Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Lincoln University’s Bachelor of Science programme is applied and context-based. We aim to produce graduates who have a firm grounding in the basic sciences. These can be applied to processes in the environment, in ecosystems and biota or at the molecular level; helping you contribute to sustainable management and conservation of land, water and air and the country’s abundant natural resources. This degree has seven majors to choose from, depending on your interest and career aspirations. As our world changes, we need highly skilled individuals who can tackle the big issues. How do we feed the world while minimising environmental impact? How do we protect our environment from biological threats? How do we maintain good environmental quality? These are the pressing questions facing scientists of the future. As a Lincoln B.Sc. graduate, you can help answer them.

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The global environment is facing unprecedented challenges. Climate change, rapidly growing populations and the industrialisation of developing countries are demanding more of our land and water. Scientific understanding, and knowing how to apply that understanding, are essential skills now and their importance will only increase in the future.

Lincoln University has a proud 139-year history of teaching students about working with New Zealand’s natural resources. Located in the country’s biggest agricultural region, Lincoln students are surrounded by an environment that puts them in direct contact with the land and water issues they will face in the future either in NZ or abroad. Students benefit from the lowest student-to-staff ratio of any New Zealand University, and are taught by world-class scientists who are spearheading research into the questions posed by sustainable land use. Lincoln graduates will be ideally placed to work where agricultural production and guardianship of the environment meet. They will play a central role in ensuring sustainability in Canterbury, New Zealand and beyond. New Zealand faces challenges (and opportunities) in increasing economic productivity in land-based industries, while limiting or reducing negative environmental impacts. Sophisticated graduates, who can harness science, technology and management approaches are needed like never before.

A BSc Major in Environmental Science will focus on soil, water and biology in a connected landscape context to help us understand how land use affects the environment and the best practices for mitigating these effects. The Major has a core of courses in fundamental science and environmental topics, such as aquatic and soil science. These courses will teach students about environmental sustainability; the impacts on the environment of different land management practices and how to protect and restore the environment with a view to ensuring its preservation for future generations. The core courses are supported by a collection of elective courses related to the social, economic and legislative framework within which environmental science operates. Students can tailor the course according to the interests they have (and develop while at Lincoln).