Environmental Science

Our research teams in Environmental Science are multidisciplinary comprising scientists, conservationists and engineers who apply their combined knowledge of biology, chemistry, geography, geology and physics to improve our understanding of environmental systems and to devise solutions to environmental problems.

In environmental biology our work encompasses: microbial ecology in a range of environments; the ecology and diversity of plants and animals and their responses to human activity; and biological systems modelling. Much of our work in environmental change and management is concerned with the processes of change in geomorphological, hydrological and biological systems and how human behaviour can impact on these systems and be better managed and controlled.

Our particular interests in geosciences are geomicrobiology; mineral science; molecular microbial ecology; soil biogeochemistry; and the bioremediation of polluted soils and waters. We have also increased our research into the cycling of carbon and other elements in Earth history, carbon export across the land–ocean interface, and climate change in ancient greenhouse environments.

In marine sciences our focus is studying and managing the interaction between humans and the marine environment. This covers: marine ecology, particularly the dynamics of fragile ecosystems and invertebrate reproduction; marine biotechnology, including biofouling; and marine biogeochemistry, with a particular focus on the oceans’ role in the cycling of climate-active gases such as methane, nitrous oxide and sulphur species.

Staff and students engaged in environmental science are based in a number of different schools across the University. The broad range of our expertise comes together in the Newcastle Institute for Research on Sustainability, which facilitates cross-disciplinary working towards a goal of a more sustainable society.

As a PhD or MPhil research student you will receive advice and guidance from a team of research-active academics whose research interests match your own. The Integrated PhD in Environmental Science combines the structure of a taught programme with the research focus of a traditional PhD, and you are able to customise the content of this programme to suit your interests. As an MSc student you will be taught by leading academics who bring their research expertise into the curriculum content. You will benefit from the wide range of MSc projects available each year, some of which involve working within or alongside a company operating in the environmental sector. Programmes are also supported by excellent field and laboratory facilities.

Postgraduate degrees in this subject area: