Environmental Contamination
Scholarships
Ranking
253rd in the world for Natural Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021)
Download Brochure
Scholarships
Ranking
253rd in the world for Natural Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021)
Download Brochure
Qualifications
Overview
Environmental Contamination is the science of prevention, mitigation, and treatment of contaminants and invasive organisms in our unique ecosystems.
More skilled graduates are needed to assess natural threats to our environmental biosecurity, public health, and trade economies. These issues can range from toxicology in water, pests harming our local flora and fauna, diseases affecting our agricultural produce, and many other risks.
This major offers practical learning in identifying chemical and biological contaminants and their source, analysing their impact, and developing strategies to prevent further exposure.
- The Environmental Contamination major takes advantage of hands-on learning using UC’s field stations around Waitaha Canterbury, and a dedicated microscopy facility and microbiology lab on campus.
- A number of research hubs at UC are investigating environmental hazards and harmful organisms, for example the Centre for Integrated Research in Biosafety (INBI).
- UC is ranked 253rd in the world for Natural Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021).
- Studying this degree will make you eligible for semi-professional accreditation from the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ).
Environmental Contamination major
For the major in the Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honours, complete the following courses:
100-level
200-level
- BIOL213 Microbiology
- CHEM247 Analytical Chemistry
- One course chosen from these options
300-level
- ENVR303 Environmental Toxicology
- Two courses chosen from these options
400-level
- WATR402 Water Quality and Quantity Assessment
- Two courses chosen from these options
Contamination risk is high due to increasing infrastructure, transportation, and natural resource use. Environmental scientists with specialist knowledge in microbiology and contamination are essential to helping combat ongoing damage to our natural world.
This major will prepare you for work in border security, disaster response and management, Health and Safety (H&S) process, planning, and investigation for at-risk work environments, environmental law and policy, consultancy, research, water and infrastructure planning, agriculture, forestry, and health services.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Environmental Science.
Contact us
Te Kura Aronukurangi | School of Earth and Environment
Phone +64 3 369 0655
Email earthandenvironment@canterbury.ac.nz
Location
Level 2, Beatrice Tinsley building – see campus maps
Postal address
Te Kaupeka Pūtaiao | Faculty of Science
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
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