Program Overview

Study Programme - BSc Environmental Sciences

The bachelor's programme in Environmental Sciences is a three-year programme, and includes 180 ECTS credits (60 credits per year). The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) is an international system in which each credit represents around 28 hours of study. The Wageningen University & Research academic year is divided into six teaching periods. Usually the first six weeks of each period are devoted to classes and practicums; the seventh week is for private study, to prepare for the exams that are given in week 8. Students take two subjects per teaching period; one morning subject, and one afternoon subject.

Year 1

In the first year, students take a broad set of courses to create a solid foundation but soon deepen the knowledge previously acquired and follow some more applied courses. Students will follow some basic courses such as mathematics, statistics, and chemistry. They will also follow courses about soil processes, water, and environmental technology in their first year. At the end of the year, students can apply their knowledge and insights in a real-life context.

• Courses in this program

Year 2

Courses on air quality, environmental policy, and system earth are part of the second year. Students gain a deeper understanding of the area that appeals to them most by choosing one of three specialisations: Environmental Quality and Systems Analysis, Environmental Technology, or Environmental Policy and Economics. They will end the second year with a knowledge integration course in which they try to solve a real-life case with their group in a sustainable way. During this course, students will go abroad with their fellow students to carry out the research on location.

• Specialisation courses

Year 3

During the third year, students gain more extensive knowledge in their specialisation, which they can apply in their individual thesis. The other semester is available for elective courses at Wageningen University & Research or at another university in the Netherlands or abroad.

• Specialisation courses

Minor

During their third year, students can broaden or deepen their knowledge with a minor. They can choose from almost fifty minors within Wageningen University & Research. Students can also follow a minor at another university in the Netherlands or abroad, or compose a minor themselves. Their study advisor is able to assist them further with this.

Teaching Methods

The study consists of:

• Lectures: a teacher explains the subject matter to the class;
• Tutorials and group work: students do an assignment with a project group;
• Practicals: students do experiments in a laboratory or practical room. With computer practicals, students do experiments in a virtual environment;
• Fieldwork: students go out for practical assignments at home or abroad;
• Self-study: self-study is included in their schedule, but students can also plan it outside of it.

Study Guidance

At Wageningen University & Research, personal guidance and contact are considered very important. That is why the number of supervisors (teachers, study advisors, and supervisors) who help students complete their studies is much larger than at other universities in the Netherlands. This reduces the chance that students will drop out during their studies. This personal touch also makes studying more enjoyable and proves that the university is truly committed to its students.