Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences

About Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences

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.

Entry requirements for Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences

In addition to meeting the University entrance requirements, candidates for admission to the Bachelor of Environmental Science Programme are required to have obtained 

• Minimum of C+ in any three of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics or Physics or Physical Sciences.
  
• Grade C in KCSE or its equivalent and Diploma with a minimum of credit in a subject related to Environmental Studies from a recognized Institution.
• Mean grade of C- (Minus) at KCSE and progressed from certificate to Diploma from recognized/accredited institutions.

Objectives of Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences

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:

• To understand   the   intricate   linkages   within   and   between   biophysical   and socioeconomic  systems,  and  appreciate  the  principles  and  requirements  that would facilitate the transition to sustainability within these systems;
  
• To apply theoretical understanding, professional judgment, and skills in mitigation of environmental problems;
• To formulate and implement solutions to problems of sustainable development, through the use of analytical skill and theoretical knowledge
• To make  meaningful  contributions  to  improving  legal  and  administrative  structures  and processes relevant to sustainable development and environmental management

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences - Programme

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.

First Year Units

• Communication Skills
• Creative and Critical Thinking
• Entrepreneurship
• Basic Life Support and Emergency Care
• Foundations of Environmental Health
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Biostatistics
• Basics in Environmental Microbiology
• Laboratory Methods for Environmental Health
• Environmental Chemistry I
• Food Sanitation and Safety
• Health Promotion and Advocacy
• Socio-Medical Sciences in Health
• Nutrition and Health

Second Year Units

• Introduction to Epidemiology
• Environmental Biochemistry I
• Meat Pathology and Inspection
• Anatomy and Physiology of food Animals
• Environmental Inspection
• Principles of Community Health
• Solid Waste Management
• Technical Designs and Drawing
• Environmental Biochemistry II
• Communicable Diseases
• Immunology of Environmental Health Diseases
• Attachment I - Urban Health
• Water Quality and Disease Control
• Principles of Environmental Parasitology

Third Year Units

• Research methods
• Hazardous Waste Management
• Building and Construction Technology
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Human Population Studies and Health
• Non-Communicable and lifestyle diseases
• Environmental Information Systems
• Port Health
• Liquid Waste Management
• Environmental Health Impact Assessment
• Geomedicine
• Environmental Chemistry II
• Attachment II ? Rural Health

Fourth Year Units

• Applied Epidemiology
• Environmental Health Law
• Environmental Toxicology
• Introduction to Pharmacology
• Environmental Health Economics
• Research Project ? equivalent to two units
• Health Services Management
• Biotechnology and Health
• Public Health Issues in Disaster Management
• Health Policy Management
• Health Project Planning and Management
• Conservancy and Drainage
• Vector and Rodent Control