Environmental studies vs. You might anticipate that these two terms refer to the same field of study in environmental science. Or you might not have noticed the difference until now. Although both study programs have a similar emphasis on the environment, they are not the same. Learn more about the distinctions between environmental studies and other disciplines by reading on. environmental science.
What is environmental engineering?
When developing and implementing better industrial operations, technology, and infrastructure to lower the risk of environmental contamination and pollution, environmental engineers combine environmental science methods with engineering principles. Environmental scientists and engineers frequently work closely together to apply data to designs that support cleaner energy use, more efficient building activities, and environmentally responsible business practices.
As a foundation for this career path, environmental engineering frequently incorporates additional fields that overlap with it. For instance, in order to develop strategies that lower the risk of pollutants and contaminants from urban projects and other activities that can have an adverse effect on the environment, environmental engineers may also incorporate elements of civil engineering, transportation and logistics, geotechnical engineering, chemical engineering, and biology.
What is environmental science?
In order to study the environment and how external factors like urbanization and population growth affect it, environmental science is a broad field that combines disciplines and methodologies from the biological, informational, chemical, and physical sciences. To assess the risk of pollution and contamination in an area, environmental scientists and other experts in the field gather and analyze data from the environment, small communities, and large urban areas. Professionals can evaluate soil health, water usability and accessibility, and other factors that may have an impact on both citizens and the environment through the collection and analysis of environmental data.
Environmental science vs. environmental engineering
Environmental engineering and environmental science have some collaboration and application methods in common, but they also differ significantly in a number of important ways.
Career focus
The focus on a career is a significant distinction between environmental science and engineering. Environmental scientists place a strong emphasis on the collection, analysis, and evaluation of data as well as the evaluation of hypotheses they develop based on data they gather from the environment. In order to produce results that reduce pollution, increase environmental efficacy, and guarantee construction projects comply with local, state, and federal environmental policies, environmental engineers focus on applying the data that scientists and technicians analyze. Engineers can use information from environmental science to lessen the effects of development and population growth.
Essential job duties
Most of the time during their careers, environmental scientists and technicians may work in laboratories testing environmental samples and creating studies based on the information they gather from the environment. Environmental scientists gather samples for laboratory analysis and observe natural resources and elements outside for indications of contamination or pollution.
In contrast, an environmental engineer makes decisions regarding project designs, mitigation measures, and construction activities using the data from environmental scientists. Additionally, engineers cooperate with other experts to plan projects that support environmental and community health and safety, such as urban planners and regional directors. The methods engineers use in their work ultimately help to lessen and repair damage to and impacts on the environment.
Average salary
Job outlook
Education
Students must complete environmental science coursework for both engineering and environmental science degree programs. To prepare for the application to engineering design and implementation, engineers, however, build on topics they study in their environmental science programs. Students in engineering degree programs study cross-disciplinary ideas that relate engineering to the physical, chemical, and biological sciences as well as the environment. Thermodynamics, hydraulics, mechanics, advanced mathematics, statistics, and computer modeling are frequently studied by students in environmental engineering programs. Geophysical, water resources, coastal, and ecological engineering are some of the subfields in which environmental engineers may choose to specialize.
The focus and subject matter that students study in environmental science degree programs vary. Environmental science majors frequently prioritize coursework in geology, ecology, hydrology, public policy and political theory, economics, and research methods. Many environmental scientists pursue engineering-like specializations, but they also focus on related areas like environmental policy and research and development.
Work environments
Environmental scientists and environmental engineers may work in different environments. Engineers and scientists may both carry out fieldwork in the natural world, but for the most part, scientists work in laboratories. Engineers, on the other hand, might frequently visit construction sites and business locations to meet with clients, talk about projects, monitor construction activities, and make sure teams adhere to environmental policies and regulations.
Environmental scientists conduct their work in both indoor and outdoor settings, collecting environmental samples and returning them to the lab for examination. Scientists search the environment for waste products, pollutants, and other contaminants. Environmental scientists analyze samples in the lab to create evaluations that support the development of policies, risk mitigation strategies, and other applications that safeguard the environment, public health, and safety.
Careers in environmental science and engineering
Prospective engineers and scientists can pursue additional specialization in their chosen field after earning a degree in environmental science, which is a common starting point for both career paths. You can look into the jobs in environmental science and environmental engineering listed below:
Primary responsibilities: Environmental scientists supervise and coordinate the work of laboratory technicians. They assist researchers in tracking environmental changes, looking into contaminant sources, and running tests in the lab to evaluate the information gathered in the field. When conducting research, laboratory technicians can help scientists by gathering samples and data and organizing them for analysis.
An environmental specialist’s main responsibilities include collaborating closely with environmental scientists to analyze data from samples and surveys in order to assess environmental risks. Science-based research and analysis are frequently used by experts to create plans for preventative measures and damage control measures for the environment.
An engineering assistant’s main responsibilities include assisting a supervising environmental engineer in conducting project specifications research, modifying methods, and evaluating project standards to ensure environmental efficacy. Additionally, assistants assist engineers in creating designs for pollution prevention plans and assessing problem-solving techniques for lowering risk to project results.
Urban planners’ main responsibilities include assessing the design proposals developers submit to make sure projects adhere to environmental standards, laws, and building codes. They also create land-use policies that promote community and population growth. An urban planner may also work with scientists and engineers to launch projects that revitalize cities and include environmentally friendly elements.
An environmental manager’s main responsibilities are to monitor how public and private organizations perform in order to ensure that they adhere to environmental policies and laws while conducting business. Environmental managers collaborate with a variety of experts in the environmental engineering and science fields to develop, put into practice, and track strategies for establishing sustainable business practices.
Environmental Engineering vs Environmental Science
FAQ
Is environmental engineering a branch of environmental science?
Environmental protection is the focus of the specialized career fields of environmental science and environmental engineering. Although there may be some overlap between these two career paths, there are a number of factors that set environmental science apart from environmental engineering.
Should I be an environmental scientist or engineer?
They both address environmental issues. But they take different approaches to enhancing and reversing the effects on the habitat. The environmental scientist takes an analytical perspective. He or she concentrates on what led to the specific condition, whereas the engineer considers how to address the issue.
Is environmental science considered engineering?
Environmental engineering science (EES) is a branch of engineering science that combines engineering with the biological, chemical, and physical sciences.
Is environmental engineering a good major?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3. Environmental engineers will see a 7% increase in employment between 2020 and 2030. In that period, an estimated 1,900 jobs should open up. Environmental engineers use their engineering expertise to prevent, control, or eliminate any environmental hazards.
