Science, students will need to complete the following:
- ENVR410 Concepts and Principles of Environmental Science
- ENVR411 Case Studies in Environmental Science
- ENVR480 Research Project
Plus choose another 60 points of 400-level courses selected from:
- Antarctic Studies
- Biochemistry
- Biological Sciences
- Chemical and Process Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Engineering Geology
- Forestry
- Geography
- Geology
- Health Sciences
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Water Science and Management The overall course selection should form a coherent thematic programme, and must be approved by the Programme Coordinator.
Postgraduate Certificate in Science
To complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Science majoring in Environmental Science, students will need to complete at least 45 points in 400-level ENVR courses for the major. In total, 60 points must be completed for the PGCertSc from Environmental Science and/or other Science courses.
Postgraduate Diploma in Science
To complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Science majoring in Environmental Science, students will need to complete at least 120 points, including:
- ENVR410 Concepts and Principles of Environmental Science
- ENVR411 Case Studies in Environmental Science
Another 90 points of 400-level courses are selected from:
- Antarctic Studies
- Biochemistry
- Biological Sciences
- Chemical and Process Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Engineering Geology
- Forestry
- Geography
- Geology
- Health Sciences
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Water Science and Management The overall course selection should form a coherent thematic programme, and must be approved by the Programme Coordinator.
Master of Science
Part I of the MSc in Environmental Science is 120 points, including:
- ENVR410 Concepts and Principles of Environmental Science
- ENVR411 Case Studies in Environmental Science
And another 90 points of 400-level courses selected from:
- Antarctic Studies
- Biochemistry
- Biological Sciences
- Chemical and Process Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Engineering Geology
- Forestry
- Geography
- Geology
- Health Sciences
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Water Science and Management The overall course selection should form a coherent thematic programme, and must be approved by the Programme Coordinator. Students will need a B+ Grade Point Average to proceed to Part II of the degree. Part II requires ENVR690 MSc Thesis.
Doctor of Philosophy
In the PhD, students will complete a thesis of original research in the Environmental Science field (ENVR790 Environmental Science PhD).
Career Opportunities
Environmental Science is a growth area for employment. Well-educated people with strong technical and communication skills are needed to help identify, monitor, and contribute to solving a variety of problems associated with the environment and with the use and allocation of resources and sustainability.