Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies

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Environmental catastrophe is one of the most pressing challenges of the twenty-first century. Many groups and countries have been attempting to devise solutions to the ever-increasing problems caused by environmental degradation. They are attempting to find sustainable methods of development, which can only be accomplished by engaging in the interdisciplinary character of environmental research.

Because the topic of Environmental Studies is not as widely recognised as some of the other streams, it is natural for you to have many questions regarding the course's relevance. You may also be asking if there are any courses other than BSc Environmental Science and specialities that you may pursue, as well as the scope of a career in environmental studies.

Here are the answers to any questions you may have about a career in environmental studies.

What is the multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies?

EVS is an interdisciplinary academic subject that investigates, researches, and expands knowledge about the living and physical environment. It also contributes to a better understanding of ecological, political, technological, economic, social, and cultural environmental factors. Environmental Studies, often known as EVS, is the science of physical phenomena in the environment. To grasp the interdisciplinary character of environmental studies, we must first grasp the precise definition of the term. The term consists of two words: multidisciplinary and disciplinary. The phrase "disciplinary" refers to focused research on a certain topic. In contrast, "multidisciplinary" refers to the integration of more than one field or area of study. It defines cross-disciplinary, multi-sectoral, and multi-dimensional research. A multidisciplinary course of study, for example, is one in which you study a number of subjects such as Science, Social Science, Mathematics, English, and so on.

How are Environmental Studies Multidisciplinary in Nature?

Environmental Studies is a broad subject of study that includes components of Physics, Chemistry, Medical Science, Agriculture, Geography, and Biology. It is not just limited to environmental protection and resource management. Still, it also emphasises comprehension:

  • Pollution types and their negative consequences on living creatures
  • Biodiversity, its forms, and the factors that contribute to its depletion
  • Deforestation and strategies for increasing forest cover
  • Desertification
  • Waste disposal and sewage treatment, for example.

Why Pursue the Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies?

Because of the time-sensitive nature and importance of environmental changes, there is a demand for people with the skill set required to discover solutions to this challenge. A career in environmental studies may be immensely rewarding for people who are enthusiastic about the environment and wish to make a difference in today's society. There is a lot of opportunity in this sector if you make the proper decisions and locate suitable courses and colleges.

Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies

Environmental studies include several components. These are:

  • Anthropology studies human qualities, biology, psychology, communities, civilisations, and human growth and evolution. EVS is related to anthropology since it analyses people and their settings across time.
  • Biology is the study of living things. Physico-chemical processes, molecular interactions and evolution are all covered. EVS is linked to biology since it concerns live beings' natural habitat.
  • Chemistry is the study of chemicals and the components of matter. Understanding EVS natural phenomena require chemistry understanding.
  • Computer Science: As the world advanced, computers became essential. The EPA uses computers to track contaminants in soil and water.
  • Geology is the study of Earth's physical structures and substances, as well as their history and processes. EVS also studies the planet and environment.
  • Economics studies the production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services. Various economic techniques have been devised to protect the environment from pollution, global warming, and climate change.
  • Physics studies energy, matter, and their interactions in space and time. Physics addresses concerns about the environment.
  • Sociology is the study of social life, change, causes, and consequences. It also discusses the relationship of modern civilisation to the environment.
  • Statisticians gather, analyse, interpret, and present quantitative data. It also analyses data to identify patterns and recommends the best environmental growth.

Top Specialisations in Environmental Studies

While the basic disciplines that address the fundamental features of environmental studies are consistent throughout institutions, universities offer a variety of Environmental Science courses and specialisations to examine the interdisciplinary nature of the environment as a whole. These specialities are designed to provide you with the specialised skill set required to face the difficulties of this field. Among the specialities available are:

  • Soil pollution and Ecology
  • Aquatic/Marine Biology
  • Earth Systems
  • Environmental and Biological Conservation
  • Energy and Climate Change
  • Water Resource Management
  • Pollution Prevention and Remediation
  • Natural Resource Management 

Top Universities abroad that offer Environmental Studies

There are several academic institutions that offer degrees in Environmental Studies; a list of some of them are provided below.

Universities

QS World University Rankings 2023 

Environmental Science Courses

Stanford University

=3

BSc Earth Systems;

Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources (E-IPER) with PhD.

Harvard University

5

PhD Engineering Sciences: Environmental Science

MIT

1

BSc Civil and Environmental Engineering;

BSc Biological Engineering – Environmental and Toxicological Studies

University of Oxford

2

MPhil/MSc Biodiversity, Conservation, and Management;

MSc in Environmental Change and Management

ETH Zurich

=8

Bachelor/Masters in Environmental Sciences

University of Cambridge

=3

MPhil in Environmental Policy/Polar Studies;

PhD in Environmental Science

University of California Berkeley

32

MS in Range Management;

PhD in Environmental Science, Policy, & Management

Wageningen University & Research

BSc in International Land and Water Management;

MSc Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management

Tsinghua University

=180

Water Supply and Wastewater Engineering;

MSc Environmental Science and Engineering

University of British Columbia

46

BSc Environmental Sciences;

MSc Resources, Environment And Sustainability

Nanyang Technological University

12

Environmental Earth System Science and Public Policy and Global Affairs – Double Major Course

Delft University of Technology

57

BSc Applied Earth Sciences;

MSc in Sanitation

University of Queensland

47

Bachelor of Environmental Science – Environmental Toxicology;

Master of Geographic Information Science

National University of Singapore

11

Bachelor of Environmental Studies;

MSc Environmental Management

Multidisciplinary Courses in Environmental Studies: Eligibility

Candidates must have passed a 10+2 level examination with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognised board in India to be eligible for UG courses. Students may also be required to take admission tests by colleges or institutions.

Eligibility Criteria for Postgraduate Courses: Candidates must have graduated with a minimum of 55 percent from an Indian institution or university. If colleges or universities have admission exams, students may be forced to take them.

Eligibility for the Doctoral Program: Candidates must have completed their post-graduate examinations with at least a 55 percent aggregate mark in a relevant discipline from an Indian institution or university. Colleges and universities may conduct entrance tests.

Multidisciplinary Courses in Environmental Studies: Admission Process

Students are chosen depending on their performance in their 10+2 or any other similar exams. The admission forms are made available immediately after the 10+2 results are announced, which is usually in May or June.

To apply to any of the institutes, the candidate must complete the following procedures:
  • Completing the application form: The candidate will be required to supply information about themselves as well as their past examination results.
  • Documents to be uploaded: Documents such as mark sheets, common admission exam scores, and residency and caste certificates are required.
  • Merit-list Publication: Candidates will be evaluated based on their performance in the class XII test, and a merit list of pupils who have been shortlisted will be provided.
  • Counseling/Interview: Some schools need an interview, while others may require counselling, in which the candidate must select a course, have their documents validated, and pay the initial fee.
  • Enrollment: You are now enrolled after you have paid the fee.

Significance of Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies

Environmental studies is significant because they assist us in understanding our environment and natural events. Several considerations underline the importance of environmental studies' interdisciplinary character. These are their names:

  • It aids in gathering knowledge regarding current environmental issues. It provides us with the information and skills needed to address environmental issues such as pollution, global warming, and climate change.
  • It helps to maintain ecological balance by giving a fundamental understanding of environmental systems and processes.
  • It tells us about environmental changes induced by man-made factors.
  • It also teaches us how to analyse diverse environmental systems and the effects of human activity on the environment.
  • Its objective is to protect and preserve biodiversity. It introduces us to various flora and animal species. It provides us with several strategies for maintaining and protecting them.
  • It brings our attention to our environmental duties. It also notifies us about several environmental issues that must be handled as soon as possible.
  • Environmental studies cover a wide range of themes, including energy conservation, hazardous emissions, water conservation, rubbish disposal, rising global temperatures, and many more.
  • Environmental Studies allow people to investigate and interact with their natural and surrounding environments. It helps people better understand human processes, natural occurrences, and other environmental changes.

What is the scope of the multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies?

The Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies encompasses biological, cultural, social, and physical components. Science, geography, economics, statistics, health, technology, population, and ecology are all related to it. The broad character of Environmental Studies provides a diverse variety of professional options after completing a degree program in this discipline. Some job profiles that can help you further your career in environmental studies include:

  • Hydrologist
  • Environmental Lawyer
  • Wildlife Conservationist
  • Environmental Land Consultant
  • Mining Consultant
  • Researcher
  • Political Advisor
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Water Resource Manager
  • Environmental Analyst
  • Environmental Law
  • Oceanographer
  • Eco-tourism Operator
  • Non-profit Administrator
  • Sustainability Development Manager
  • Environmental journalist
  • Professor
  • Forest Carbon Specialist (Arborist)
  • Professor
  • Environmental Accounting
  • Activist
  • Botanist
  • Food Cooperative Specialist
  • Conservation Biologist
  • Agricultural Technologist
  • GIS Specialist
  • Conservation Officer
  • Ecologist
  • Air Quality Inspector
  • Environmental Land Consultant
  • Animal Services Worker
  • Greenhouse Manager
  • Environmental Planner
  • Food Scientist
  • Geologist
  • Hazardous Waste Manager
  • Water Quality Inspector
  • Health Promoter
  • Fisheries Consultant
  • International Developer
  • Soil Scientist
  • Forest Resource Officer
  • Urban Planner

If you are sincerely committed to the environmental cause or have a strong interest in the environment, a degree that explores the multidisciplinary character of environmental studies can help you launch a career in the subject. Allow the specialists at aecc to assist you in making the proper selection so that you do not have to abandon your aspirations due to a lack of direction.

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