Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

The purpose of the programme is to provide students with a firm grounding in the environmental sciences from which they can start to specialise in integrative environmental science with ecology, or geography with GIS or water management.  

Agriculture, the environment and conservation are important focus areas for the economy of Mpumalanga yet these are under threat from pollution, the competing demands of mining, climate change and land reformation. Graduates from this BSc (Environmental Science) will be trained and educated to work in these and other fields and contribute to sustainability. The qualification will provide a broad grounding in environmental sciences with environmental science, environmental biology, chemistry and earth science in first year, supported by mathematics and computer literacy. In second and third year, students will be able to join one of three streams being environmental science with environmental biology and ecology, environmental science with geography, and environmental science with water management. Graduates will have a relevant set of skills and knowledge and a good understanding of the nature of science and how knowledge is created. They will be independent leaners with some experience in answering research questions and will have well developed communication skills. The choice of subjects will allow students to be exposed to inter- and trans-disciplinary thinking and research. 

Teaching will be by contact and will include lectures, tutorials, practicals, field trips, group work and online learning. Throughout the three years, there will be an emphasis on independent research, and third year will include 30 credits (15 per major subject) for research.