Bachelor of Science (Honours) major in Environmental Physics

A major is the main subject area that you choose to study in your degree. You will study courses up to Stage III level in this subject.

As well as gaining skills, knowledge and experience in your chosen area, you will learn how to think creatively, solve problems and communicate effectively, all essential skills to help you thrive in any career you choose.

Please see the main programme link below to see further details for the programme.

If you’re interested in the Earth and its environment and would like a physics-based understanding of it, then Environmental Physics is a great subject to study.

BSc(Hons) - Bachelor of Science (Honours)

You will take a mix of advanced courses in Geology, Mathematics and Physics and focus on applied/solid earth, atmospheric or marine environmental physics.

Research areas include:

- Climate and environmental change

- Atmospheric and ocean dynamics and processes

- Environmental data analysis and modelling

- Subsurface imaging and investigation, including with seismic and radar waves, and potential field methods

Depending on your focus, the specialised knowledge you can gain includes:

- Developing subsurface geological models

- Learning techniques to analyse and explain the characteristics of climate and environmental change

- Learning how to analyse and optimise data for sub-surface investigation

- Developing data science skills for environmental analytics using data from traditional networks , satellites and field measurements.

Graduates can expect to find employment researching global processes such as plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, the oceans, atmosphere and climate. They can also become explorers for natural resources, looking for oil, minerals and groundwater, and help to monitor and manage environmental problems including natural hazards such as earthquakes, climate change and pollution.

Postgraduate study in Environmental Physics prepares you for employment in areas that rely on a physics-based understanding of our environment.

Jobs related to Environmental Physics

- Atmospheric scientist

- Energy industry (hydrocarbon, geothermal)

- Geohazard research

- Ground water exploration, monitoring companies, consultancies

- Meteorological service

- Mineral exploration

- Oceanographer

- Research at Crown Institutes such as GNS or NIWA

- Environmental analyst in industry, government and non-government organisations

Prerequisite: A major in Environmental Physics, Geophysics, Physics or its equivalent approved by the Academic Head or nominee

Complete 120 points comprising:

45 points from Group 1 Elective Courses, and
45 points from Group 2 Elective Courses, and
Either:
30 points for all Research Project - 1 Semester, or
30 points for all Research Project - 2 Semesters

Group 1 Elective Courses

Complete exactly 45 points from the following:

ENVPHYS 700 - Frontiers in Climate Science (15 points)

ENVPHYS 701 - Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics (15 points)

ENVPHYS 702 - Subsurface Characterisation with Geophysical Methods (15 points)

ENVPHYS 703 - Special Topic (15 points)

PHYSICS 743 - Waves and Potentials (15 points)

Group 2 Elective Courses

Complete exactly 45 points from the following:

ENVPHYS 700 - Frontiers in Climate Science (15 points)

ENVPHYS 701 - Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics (15 points)

ENVPHYS 702 - Subsurface Characterisation with Geophysical Methods (15 points)

ENVPHYS 703 - Special Topic (15 points)

ENVPHYS 770 - Directed Study (15 points)

Up to 45 points may be substituted from other 600 or 700 level courses in Earth Sciences, Geography, Mathematics, or Physics offered at this University approved by the Programme Director or nominee.

Research Project - 1 Semester

Complete 30 points for ALL of the following:

ENVPHYS 780 - Research Project - Level 9 (30 points)

Research Project - 2 Semesters

Complete 30 points for ALL of the following:

ENVPHYS 780A - Research Project - Level 9 (15 points)

ENVPHYS 780B - Research Project - Level 9 (15 points)

Please note that while regulations and programme rules for future academic years may be displayed or made available in advance, they remain subject to change. Official, final approved programme regulations for the upcoming academic year will be available when the University Calendar is published in late October of the preceding year. Any information available prior to Calendar publication should be treated as provisional.

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