Diploma in Environmental Science
(R29)
About the ProgrammeWhat is Environmental Science?
Environmental Science is the study of the interactions among the physical, chemical and biological components of the environment. Human activities result in environmental pollution and degradation of the environment. Global warming and water scarcity are examples of environmental problems. Technologies are required to address these challenges and sustain earth’s resources.
Students will be introduced to a broad-based environmental science foundation. They will also learn about the environment and its challenges, including air, land and water pollution, solid waste and wastewater generation, as well as global warming. In addition, they will be introduced to the state of art technologies employed in protecting and sustaining the earth’s resources.
What has Environmental Science got to do with
me?
Think about these:
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Your drinking water from the tap
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Wastewater generated in your kitchen and toilet
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Reclaimed water (NEWater) production
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Solid and organic food waste generated in your home
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Air pollution by the vehicles on the road
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Rising temperature due to global warming
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Fuel (petrol or diesel) for vehicles
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Cleanup of oil spills in the sea
All these problems and their solutions are the result of advancements in environmental technologies! Various industry clusters in Singapore and worldwide are constantly looking for innovation to stay ahead of the technology race to protect the environment as well as sustain earth’s resources. The study of Environmental Science will help you be part of this race.
Programme Objectives
What’s so special about Republic Polytechnic’s Diploma in Environmental Science (DENV) programme?
The programme is designed to meet the needs of the two hot new sectors – the environmental and water technology industries. Water reclamation technologies - such as those used to produce NEWater, and desalination which makes salt water drinkable - have been adopted to ensure Singapore has a continuous supply of potable and non-potable water for its needs.
At the same time, the increasing concern around the world over climate change has led to a demand for renewable energy, such as solar energy and bio-fuels. Singapore is encouraging environmental and water companies here to pursue research and development. The government is also helping them expand overseas. On top of that, global environmental and water companies are setting up offices and R&D facilities here.
Environmental engineers, researchers and technicians are needed to play a significant role in enhancing and sustaining these initiatives.
What are the specialisation options available in the diploma programme?
There are 2 specialisation options available in the DENV, namely (1) Environmental Technology and Management, and (2) Environmental Biotechnology.
Environmental Technology and Management
As the world population grows, mankind faces the enormous challenge of protecting and sustaining the earth’s resources. What is particularly worrying is being able to produce sufficient energy for the world’s needs, and at the same time severely slash the increase in global warming.
A safe water supply, as well as the proper disposal or recycling of wastewater and solid wastes are vital to the well-being of mankind. This option lays bare the specific issues related to the application of sound engineering practices in solving environmental problems. Cutting-edge technologies used to maintain the environment and water resources will be introduced.
Environmental Biotechnology
Environmental biotechnology is the use of microbes to solve environmental problems. This can include treating waste and the cleaning of effluents, such as wastewater treatment, and the breaking down of hazardous compounds into harmless ones. Useful products such as biogas and compost can also be produced from waste materials.
Advances in molecular biology have made it possible to study bacteria populations in their natural habitat, and this has opened up new opportunities for the design of biological treatment systems.
This specialisation allows students to be equipped with the relevant knowledge of biotechnology, as well as how it can be applied to protect and restore the environment.
How does this course at Republic Polytechnic compare to those found in other polytechnics?
Ngee Ann Polytechnic offers a diploma programme in Environmental & Water Technology and Singapore Polytechnic offers a diploma programme in Environmental Management & Water Technology. RP’s diploma programme in Environmental Science is on environmental technology and management and environmental biotechnology, with particular emphasis on innovative solutions to environmental problems.
Who will be teaching this course?
Our staff have environmental science and engineering related experience in both academic research and industry. Many of them also possess postgraduate qualifications in this field.
Career Prospects
DENV graduates will be positioned to join the workforce as laboratory or junior technologists in the environmental and water services or consultancy industries. Graduates will also be able to find employment as quality control personnel or as technologists in support of R&D initiatives.
Further Studies
There are numerous opportunities for further studies as the programme is designed with a strong science core that lays the foundation for the DENV graduate to develop professionally in environmental science and engineering, or science-related degrees.
Locally, you may pursue further education in Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) with one year exemption after getting the diploma if you meet the entry criteria for university admission. Many overseas universities also offer degree programme in Environmental Science, Environmental Management and Environmental Engineering.
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