Students in the programme will gain a strong background in supporting mathematics and science subjects, modern computing techniques, and the fundamentals of Earth systems science. In addition, our programme emphasises leadership, group work, and innovative problem-solving skills that are required to be successful in today’s workforce regardless of field. Students get to choose between 3 specializations - ecology, society, and geoscience - and participate in various overseas research centric fieldtrips.
In total there are 3 specialisation offered:
Students who choose the Ecology Specialisation will take an expanded group of courses in biology and ecology to learn more about the biological and environmental aspects of life on Earth. Students who complete this specialisation may choose careers in NGOs that work in Singapore and the region, government agencies, biotechnology firms, and research. Please note that this specialisation requires chemistry courses at NTU that have a prerequisite of H2 Chemistry in A-levels. You may be able to enroll in these required courses without the prerequisites, but these courses may be difficult for you without this background. Please contact us if you have questions regarding your ability to join this specialisation.
Click here to view the curriculum.
Geosciences
This specialisation focuses on study of the solid Earth, including its composition, structure, and how topography and sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks at the Earth’s surface reflect Earth processes. The Geosciences specialisation includes coursework designed to prepare students for careers in geotechnical and environmental consulting, and natural resource exploration and management. Students are also prepared for graduate study in the geological sciences.
Click here to view the curriculum.
Society and the Earth System
The Society and the Earth System specialisation includes interdisciplinary coursework in sociology, economics, and law in addition to core classes in Earth and environmental sciences. This gives students a unique understanding of how humans relate to the environment, and the complex issues of sustainable societies. Students who choose this specialisation will be prepared for careers in environmental planning, policy, and management, and even careers in business, finance, and government. Students will also be prepared to continue their studies in graduate programmes in urban planning and development, environmental/public policy, or business.
Click here to view the curriculum.

Minor in Environmental Sustainability
Criteria
Please note that students in the Environmental Earth Systems Science Major are not eligible to take the Minor in Environmental Sustainability.
Courses
For completion of a Minor in Environmental Sustainability, students will be required to complete four required courses and one additional elective course for a total of 5 courses and at least 15 AUs. Students will read at least four of the courses below as Unrestricted Electives (GER-UE). A maximum of one course read as GER-Core or GER-PE can be counted toward the minor. Using them to double-count towards two Minor programmes will not be allowed.
Courses 1-5 (below) can be read in any order
ES5001 / ES8001 Natural Hazards and Society (3 AU)
ES5005 / ES8005 Environmental Earth Systems Science (3 AU)
ES5006 / ES8006 Environmental Sustainability (3 AU)
ES5007 / ES8007 Climate and Climate Change (3 AU)
Choose one from the following:
AB0001 Sustainability: Issues, Reporting & Finance (3 AU) - for NBS students only
AB0301 Live, Work and Play in a Sustainable World (3 AU) - for NBS students only
AB0401 Sustainable Enterprises (3 AU) - for NBS students only
AB0402 Sustainable Operations (3 AU) - for NBS students only
AB0501 Green Marketing (3 AU) - for NBS students only
AB0603 Business Gone Green: Managerial Issues (3 AU) - for NBS students only
CE0002 - Green Computing (3 AU) - for SCE students only
CV0001 Civil Engineering and Sustainable Built Environment (3 AU) - for CEE students only
DD0001 Ethical Issues in Art, Design and Media (3 AU) - for ADM students only
DR0000 Sustainable Design (3 AU) - for ADM students only
EE8094 Impact of Electromagnetic Radiation on Humans (3 AU) - for EEE students only
EM9101 Environmental Quality (3 AU)
EM9105 Energy Resources Management (3 AU)
EN0001 Sustainability Practices for Urban and Marine Environment (3 AU) - for CEE students only
HC0301 Environmental Ethics and Chinese Thought (3 AU) - for HSS students only
HE0301 Law & Econ, TOP in Environmental Protection, Policy & Planning (3 AU) - for HSS students only
HE3005 Environmental Economics (3AU)
HE3010 Energy Economics (3 AU)
HH0301 The Environment in History (3 AU) - for HSS students only
HH4006 The Green Earth: Issues in Environmental History (3 AU)
HS0301 Environmental Sustainability (3 AU) - for HSS students only
HS2033/HS223 Environmental Sociology (3AU/4 AU)
HU9001 Introduction to Environment and Urban Studies (3 AU)
HY0301 Environmental Philosophy (3 AU) - for HSS students only
MA0100 Environmental Sustainability (3 AU) - for MAE students only
MT0001 Shipping and the Environment (3 AU) - for CEE students only
SS0201 Ethical Issues in Sports (3 AU) - for SSM students only
| Course |
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| ES5001 / ES8001 Natural Hazards, Climate Change and Society This course examines the natural and human dimensions of hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, tropical storms, floods, landslides, soil erosion and desertification. Course work focuses on the causes of major natural hazards, as well as their spatial and temporal distribution. Students are also exposed to the assessment of risks posed to society and possibilities for sustainable adaptation. |
3AU | Semester 1 every year | |
| ES5005 / ES8005 Environmental Earth Systems Science This course is designed to be a comprehensive introduction to the Earth and its systems, including the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and solid Earth. The course will focus on the linkages and feedbacks between these systems, and the role of humans in the Earth system. Students will gain a basic understanding of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, solid Earth, and biosphere. They will understand the linkages and feedbacks between these systems, and be able to apply their knowledge to a variety of environmental problems and issues. |
3AU | Semester 1 | |
| ES5006 / ES8006 Environmental Sustainability This course is designed to be a comprehensive introduction to the Earth and its systems, including the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and solid Earth. The course will focus on the linkages and feedbacks between these systems, and the role of humans in the Earth system. Students will gain a basic understanding of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, solid Earth, and biosphere. They will understand the linkages and feedbacks between these systems, and be able to apply their knowledge to a variety of environmental problems and issues. |
3AU | Semester 1 | |
| ES5007 / ES8007 Climate and Climate Change This course introduces the climate system and climate change. Topics covered will include the state of the climate system based on understanding of physics and chemistry; past, present and future climate and human impact on the climate system and climate change. |
3AU | Semester 1 |