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Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field that integrates physical and biological sciences, including physics, chemistry, biology, soil science, geology, and geography, to the study of the environment and the solution of environmental problems. Environmental Science deals with environmentally relevant matters like pollution control, industrial hygiene, radiation protection, hazardous waste management, toxic materials control, water supply and other allied areas in this field. An Environmentalist is a person who is concerned with problems of the environment and especially with the effects of uncontrolled pollution on the Earth's atmosphere. Environmental Scientists work on subjects like the understanding of earth processes, evaluating alternative energy systems, pollution control and mitigation, natural resource management, and the effects of global climate change.

List of Environmental Science courses in India

Some of its specialized fields are -

• Water and Watershed.  
• Environmental Chemistry, Toxicology & Risk Assessment.
• Environmental Education.
• Environmental Policy and Conflict Management .
• Wildlife & Forestry.
• Disaster Preparedness & Executive Fire Leadership.
• Environmental Science & Engineering.
• Fire Science.
• Occupational Safety & Health/Environmental Management.

Content

The study of this field includes all or few of these –

1. Ecosystem Dynamics.
2. Biodiversity Components.
3. Natural Resources and Forest Management.
4. Physico Chemical Environment.
5. Environmental Techniques & Impact Assessment.
6. Practical.

Objectives

• To develop such alternate sources of energy which are affordable for the masses.
• To implement revolutionary ideas into practice for effective waste management.
• To popularise conservation ideas to such an extent that they are actually adopted by the masses for the sake of environment.

Basic Requirement

Educational Qualifications - Undergraduate and Post-graduate courses in environmental science are offered by several institutes across the country. The minimum qualification for B.Sc (Environmental Science) is 10+2 pass with Science subjects.

1. B.S.C (Environmental science), Duration: 3 years, Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as their subjects.
2. M.S.C (Environmental Science), Duration: 2 years, Eligibility: B.S.C in environmental science, zoology, botany, physics or chemistry.
3. PG Diploma courses in Environment Management and Environmental Science.
4. B.E in Environmental Engineering, Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as their subjects.
5. M.Tech in Environmental Science & Engineering, Duration: 2 years, Eligibility: B.E / B.Tech. in environmental or civil engineering.
6. M.Tech in Energy & Environment Management, Duration: 2 years, Eligibility: B.E / B.Tech. in environmental or civil engineering.
7. M.Tech (Environmental Engineering), Duration: 2 years, Eligibility: B.E / B.Tech. in environmental or civil engineering.

Some Institutes providing Courses in Environmental Science:

Many universities and technical institutions offer B.Sc/ M.Sc/ B.E/ B.Tech/ M.Tech courses in Environmental Science.

Institutes offering courses on environmental science and engineering are as follows:

1. Institutes offering B.S.C (Env. Sc.) :

• South Gujarat University, Surat.
• University of Delhi, Delhi.
• Berhampur University, Berhampur, Orissa.
• Bharathiar University, Coimbatore.
• University of Mysore, Mysore.
• University of Pune, Pune.

2. Institutes offering M.S.C and PG Diploma are:

• Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune.
• University of Mumbai.
• SNDT Women's University, Mumbai.
• University of Chennai, Chennai.
• Indian Institute of Environment Management (SIES), Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathy Vidyapuram, Navi Mumbai.

3. Institutes offering B.E courses are:

• Kolhapur Institute of Technology's College of Engineering, Kolhapur.
• P.E.S. College of Engineering, Mandya.
• Delhi College of Engineering, New Delhi.
• Gujarat University, L.D. College of Engineering, Ahmedabad.
• Visveswariah Technological University, AIT, Chikmagalur.

4. Institutes offering M.E and M.Tech courses are:

• IIT, Delhi, Kanpur, Kharagpur and Madras.
• Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi.
• Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya , Indore (MP).
• UP Technical University (Instt of Engg & Tech) Lucknow.
• Visveswariah Technological University, AIT, Chikmagalur.
• Thapar Instt of Engg & Technology, Patiala.

Personality Attributes

An honest passion towards environment protection and conservation is an essential attribute. Environmental science is multi-disciplinary in nature, therefore one requires in-depth knowledge of other sciences as well. The aspirant should have a strong inclination towards building a career in environmental advocacy and organizing and a strong interest in environmental and/or public health issues. The aspirant should be self-starter and should have the ability to lead the team. 

Job Perspectives

The industrial revolution did bring prosperity but along with it, it also brought a plethora of environmental problems. These problems are still lingering around as there is not much being done about it. Urbanization brought up by industrialisation has disturbed the natural balance of the environment and the result is unsustainable process of growth and development. As a result there is increased realization about the protection and conservation of the environment. The onus lies with environmental scientists to develop and implement environmental friendly methods of development. Various There is growing consciousness at international, national, state and even at local level to protect our environment without compromising with developmental progress. Such a scenario demands more brains, especially which can think beyond normal limits of human. It is here that the Environmentalists of various abilities and skills are required by International agencies, national governments, industries, MNCs etc. They are required to bring eco friendly practices into work-system. Thus there are wide areas of scope for environmental scientists. International firms related to environmental projects offering lucrative pay packages, recruit Indian engineers from this field. Environmental science graduates have multiple career options. They can work with different government departments and agencies working for environmental protection. Private industries and firms also absorb a large chunk of environmental scientists to suggest proper methods and process. Environmental scientists also can be involved in research activities in public and private sector institutions. 

Remuneration

Environmental scientists recruited in government agencies particularly Central and State pollution control boards get Rs. 12,000 to Rs 18,000 per month. Environmental Engineers with a B.E degree receives a salary anywhere between Rs.15, 000 - Rs.30, 000. Candidates with a postgraduate degree may start with a decent salary range of Rs. 35,000 - Rs. 50,000 and with a Ph.D it becomes Rs. 50,000 - Rs. 75,000. A licensed engineer can expect a salary of Rs. 1 lakh per month. International firms related to environmental projects offering lucrative pay packages.

Type of Jobs

• Senior Programme Officer.
• Research Assistant.
• Conservation Hydrologist.
• Forest Carbon Specialist.
• Research Fellow.
• Senior Catastrophe Risk Modeller.
• Director of Waste Management.
• Environment Journalists.
• Lecturer.
• Wildlife Film-maker.
• Environment Photographer.

Type of Employment Areas

• Forest and Environment Department.
• Pollution Control Boards.
• Urban Planning Commissions.
• Water Resources Management Companies.
• Agriculture Industry.
• NGOs.
• Waste Treatment Industries.
• Refineries.
• Distilleries.
• Mines.
• Fertilizer Plants.
• Food Processing Industries.
• Textile Mills.
• Universities.