Subject to CUAP approval
This qualification is subject to approval by the Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP).
Qualification Regulations
Part I
These regulations are to be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, and Graduate Certificates.
Part II
Admission
1. Admission to the Degree of Bachelor of Earth and Environmental Science requires that the candidate will meet the University admission requirements as specified.
Qualification requirements
2. Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Earth and Environmental Science shall follow a flexible programme of study, which shall consist of courses totalling at least 360 credits, comprising:
(a) not more than 165 credits at 100 level;
(b) at least 75 credits at 300 level;
and including:
(c) core courses as defined by Schedule A to the Degree;
(d) at least 300 credits from the Schedule to the Degree;
(e) completion of one major;
(f) attending block courses, Contact Workshops, field trips, workshops, tutorials and laboratories as required.
Specialisations
3. Candidates must complete a major by passing 120 credits in a major. The requirements for each major are specified in Schedule B to the Degree.
4. Approved majors are: Geoscience and Land and Water Science.
5. Candidates may include a minor in the Bachelor of Earth and Environmental Science.
6. The minor must be in a different discipline from the major.
7. Minors may be included from any other undergraduate degree within the University for which recognised minors are specified, in accordance with the requirements for the minor as specified in the regulations of the qualification from which the minor has been drawn.
8. A Bachelor of Earth and Environmental Science minor must include:
(a) 60 credits above 100 level;
(b) at least 30 credits at 300-level.
Completion requirements
9. Any timeframes for completion as outlined in the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates will apply.
10. Candidates may be graduated when they meet the Admission, Qualification, and Academic requirements within the prescribed timeframes; candidates who do not meet the requirements for graduation may, subject to the approval of Academic Board, be awarded the Certificate in Science and Technology or Diploma in Science and Technology should they meet the relevant Qualification requirements.
Unsatisfactory academic progress
11. The general Unsatisfactory Academic Progress regulations will apply.
Schedule for the Bachelor of Earth and Environmental Science
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Key terms for course planning
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Core courses (Choose 180 credits from)
Compulsory courses (Choose 150 credits from)
Course code: 121101 Climate and the Environment 15 credits
This course delves into urgent issues like climate change and other major environmental challenges that affect natural and built ecosystems today and into the future. This course highlights the interconnected dynamics of social, technological, political, economic, and environmental change. Focusing on critical areas such as greenhouse gas emissions, the sustainability of production and consumption systems, land degradation, loss of biodiversity, soil contamination, water scarcity and pollution it helps students understand the causes and consequences of these problems.
View full course detailsCourse code: 121213 Land and Water Science 15 credits
How river catchments work and how they are affected by human activity. The environmental effects of land and water management practices, including land use, irrigation, drainage and nutrient loss, on river channels, flows and water quality, framed within an understanding of catchment geomorphology and hydrological processes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 123103 Chemistry for Modern Sciences 15 credits
An introductory course in chemistry suitable for students with little previous experience in the subject. The basic concepts of chemistry, including atoms and molecules, the periodic table, bonding, equilibria, chemical reactions, and chemical energetics, are taught with contextual references to everyday life.
View full course detailsCourse code: 132111 Oranga Taiao, Oranga Tangata: Planning and the Environment 15 credits
A critical, Māori-centred introduction to environmental planning that emphasises protecting the environment for future generations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 161111 Applied Statistics 15 credits
Statistical literacy, the ability to understand and reason with statistics and data, is becoming increasingly important as our world becomes more and more data-rich. This course focuses on developing statistical literacy in real-world contexts. We teach students to use software (Excel and RStudio) to summarise, display and analyse data. We explore data collection techniques including sampling methods and experimental design. We introduce statistical inference methods (confidence intervals, hypothesis testing and regression) with an emphasis on communicating results in context.
View full course detailsCourse code: 189151 Principles of Soil Science 15 credits
An integrated introductory course in soil science. An exploration of the interaction between soil and the environment, soil formation and morphology, soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and their influence on soil management, nutrient cycling, and soil-plant interactions.
View full course detailsCourse code: 196101 Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour 15 credits
An introductory biology course on the way organisms react, adapt, and interact. The course investigates the relationships between genotype, phenotype and environment, and the diversity of life on Earth within a phylogenetic framework. The course includes an examination of the dynamic interactions within and between abiotic and biotic components of ecosystems, including a focus on the evolutionary ecology of behaviours such as foraging, mating, parenting, and cooperation.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233105 Our Dynamic Earth 15 credits
An introductory course exploring the dynamics of Earth and how it changes through time, from the core to the atmosphere, plate tectonics to volcanoes, glaciers to rivers, mountains to oceans, and mass extinctions to the evolution of life. Through exploration of these processes and their interrelationships with environments and society, including natural hazards, climate change, and earth resources, students will develop their practical, problem solving, and communication skills.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233214 GIS and Spatial Statistics 15 credits
Introduction to handling and analysis of digital geospatial data. Operation of GIS software, including collection, processing and understanding of data, production of maps and geospatial projection systems. Integration of spatial statistical software with GIS. Introduction to appropriate spatial statistics techniques including kernel smoothing, kriging, point processes and spatially correlated areal data.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233303 Natural Hazards and Climate Change 15 credits
This course will delve into an in-depth analysis of the generation and occurrence of natural hazards, their impacts, and effective risk management strategies. This course also includes the consideration of how climate change is modifying natural events. Students will explore and analyse natural hazards and climate change that impact our environment and future global risk reduction and sustainability initiatives with a focus on creating solutions that mitigate the impact of hazards on society.
View full course detailsCourse code: 160102 Algebra 15 credits
A course focusing on the fundamental techniques and applications of linear algebra including vector and matrix algebra, vector representation of lines and planes, projections, Gaussian elimination, eigenvectors and complex numbers. 160.102, alongside 160.101, forms a foundation for further study in mathematics. It is essential for students intending to study Mathematics, Physics, Food Technology or Engineering, or for anyone who wants a strong mathematical component to their degree.
View full course detailsCourse code: 160105 Methods of Mathematics 15 credits
An introductory course designed to increase the confidence of students in handling mathematical concepts and skills. Content includes algebraic skills, functions and graphs, and an introduction to calculus.
View full course detailsCourse code: 247111 Science and Sustainability for Agriculture and Horticulture 15 credits
The pursuit of environmental sustainability is a complex societal issue. This is a problem-based course, where students will develop their critical thinking, communication and information literacy and management skills as they evaluate interdisciplinary approaches to the contemporary sustainability challenge of climate action. Students will explore the intersection of science and community through exemplars of partnership between research and Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) in the context of primary production in Aotearoa New Zealand.
View full course detailsCourse code: 247113 Science and Sustainability for Science 15 credits
The pursuit of environmental sustainability is a complex societal issue. This is a problem-based course, where students will develop their critical thinking, communication and information literacy and management skills as they evaluate interdisciplinary approaches to the contemporary sustainability challenge of climate action. Students will explore the intersection of science and community through exemplars of partnership between research and Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) in the context of land, water and wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand.
View full course detailsMajors (Choose 120 credits from)
Geoscience (120 credits)
Course code: 121200 Environmental Monitoring and Field Skills 15 credits
A practical course focusing on ‘hands-on’ skills to develop proficiency with important tools, techniques and technologies used to monitor the environment and capture data to explore the dynamics of Earth systems. Analysis, interpretation, and application of field data to real world environmental management scenarios forms an important part of the course.
View full course detailsCourse code: 121310 Environmental Solutions 15 credits
A consideration of technology and innovation that can be used to measure, manage and mitigate environmental risks to soil and water. Theory and practical exercises based on New Zealand case studies equip students with numerical skills necessary to monitor and evaluate environmental quality. A student-led project allows in-depth study of a New Zealand environmental issue of particular relevance to community.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233209 Earth’s Critical Resources 15 credits
This course offers essential insights into how Earth’s resources shape our environment, emphasising the critical importance of natural resources and environmental management. It delves into the composition of planet Earth, exploring the processes that govern its formation and the distribution of important minerals. This course explores the fundamental principles of the dynamic processes that drive the evolution of the surface of our planet, and the pivotal role of minerals in sustaining life on our planet.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233215 Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 15 credits
Erosion and sediment transport pose significant challenges for Aotearoa New Zealand's landscapes. This course delves into the processes driving changes in mountains, hillslopes, rivers, coastal, and marine environments as sediment is eroded, transported, and deposited. Moreover, we will explore the potential impacts of climate change on these processes and landforms. The course equips students with methods to analyse and forecast landform changes and sediment transport, laying the groundwork for effectively managing geomorphic issues that impact society and the environment.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233309 Earth's Changing Climate 15 credits
This course will focus on analysing recent climate reconstructions to gain insights into our current environment and to predict future changes. Understanding these trends is crucial for effective climate adaptation in environmental management. The course will delve into the investigation and reconstruction of past environments across diverse geological time frames and settings.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233313 Earth Systems 15 credits
Quantification, forecasting, visualisation and communication of geoscience system dynamics to solve a range of environmental problems. Problems explored range from environmental pollution and instability of geoengineering structures to problems posed by gravity currents, landslides, tsunamis, floods and coastline changes. Students will learn to solve these geoscience problems quantitatively using modern computational, experimental, and analytical techniques.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233314 Remote Sensing and Earth Observation 15 credits
Principles and applications of Earth observation, remote sensing and spectroscopy in earth and environmental sciences. Spatial mapping and image classification of imagery from a variety of Earth observation and airborne sensors and other observations that contribute to monitoring terrestrial environments. Students will learn how to access, interpret and utilise such satellite and airborne imagery.
View full course detailsCourse code: 247220 Pūtaiao: Mātauranga and the Environment 15 credits
This course will explore common Te Ao Māori values associated with Māori environmental management and provide practical experiences with assessing and monitoring our unique environments from a Māori and Iwi perspective. Students will be provided with opportunities to understand the holistic nature of Māori cultural concepts and engage with cutting edge Pūtaiao experiences.
View full course detailsLand and Water Science (120 credits)
Course code: 121200 Environmental Monitoring and Field Skills 15 credits
A practical course focusing on ‘hands-on’ skills to develop proficiency with important tools, techniques and technologies used to monitor the environment and capture data to explore the dynamics of Earth systems. Analysis, interpretation, and application of field data to real world environmental management scenarios forms an important part of the course.
View full course detailsCourse code: 121214 Landscape and Human Ecology 15 credits
A systems approach to understanding socio-ecological interactions at the landscape level. Content includes fundamental ecological principles, the quantification of ecological services and the importance of recognising the diverse social and cultural considerations that shape socio-ecological systems including Matauranga Māori.
View full course detailsCourse code: 121310 Environmental Solutions 15 credits
A consideration of technology and innovation that can be used to measure, manage and mitigate environmental risks to soil and water. Theory and practical exercises based on New Zealand case studies equip students with numerical skills necessary to monitor and evaluate environmental quality. A student-led project allows in-depth study of a New Zealand environmental issue of particular relevance to community.
View full course detailsCourse code: 121313 Applied River Management 15 credits
The course covers the principles and methodology of river resource management. It integrates ecology, hydrology, geomorphology and water quality to understand how river ecosystems function and how they may be managed to maximise societal and environmental benefit.
View full course detailsCourse code: 188363 Applied Environmental Management 15 credits
This course introduces key environmental management tools and techniques and how they can be applied. The course also examines some of the challenges that face environmental management and the best ways to address these with a particular focus on linking science, policy and practice for more effective environmental management.
View full course detailsCourse code: 189251 Soil Fertility Management 15 credits
This course examines the influence of soil factors on plant nutrient cycling in agricultural production systems. The composition, properties and uses of fertilisers to improve soil fertility and the associated environmental issues arising from soil water relationships and interactions with plant nutrients. Methods for measuring nutrient levels in soils will also be covered.
View full course detailsCourse code: 189362 Integrated Farm and Environmental Management 15 credits
This course examines farm physical resources, nutrient management and budgeting and contaminant loss processes in the context of Te Mana o te Wai. Students will integrate their knowledge to produce a freshwater Farm Environment Plan which identifies soil, pathogen, nutrient and greenhouse gas loss pathways on multiple land uses and justifies mitigation practices which are appropriate for the farm system and to protect freshwater.
View full course detailsCourse code: 247220 Pūtaiao: Mātauranga and the Environment 15 credits
This course will explore common Te Ao Māori values associated with Māori environmental management and provide practical experiences with assessing and monitoring our unique environments from a Māori and Iwi perspective. Students will be provided with opportunities to understand the holistic nature of Māori cultural concepts and engage with cutting edge Pūtaiao experiences.
View full course detailsMinors (Choose 60 credits from)
Geoscience (60 credits)
Compulsory courses
Course code: 233215 Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 15 credits
Erosion and sediment transport pose significant challenges for Aotearoa New Zealand's landscapes. This course delves into the processes driving changes in mountains, hillslopes, rivers, coastal, and marine environments as sediment is eroded, transported, and deposited. Moreover, we will explore the potential impacts of climate change on these processes and landforms. The course equips students with methods to analyse and forecast landform changes and sediment transport, laying the groundwork for effectively managing geomorphic issues that impact society and the environment.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233309 Earth's Changing Climate 15 credits
This course will focus on analysing recent climate reconstructions to gain insights into our current environment and to predict future changes. Understanding these trends is crucial for effective climate adaptation in environmental management. The course will delve into the investigation and reconstruction of past environments across diverse geological time frames and settings.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233313 Earth Systems 15 credits
Quantification, forecasting, visualisation and communication of geoscience system dynamics to solve a range of environmental problems. Problems explored range from environmental pollution and instability of geoengineering structures to problems posed by gravity currents, landslides, tsunamis, floods and coastline changes. Students will learn to solve these geoscience problems quantitatively using modern computational, experimental, and analytical techniques.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233209 Earth’s Critical Resources 15 credits
This course offers essential insights into how Earth’s resources shape our environment, emphasising the critical importance of natural resources and environmental management. It delves into the composition of planet Earth, exploring the processes that govern its formation and the distribution of important minerals. This course explores the fundamental principles of the dynamic processes that drive the evolution of the surface of our planet, and the pivotal role of minerals in sustaining life on our planet.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233314 Remote Sensing and Earth Observation 15 credits
Principles and applications of Earth observation, remote sensing and spectroscopy in earth and environmental sciences. Spatial mapping and image classification of imagery from a variety of Earth observation and airborne sensors and other observations that contribute to monitoring terrestrial environments. Students will learn how to access, interpret and utilise such satellite and airborne imagery.
View full course detailsLand and Water Science (60 credits)
Compulsory courses
Course code: 121214 Landscape and Human Ecology 15 credits
A systems approach to understanding socio-ecological interactions at the landscape level. Content includes fundamental ecological principles, the quantification of ecological services and the importance of recognising the diverse social and cultural considerations that shape socio-ecological systems including Matauranga Māori.
View full course detailsCourse code: 121313 Applied River Management 15 credits
The course covers the principles and methodology of river resource management. It integrates ecology, hydrology, geomorphology and water quality to understand how river ecosystems function and how they may be managed to maximise societal and environmental benefit.
View full course detailsCourse code: 188363 Applied Environmental Management 15 credits
This course introduces key environmental management tools and techniques and how they can be applied. The course also examines some of the challenges that face environmental management and the best ways to address these with a particular focus on linking science, policy and practice for more effective environmental management.
View full course detailsCourse code: 189251 Soil Fertility Management 15 credits
This course examines the influence of soil factors on plant nutrient cycling in agricultural production systems. The composition, properties and uses of fertilisers to improve soil fertility and the associated environmental issues arising from soil water relationships and interactions with plant nutrients. Methods for measuring nutrient levels in soils will also be covered.
View full course detailsCourse code: 189362 Integrated Farm and Environmental Management 15 credits
This course examines farm physical resources, nutrient management and budgeting and contaminant loss processes in the context of Te Mana o te Wai. Students will integrate their knowledge to produce a freshwater Farm Environment Plan which identifies soil, pathogen, nutrient and greenhouse gas loss pathways on multiple land uses and justifies mitigation practices which are appropriate for the farm system and to protect freshwater.
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