Environmental science brings together the fields of ecology, biology, zoology, oceanography, atmospheric science, soil science, geology, chemistry, and more in an interdisciplinary study of how natural and man-made processes interact with one another and ultimately affect the Earth.
Environmental Studies is a relatively new field of education that incorporates more of the social sciences for understanding human relationships, perceptions, and policies towards the environment.
This BSc in Environmental Sciences degree program aims to give students a broad understanding of the interrelated forces affecting how we study, utilize, and conserve the natural resources that surround us.
Environmental issues almost always include an interaction of physical, chemical, and biological processes. Environmental scientists bring a systems approach to the analysis of environmental problems. Key elements of an effective environmental scientist include the ability to relate space, and time relationships as well as quantitative analysis. During this program you will study subjects like the understanding of earth processes, evaluating alternative energy systems, pollution control and mitigation, natural resource management, and the effects of global climate change.
Environmental Scientists work with the Earth's Resources. That is a very broad definition, but considering an Environmental Scientist could be doing anything from conserving the habitat of wild animals in the grasslands of Tsavo to sampling piped water in the City of Nairobi or arguing legal cases before the Court, Environmental Scientists do a lot.
Most county governments require the services of Environmental Scientists in various departments such as their local sanitation station, in their building/roads department, and in their public health departments. City Councils hire entire environmental legal teams, employ water and transportation teams, infrastructure specialists, local environmental specialists, parks and recreation, etc.
Collecting Samples
One of the most important responsibilities for Environmental Scientists is to, either, collect their own samples, oversee the collection of samples, or, at least, understand the collection of samples. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) should be in place for sample collection at all levels, whether it is a food sample, an atmospheric sample, or a drinking water sample.
Interpreting Results
Many high-level Environmental Scientists are paid mainly to do just this; interpret results. Upper level employees often have to convey their findings; whether they are doing so in the courtroom, at a scientific meeting, or at a village council meeting discussing zoning regulations. It isn't just something for the experienced decision makers though. Even field workers that collect routine samples need to be able to use their own judgment from time to time on to decide if something is significant enough to make note of it for the scientific team doing the work. Having a solid understanding of scientific thinking is important to carry out any job as an Environmental Scientist.
Acting ethically, and humbly
This seems intuitive. But, oftentimes scientists, like any other group of humans, can get caught studying something so specific that they lose sight of the big picture. Recognizing if you made a mistake is very important, and sharing credit where it is due is as well. Yes, there are exceptions to this rule, but a good course in ethical behavior is very valuable for your future. Numerous Environmental Science major programs will include one in their required courses.
This Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Sciences is designed to produce natural resources and environmental professionals with a broad interdisciplinary background coupled with a specific focus in identifying, understanding, protecting, enhancing, and managing natural resources and their environment. Environmental Science students will learn how natural resource systems function, how to maintain the functions that are important both for ecosystem sustainability and for man’s use of those ecosystems. They will also deal with economic, social and political issues of natural resource use and environmental management decision-making processes.
The program shall provide Bachelor of Science in Environmental science graduates with real-world situations full of various techniques of teaching, knowledge, skills, attitudes, and experiences that prepare them to meet challenges in the fields of teaching and learning process.
The Specific Objectives of this BSc in Environmental Sciences program is to:
In addition to meeting the University entrance requirements, candidates for admission to the Bachelor of Environmental Science Programme are required to have obtained
The Environmental Sciences degree program is a four-year program.
The initial stage of your studies will include compulsory core modules, which aim to give you a general understanding of environmental science and introduce you to some of the main principles.
The following stages will typically allow students to choose options from a selection of possible course modules, allowing for growing specialization in one or more environmental science topics. Towards the end of your program, you are likely to have the opportunity to carry out your own research on a topic of your choice.
Assessment methods include essays, written discussions, exams, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, field notebooks, and seminar presentations.
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