Department of Environmental Science

Environmental Science is the multidisciplinary subject that facilitates the understanding of the complex interactions involving natural processes, on the one hand, and between the biophysical (or natural) environment and human activities, on the other. The understanding or knowledge and skills acquired through studying Environmental Science are critical to the attainment of sustainable development and sound environmental management. The Department of Environmental Science at the University of Botswana has a wide range of relevant expertise from both the biophysical and social sciences (Staff profile) and is able to produce graduates that understand sustainable development as the paradigm that integrates, and is sensitive to, ecological, social and economic concerns. Indeed, the ethos of sustainable development permeates both the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered by the Department. This is ensured by making courses in sustainable development (at the undergraduate level) and integrated environmental management and analysis (at the MSc level) compulsory to students of Environmental Science.

The Department of Environmental science has a unique position in the University: It is only in this department that students across all faculties of the University of Botswana are able to meet and attend the same courses together - a process that facilitates inter-disciplinary exchange of ideas that lays the foundation for the science policy interface. Within this the department has been able to address major societal challenges such as development planning, gender and environment and environmental hazards and disasters.
 
The Department is currently working on its strategic plan for 2006-2009.