Environmental Science - Chemistry

Overview

The pressing needs for sustainable development and acceptable environmental quality are placing increasing demands upon governments and industries locally, nationally, and worldwide. To help meet those demands, the Environmental Science major is designed to provide training for students intending to enter environmental professions or to pursue graduate study in environmental science and related fields such as chemistry, public health, law, and policy. 

The Environmental Science - Chemistry major offers an interdisciplinary course of study that combines elements of the natural and social sciences relevant to understanding the biosphere and its interaction with human society. In order to appreciate and explore more deeply the effects of natural and human-induced processes, and the interactions of the physical components of the planet on the environment, students will take courses that lay the foundations for them to engage in careers that will allow them to influence environmental science and policy and to improve human and environmental health.

Key Features

All students pursuing this major must complete a set required Divisional Foundational courses that provide the required background and fundamentals in the discipline essential to advanced work in the major. The major includes a set of five required interdisciplinary courses (four set courses plus one to choose from a list of two courses) which provide a well-rounded, in-depth examination of environmental science and policy issues. In addition to the foundational and interdisciplinary and disciplinary requirements, students also have the choice of a number of elective courses that provide flexibility to add depth in their specific field of study, and/or explore other subject matters as they see fit.

The Environmental Science - Chemistry major from Duke Kunshan University is designed for students interested in a scientific perspective on environmental issues, in particular chemistry, toxicology, and pollutant fate and transport. The track is designed to encourage breadth in the physical and life sciences but also allows students to acquire depth in a chosen area of scientific concentration through the choice of electives, as is encouraged for students who desire to pursue graduate studies or intend to pursue a career in research.