Dear sisters and brothers,
We know that you all are about to make a very important decision in your life, the Honors degree selections! What do you know about the Environmental Science Honors degree program offered by the Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences? Let us take you through an interesting journey!
Environmental science
It is an interdisciplinary academic field that draws on ecology, geology, meteorology, biology, chemistry, engineering, and physics to study environmental issues and human impacts on the environment.
FAQs
Q: Is this an academic-oriented degree?
A: Yes.
Q: Please explain further.
A: Basically, you’ll have a greater chance of enrollment in higher studies by following this degree. A lot of our past graduates are now doing their MScs/PhDs in world-renowned universities abroad.
Q: Could I get into a career instead of doing higher studies after this degree?
A: Yes, of course. You can get into a career or do higher studies. It depends on your choice and willingness. There are plenty of graduates who have been successfully progressing in their dream job/s. Right now some of our graduates are working in the corporate sector and government. Even our graduates who left for their higher studies, worked at well recognized corporate sector organizations such as MAS Holdings, banks (e.g. DFCC), and UN, etc., before they decided to go for higher studies. You could even enroll in an M.Sc./Ph.D. while doing a job as well.
Q: What are the organizations that Environmental science special students have been pursuing their careers?
A: Our graduates have worked at Central Environmental Authority, Water Supply and Drainage Board, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Forest Department, Meteorological Department, Waste Management Authority, and other government sector organizations.
AND
Private/corporate sector organizations (e.g. MAS, BRANDIX, AITKEN SPENCE, ABANS, DFCC, London Stock Exchange Group, UN), and various other professional organizations within Sri Lanka. Some who’re interested in environmental law have become even lawyers.
Certain graduates who left abroad for higher studies have been continuing to do PhDs, and some have decided to work abroad after their MScs and hold good positions at various organizations including universities, corporate sector organizations such as Environmental Resources Management (ERM), UK, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), etc.
Basically, an Environmental Science (Hons) degree exposes you to a range of avenues, without restricting you to only one career path/field, giving you a lot of opportunities and flexibility, as the environmental science is a field crosscutting so many other fields/areas.
Q: What sorts of fields are covered in this degree program?
A: Actually, Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field as it incorporates many different components. Thus, basic topics you covered in the second year, such as sustainable development, climate change, cleaner production, resource management, disaster management, and landscape ecology are broadly discussed in the third year, in addition to other topics such as ecotoxicology and environmental modeling, etc. During the fourth year, you will get the opportunity to study a range of subjects covering environmental economics, various tools for greening industry and environmental management/ assessment, research methodology, environmental entrepreneurship and innovations, pollution and environmental health, GIS and remote sensing, environmental policies and legislation, waste management, etc. You’ll be able to enhance your skills in using GIS/remote sensing and various software, presentations, and academic writing along with the course content and the final year research project.
Areas and disciplines related to our degree program include; Environmental management/sustainability, Biology, Ecology, Industry, Agriculture, Forestry, Geology, Soil Science, Hydrology, Atmospheric Science, Disaster Management, Meteorology, climate change, Geography, Law, etc.
Q: How one can do the research in Environmental science?
A: You can choose your own topic when doing the research. You can have expertise in the research areas such as;
- Environmental management
- Biodiversity conservation
- Herpetology, wetland ecology
- Water and sanitation
- Pollution management
- Disaster risk reduction
- Biosecurity and biosafety
- Conservation biology
- Ecotoxicology
- Climate change
- Greenhouse gas inventorying
- Carbon cycle research
- Environmental modeling
- Environmental flows
- Drought frequency analysis
- Sustainable designs
- Solid waste management
- Water and waste water management
Q: What are the requirements to be selected for this degree program?
A: GPA of 3.00 or above for EN 1008 and EN 2008 and GPA of 2.70 for core courses of either ZL, BT, or CH. Selection is done by considering the total weighted mark obtained for EN 1008 and EN 2008.
Q: Why should you select this?
A: You can choose between the two options of engaging in a job or higher studies. You can also first engage in a job in Sri Lanka and later move abroad for higher studies. If you wish to stay in Sri Lanka for higher studies, you can simultaneously continue it with your current employment, too.
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field as it incorporates many other different fields. You will be exposed to a group of academics with diverse expertise.
As the world’s environmental issues increase, the demand for environmental science experts is also increasing. There are good opportunities and new opportunities that will be created in the future.
You must study hard to achieve your targets within this stream, of course, but Environmental science is a very interesting field with plenty of emerging concepts.
It also gives you the opportunity for community services through the activities conducted by the Center for Environmental Initiatives (CEI), BEEZ, and Career Guidance Unit (CGU) of the university.
Q: Where are our graduates now?
Special Notice!!!
Under SCIMAGO ranking, Environmental Science at UOC has been ranked No. 1 in the country and within the top 500 in the world! Thus, you are enrolling in a locally, as well as internationally highly recognized honors degree stream, undoubtedly.
Browse these Videos with our proud alumni;
- IQ Labs: https://youtu.be/yJYMrJviD2Q
- Academic career guide 101 by BEEZ: https://fb.watch/czJP2Yi9fq/
Join us to wade in for an exciting journey ahead as an Environmental Enthusiast with a true passion for saving this planet for generations to come!
Yours truly,
3rd year and 4th Year Environmental Science Special Seniors.
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