School of Environment
Environmental Science courses
Environmental Science courses are primarily used in the BSc degree.
The course descriptions will help you to choose courses that are of interest to you, as well as indicating specific lecturers and tutors with whom you may consult further.
Our programme features four core courses and one elective course designed to introduce you to interdisciplinary Environmental Science. Each course is taught by a team of staff who teach from their research-based knowledge. Field experience is an important part of the programme. The programme of courses explores the potential for developing science for effective environmental management.
For advice on your programme of study, please contact the Environmental Science Advisor:
Joe Fagan
Room HSB 679
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 85381
Email: j.fagan@auckland.ac.nz
Please note: the letter 'G' in the course numbers below indicates that the course is also offered as a general education course.
Timetable information
Please be aware any timetable information provided on this page is for general guidance and times are subject to change. While we endeavour to keep this as up to date as possible, students should NOT base their enrolment on any timetable information provided below. All students must check on SSO (Student Services Online) as this contains the latest and most accurate timetable information.
Key environmental debates are explored to identify the challenges to effective environmental management. Case studies highlight the complexity of environmental problems and the difficult task of integrating science, knowledge and values in their resolution.
This course is taught in: Second Semester, City Campus (S2 C)
Coordinator: Joe Fagan
Format: three 1 hour lectures and one 1 hour tutorial per week
Points: 15
Assessment: 40% coursework (test 20%, assignments 20%), 60% final examination
Timetable S2 C: Check SSO
Course homepage
An examination of environmental effects associated with urban lifestyles. In particular, effects due to everyday activities, e.g. land-use change, pollution and the consequences of resource exploitation, and climate change. Sustainable options for the mitigation of adverse effects are identified and discussed.
This course is taught in: First Semester, City Campus (S1 C)
Coordinator: Dr Gretel Boswijk
Format: three 1 hour lectures per week, plus five 1 hour tutorials
Points: 15
Assessment: 50% coursework, 50% final examination
Preparation: ENVSCI 101 or equivalent
Timetable S1 C: Check SSO
Course homepage
Effective management of the environmental effects of human activities depends upon a sound basis of environmental science. The effects of industrial production and resource usage are used to illustrate the requirements humans place on the environment. A key theme is the use of tools, derived through environmental research, to effect sustainable management of the environment whilst satisfying human needs. The examples used relate to issues of local, national and international significance.
This course is taught in: First Semester, City Campus (S1 C)
Coordinator: Dr Neil Mitchell
Format: one 2 hour and one 1 hour lecture per week, plus a field trip in the third week of the semester; please check the course outline for details and confirmation
Points: 15
Assessment: 40% coursework (two assignments worth 20% each), 60% final examination
Preparation: ENVSCI 201 or equivalent
Timetable S1 C: Check SSO
Course homepage
An introduction to how models are used in the study and management of environmental impacts in a range of environmental contexts and systems (e.g. ecological, fluvial, atmospheric, coastal, etc.). Developing skills in designing, communicating and critically assessing models of the environment.
This course is taught in: Second Semester, City Campus (S2 C)
Coordinator: Dr George Perry
Format: three 1 hour lectures and one 2 hour lab per week
Points: 15
Assessment: 50% coursework (four computer lab exercises worth 12.5% each), 50% final examination
Preparation: GEOG 250 or BIOSCI 209 or equivalent
Timetable S2 C: Check SSO
Course homepage
**Please check the course homepage before the start of semester as lab times may change depending on room availabilty and demand.
