Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science Major

Planet Earth is under pressure. Freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems are degrading, soils are depleted, and biodiversity is in retreat. The scientists who can diagnose these problems and design real solutions are among the most needed professionals of your generation.

At Lincoln University, you train to become one of them.

Lincoln uniquely sits at the heart of New Zealand's agricultural economy. We recognise that feeding a growing world and caring for the land that makes it possible are not opposing ambitions, but reconciling them is one of the great challenges of our time. Understanding those connections from the inside, with genuine insight into how the primary sector works, is what sets you apart as a Lincoln graduate.

The challenges are real. They are rooted in how we use the land. Come and be part of the solution at Lincoln University!

How you’ll grow

• You'll learn from internationally recognised scientists working at the frontier of New Zealand's most pressing environmental challenges.
• Your campus is embedded in a landscape where productive land use and environmental stewardship play out in real time, every day.
• You are grounded in the natural processes that drive soil and water systems, the science of ecosystem function and restoration, and what it takes to use land better.
• With flexible electives spanning economics, policy and society, you build the broader perspective that turns knowledge into impact.

Future-proofed career opportunities

As a graduate of this programme, you step into roles in:

• environmental consulting
• resource management
• freshwater restoration
• land rehabilitation, and
• sustainability roles across the primary industries themselves.

The work you do as an environmental scientist – reading a landscape, interpreting a river's health, building trust with landowners and communities, making judgements in complex situations – demands embodied expertise that no algorithm can replicate.

These are careers built on being present, skilled and trusted, making them among the most durable a science graduate can pursue.

> The Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) has given me a grounding in all the necessary areas, but has the flexibility to let me focus on areas that I’m particularly interested in (like soil and water) I feel really well set up to launch my career and do some good.

Jennifer Tregurtha

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science major

Upon successful completion of this degree programme, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science with an Environmental Science major.

Graduate Attributes

Graduate Attributes refer to the knowledge, skills, and values that you gain from completing your qualification. These high-level qualities will prepare you for career success, further study or research and making a valuable contribution to society in your chosen field. Attributes in italics apply to the Major, the others apply to the BCom core courses.

Knowledge

• Examine biotic and abiotic systems and processes relevant to understanding the natural and managed landscape (terrestrial and aquatic).
• Investigate the impacts of land management activities on soil and water quality, and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Evaluate the science that underpins the sustainable use of water and soil resources for food production and economic growth.
• Discuss approaches to maintaining agro-ecosystem function and quality.
• Understand how the behaviour and abundance of surface and ground water in different landscapes combine to inform sustainable water use across a range of spatial and temporal scales.
• Develop, apply and critically appraise and interpret models used to address scientific and management questions.

Skills

• Apply the scientific method and correctly interpret the results of scientific studies.
• Utilise statistics in the design of experiments and data analysis.
• Collect, synthesise and critically review information and data across a wide range of disciplines.
• Communicate information effectively in both written and oral form using a range of audience appropriate media.
• Learn independently: having generic skills of acquiring information and learning resources.
• Apply the interpersonal and decision-making skills needed to function as an effective member of interdisciplinary teams that include different specialties, foci and cultures.
• Demonstrate an ability to relate to a diverse range of backgrounds and communities, and to respect their values and culture.
• Apply sound scientific methods in the field and laboratory.
• Critically evaluate science in a real world context through exposure to industry and sectors which utilise this science.

Values

• Develop knowledge of the key principles and practices underpinning sustainable development, and a willingness to engage with environmental sustainability.
• Critically review the issues associated with the ethical implications of scientific research.
• Cultivate a sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship.
• Cultivate an awareness of the importance of cultural and indigenous knowledge.