Environmental forensics has become a fast-developing discipline in light of increased biological contamination.
Environmental forensics is the study of the biological pollution of the environment. It's an emerging discipline that employs skills in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, ecology and law. Professionals in environmental forensics conduct scientific investigations to uncover who is responsible for contamination of the environment. It's a scientific field that came into being after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound, Alaska, in 1989 -- the largest oil spill to date.
University of Technology, Sydney
The University of Technology, Sydney -- in Australia -- offers a Bachelor of Science in environmental forensics. This program is 144 credits and offers a foundation in chemistry and biology followed by more specialized courses, such as Geological Processes, Experimental Design and Sampling, Ecology, Environmental Law and Science and Environmental Forensic Law. Students are expected to complete the degree full time in three years and part time in six years.
University of Florida
The University of Florida, in Gainesville, Florida, offers a distance education program with five degrees in environmental forensics: Master of Science in forensic toxicology, Master of Science in drug chemistry, Master of Science in forensic DNA and serology, Master of Science in forensic science and Professional Science Masters in forensic science. Additionally, students with prior experience may take any of five certificate programs: Environmental Forensics, Forensic Death Investigation, Forensic Toxicology, Clinical Toxicology, Drug Chemistry and Forensic DNA and Serology. The University of Florida is a member of the United States Distance Learning Association.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University, in New Jersey, offers a one-day environmental forensics course. The course is designed to bring environmental professionals up to speed on this emerging discipline. It's a fairly intensive course, so it's not for the novice. Students will explore site history, fingerprinting, hydrology, isotopes, weathering and dendroecology. The course requires prior experience and an understanding of the scientific principles in the environmental science industry.
Edith Cowan University
The Edith Cowan University Faculty of Computing, Health and Science offers a Bachelor of Science in environmental science (environmental forensics) for undergraduates in Western Australia. The program is three years when taken full time. The curriculum includes courses in biological and chemical hazards, gathering and presenting environmental evidence and environmental investigation and monitoring. Environmental chemistry and analysis is among the electives.
Tags: environmental forensics, Master Science, Master Science forensic, Science forensic, University Florida
