Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
PhD
Major
Ecology | Environmental Sciences | Biology
Area of study
Natural Science
Course Language
English
About Program
Program Overview
The PhD in Environmental Life Sciences is a transdisciplinary program that prepares students to address global change and its consequences. It emphasizes integrative study across ecology, biogeochemistry, environmental engineering, and social sciences, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to develop innovative solutions for environmental challenges. The program culminates in a dissertation that addresses a relevant scientific question, and graduates pursue careers in research, education, policy development, or on-the-ground conservation efforts.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The PhD in Environmental Life Sciences is a transdisciplinary program designed to prepare students to address global change and its consequences. The program emphasizes integrative study across various fields, including ecology, biogeochemistry, environmental engineering, and social sciences.
Objectives:
- Train students to study the causes and consequences of environmental change at different scales.
- Equip students with the skills and knowledge to develop innovative solutions for environmental challenges.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and communication among scientists from diverse backgrounds.
Description:
- Offered by the School of Life Sciences with participation from eight additional schools.
- Focuses on collaborative, interdisciplinary research.
- Integrates coursework, laboratory experiences, field research, and seminars.
- Culminates in a dissertation that addresses a relevant scientific question.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Explores the interactions between organisms and the environment at various scales, from local ecosystems to the global level.
- Integrates knowledge from diverse disciplines, including biology, chemistry, environmental engineering, mathematics, statistics, and social sciences.
- Investigates the impacts of global change, such as climate change, on ecosystems and human societies.
- Develops students' research skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
Structure:
- 84 credit hours of coursework.
- Required core course: Environmental Life Sciences: Grand Challenge: Global Climate Change (3 credits).
- 69 credits of electives focused on various aspects of environmental life sciences.
- Culminating experience: Dissertation research (12 credits).
Course Schedule:
- Core course typically offered during the first semester.
- Elective courses offered throughout the academic year.
- Research guidance and supervision provided by a faculty committee.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Written comprehensive exam.
- Oral comprehensive exam.
- Prospectus evaluation.
- Dissertation defense.
- Continuous evaluation of research progress and presentations.
Assessment Criteria:
- Depth and breadth of knowledge in environmental life sciences.
- Research skills and methodology.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Communication and presentation skills.
- Progress towards dissertation completion.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Interactive lectures, seminars, and discussions.
- Hands-on laboratory and field research experiences.
- Individualized guidance and mentorship from faculty members.
- Collaboration and teamwork encouraged among students.
- Use of advanced technologies and resources.
Faculty:
- Team of experienced and renowned researchers in environmental life sciences.
- Expertise in diverse disciplines, including ecology, biogeochemistry, environmental engineering, and social sciences.
- Strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and education.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Climate change analyst.
- Consultant.
- Environmental compliance inspector.
- Environmental engineer.
- Environmental safety and health coordinator.
- Insect ecologist and exhibits specialist.
- Oceans and climate manager.
- Professor.
- Public health scientist.
- Research director.
- Scientist.
Specialization Areas:
- Atmosphere and space.
- Ecology (community, ecosystem, microbe, population, wildlife).
- Ecosystem restoration.
- Forestry and conservation.
Career Opportunities:
- Work in government agencies, private companies, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions.
- Engage in research, education, policy development, or on-the-ground conservation efforts.
- Address environmental challenges and contribute to a sustainable future.
Other:
- Students can potentially use 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree towards this PhD program.
- The program emphasizes social science and technology aspects of environmental issues.
- An applicant with a master's degree may take fewer elective courses.
- Students may utilize omnibus courses to fulfill some elective requirements.
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