Planning a BSc specialisation in Environmental Science

At undergraduate level, Environmental Science is offered as an area of specialisation and must be taken in conjunction with a science subject major.

• Scientific understanding of environmental problems.
• Computer modelling of environmental problems.
• Techniques used in policy and planning for sustainable development.
• Conservation project management techniques.
• Understanding of human interaction with environmental systems and processes.

Environmental Science is designed to be taken in conjunction with a science subject major. Any other programme of study must be approved by the Environmental Science Adviser. To complete the area of specialisation in Environmental Science, your degree will need to include all of the following courses:

• ENVSCI 101: Environment, Science and Management (15 points)
• ENVSCI 201: Sustaining Our Environment (15 points)
• GEOG 205: Environmental Processes and Management (15 points).

One of:

• BIOSCI 209: Biometry (15 points)
• GEOG 250: Geographical Research in Practice (15 points)
• STATS 201: Data Analysis (15 points).

Plus:

• ENVSCI 301: Environmental Effects and Management (15 points)
• ENVSCI 310: Modelling Environmental Systems (15 points).

Plus:

• One other approved Stage III Science course.

In addition we strongly advise you take STATS 101 in your first year.

The undergraduate specialisation in Environmental Science is designed to be taken in conjunction with another Science subject major, like Biological Science, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics.

Below we provide some options for subject combinations. We recommend you consult each department's handbook or website for timetable information.

Biological Sciences
The School of Biological Sciences offers a wide range of courses in Ecology (both marine and terrestrial) relevant to Environmental Science. Be aware that to enrol in advanced Biological Sciences courses you will need to have met the prerequisites spelled out in the University Calendar.

Chemistry
A Chemistry major is valuable preparation for postgraduate studies in Environmental Science and a background in Chemistry, especially environmental chemistry, will enable you to become involved in aspects of environmental quality assessment.

Geography
Geography is an excellent choice as subject major to combine with Environmental Science. Particularly useful courses include GEOG 101 which introduces the study of environmental processes and GEOG 250 that can be used to meet the data analysis requirements of the area of specialisation. Be sure to see our full list of courses by visiting our Geography courses page.

Geology
Combining Environmental Science with a Geology major is a good option. Be sure to see our full list of courses by visiting our Geology courses page.

Marine Science
The University of Auckland offers an area of specialisation in Marine Science that parallels the structure and content of that in Environmental Science. It is possible for you to take courses from the Marine Science programme but difficult to complete both specialisations within the BSc.

Physics
A major in physics is highly appropriate if you plan to specialise in environmental modelling. The course most pertinent to environmental applications is PHYSICS 213. While it has no formal prerequisites, PHYSICS 213 assumes knowledge of Stage I Physics and Mathematics.

Science General
Courses that build skills in communicating science and in managing science and technology are also relevant to a programme in Environmental Science. Such courses are available to view by visiting our Science General courses page.

Statistics
We strongly advise you to take one Stage I Statistics course in your first year. If you have a good mark in NCEA level 3 Mathematics with Statistics (65% or more) we recommend STATS 101. The Stage II course STATS 201 will help you meet the requirements for the area of specialisation in Environmental Science. It is also very useful if your subject major is Biological Sciences or Geography.