Exposing students to nature
THE biggest concern of most students graduating from secondary school is to find a good university that offers the course of their choice. However, there are also those who are still unsure about what career they would like to pursue.
If you are undecided on the pathway of your career, why not consider becoming an environmental consultant or a conservationist? With growing threats to our environment, the need for experts in this field is increasing. Moreover, Malaysia is located in a region of biodiversity hotspots and is recognised as one of the top 17 megadiverse countries in the world.
Nottingham University Malaysia offers the carefully thought out Environmental Science BSc Hons degree to address all the environmental issues that demand our attention.
As all Nottingham courses are distributed by the main campus in the United Kingdom, the quality of the syllabus is comparable to that offered in the UK but with a local perspective.
Dr Wong Ee Phin, who received her PhD in Environmental and Geographical Sciences at Nottingham University Malaysia and is currently an assistant professor for the undergraduate programme, says, “Our students not only get the benefit of the UK education system, we also expose them to what is happening in Malaysia.
“If you live in Malaysia but do not know the environmental issues concerning the country, you are missing a big part of your education.”
As Nottingham University Malaysia is amidst the lush greenery of Semenyih and close to nature, the campus provides an excellent advantage for students of the School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences.
In addition, students are encouraged to participate in activities and not just focus on classroom studies. Wong adds that monthly talks, seminars and conferences are often held at the campus in Semenyih and Nottingham’s Kuala Lumpur teaching centre throughout the semester to ensure students receive the complete academic experience.
These events allow students to listen to leading experts of conservation and other related fields from all over the world.
They are also encouraged to participate in conferences and seminars outside the campus, both locally and internationally, to gain additional skills in the area that they are interested in and to build confidence in engaging with the scientific community.
As lecturers of the BSc Hons Environmental Science programme are involved in active science research and projects such as Management & Ecology of Malaysian Elephants, they can impart their first-hand knowledge regarding conservation and biology to students.
As a result, students become well-versed in environmental issues and technology such as climate change, pollution, water quality, remote sensing and geographic information systems.
The BSc Hons Environmental Science programme is spread over three years, with the first year focusing on different modules of environmental studies that form the foundation of the course.
In the second year, students can choose to travel to the UK or China campus for two semesters or both campuses for one semester each, gaining international exposure. Otherwise, they can continue their studies at the Malaysia Campus and choose from a variety of topics offered.
In the final year, they are required to undertake a research project that allows them to specialise in an area of their interest and independently put what they learnt into practice under the guidance of a supervisor.
The topics include computational research using geographic information system and remote sensing, social questionnaires to understand importance of resources to communities, and biological studies of animals in the field. Students with good ideas of what they want to do can also come up with their own topics and propose their ideas to their supervisors for consideration.
The first two years of the programme focus on knowing the different aspects of the environment and how to carry out research. This learning experience provides a taste of what students can choose to focus on as part of their final year project.
Alumni of the BSc Hons Environmental Science programme work as environmental officers in corporate houses, conservationists in non-governmental organisations, research associates or enrol in master’s or PhD courses. Many are also active in youth movements including the Malaysian Youth Delegation for United Nations Climate Change Conference.
“In Nottingham, you learn to study. It is a skill. You learn how to run your projects and be independent – these are widely sought skills you will carry with you when you go out to work,” says Dr Wong, who appreciates the lessons she learnt when she was a student of Nottingham University Malaysia, lessons she hopes to pass on as a lecturer.
To learn more about the BSc Hons Environmental Science programme and University of Nottingham Malaysia, attend the Open Day on March 24 from 10am to 4pm. For more information, visit www.nottingham.edu.my