Undergraduate study in Environmental Physics

Learn about your undergraduate study options for Environmental Physics.

What can you study in Environmental Physics?

You can study Environmental Physics as a major in the Bachelor of Science (BSc).

Environmental Physics is the study of the Earth and environment using physics and mathematics. It spans from the deep interior of the Earth to its surface, oceans and atmosphere. Researchers in this field aim to explain the physical phenomena we observe today to discover their past history and to model their future behaviour.

As a Environmental Physics student you’ll learn how to apply your knowledge of mathematics and physics to the study of the following topics:

  • Climate and climate change Atmosphere and weather phenomenon
  • Oceans and marine systems
  • Natural hazards
  • Natural resources
  • Plate tectonics

Where can undergraduate study in Environmental Physics take you?

Environmental Physics covers a variety of disciplines. These include mathematical modelling, statistics, physics and computer science, and can lead to a variety of career paths.

Jobs related to Environmental Physics

  • Atmospheric scientist
  • Energy industry career (hydrocarbon, geothermal)
  • Geohazard research
  • Ground water exploration, monitoring companies, consultancies
  • Meteorological service
  • Mineral exploration
  • Oceanographer
  • Research at Crown Institutes, eg, GNS, NIWA
  • Environmental analyst in industry, government and non-government organisations

Further study options

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