Environmental Science

CHE 110
# Zero Lecture
Books

Text Book Reference Book

 What is Environment?
• The term environment is derived from the French word environner which means “Surrounding”.
• It refers to an aggregate of all conditions that affect the existence, growth and welfare of an organism or
group of organisms.

Other Definitions:

• Environment is the sum total of all social, economical, biological, physical and chemical factors which
constitute the surroundings of humans, who are both the creators and moulders of the environment.
• Environment is the sum total of influences which modify and determine the development of life and its
characteristics.

Therefore, environment is a complex system that includes physical, chemical, biological, social and
cultural elements; all these elements are inter-linked to each other in a complicated manner similar to a
spider web and the disturbance of any one of these element will threaten the structure of the environment.
Thus for the stability and sustenance of the environment, it is important that all these elements are
preserved and left undisturbed.
 Why to Study Environmental Science
• So that you will realize that environmental problems (new, old, past and present) are not only local, but
global too.

• So that you will understand how the impact of development, increase in population, infrastructures, and
transportation systems negatively affect the environment and natural ecosystem.

• So that you can familiarize yourself with available solutions to different environmental problems caused
by poor hygiene, energy waste, etc., and apply them in ways that will create and preserve a healthier
environment for future generations.

• So that you will be aware of the environmental implications of your activities/actions, and use that
knowledge to prevent/control further pollution, and efficiently utilize the resources you come in contact
with on a daily basis.

• So that you will know how to use different methods of preventing/controlling pollution and create a less-
polluted or pollution-free environment containing clean air, water, food, and land.
• So that you will use resources such as water, land, minerals and fossil fuels in an efficient manner, and
with maximum utility and minimum wastage, by using conservation and recycling strategies.

• So that you will be aware that the environment can be sustained through a combination of different
disciplines, or inter-disciplinary knowledge — and you will show more concern/care for all elements of
nature, in every walk of your life, and in a holistic manner.

• So that you will be ever-conscious of our collective responsibility to pass a more comfortable and livable
world into the hands of the next generation.

• So that you, like specialists, could enhance the knowledge you have and adjust its application in ways that
will help you and the world to mitigate environmental changes, or halt them completely.

• So that you will have a specialist’s understanding of the world around you. Do you know what
could/would happen if garbage is littered indiscriminately around your house?
• So that you will be aware about other sustainable ways of living that have been discovered by scientists,
specialists and some laypeople

• So that you can be a practitioner of/advocator for conservation of biodiversity

• So that you will understand how humans and other living organisms depend on each other

• So that you will be aware of the importance of renewable energy sources which can be easily reproduced,
unlike non-renewable energy sources (like petrol, diesel, etc.) which can’t be easily produced and are the
major causes of global warming and climate change.

• So that you will be aware that the Earth is for mankind, and all other living things which morally deserve
our care and respect.
Studying Environmental Science: What is it like and where can it take you?

• Environmental science is an interdisciplinary subject, so it will involve studying elements of biology,

chemistry, physics, geography and social sciences; this can be a challenge as each of these fields requires
different skills and knowledge. However, by combining an understanding of all of these areas, students
are better able to study the environment from an integrated perspective.

• Environmental science is academically rigorous and involves developing a wide range of transferable skills
that are very useful in the job market.

• It also offers the opportunity to study multiple branches of science and take part in lab and fieldwork as
well as more traditional study.

• Top universities register a high employment rate for environmental science, and the US Bureau of Labour
and Statistic calculates that the growth outlook is higher than average.
• Environmental science is a degree with excellent career prospects, as well as opportunities for further study –
around a fifth of students go on to postgraduate study or research. This may also be necessary if you wish to
pursue a career in law or graduate education.

• Working as an environmental scientist or in a career directly related to the field may require further study, as
their person specifications often require a high degree of specialization.

 Environmental Scientist
 Environmental Lawyer
 Environmental Engineer
 Zoologist
 Conservation Scientist
 Hydrologist
 Teacher

• However, due to the interdisciplinary nature of the degree, and the range of transferable skills you develop,
there is a wide range of career opportunities outside the environmental science field. Common routes for
environmental science graduates include resource management, environmental advocacy, teaching and
planning and development. These careers allow you to utilize the skills you have developed, but definitely allow
you to engage with immediate real-world problems, rather than researching in a laboratory.
Relevant Videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTrWtFR_FrQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G3eXI_DPn8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddGVCERcJEU