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WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AND WHO IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER?

Environmental engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with protecting people from negative environmental effects such as pollution. It is also concerned with the improvement of the quality of the environment. An environmental engineer is someone who is skilled with the science of environmental engineering. These engineers use engineering, soil science, biology and chemistry in order to come up with solutions to the many environmental problems that people face in their day-to-day lives. They work to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control. They are also involved in issues such as climate change and environmental sustainability.

WHERE DO ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERS WORK?

The environmental engineers work in any field, company or organisation that has an environmental department. These include the mines such as Mopani copper mines and other production or processing companies. They also work in the local government for city councils, and also in water and sewerage companies (e.g., Kafubu Water and Nkana Water) in the department of wastewater treatment and waste management. Environmental engineers are also employed by regulatory authorities such as Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) and the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS). Other employers include recycling companies and non-governmental organisations that have environmental related projects.

WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?

There are many tasks that an environmental engineer does at work. They design projects that lead to the protection of the environment. Examples of these projects include air pollution systems and reclamation of water. Reclamation of water is the process of converting household wastewater or industrial wastewater into water that can be reused for a variety of purposes. They monitor the progress of environmental improvement programs. An example of these programs includes the ‘Keep Zambia Clean’ campaign that aimed, among other things, at reducing the incorrect disposal of waste. When they are working for the government, they inspect industrial and other facilities and programs in order to ensure that they are following policies that have to do with protection of the environment. These policies include disposal of waste and wastewater and pollution e.g. air pollution by mines and some industrial companies.

WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER?

The typical work schedule of an environmental engineer is from 08:00hrs to 17:00hrs Monday to Friday.

WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?

An environmental engineer should be an environmentalist at heart, meaning they should be a person who is concerned with and/or advocates for the protection of the environment. This is what environmental engineering is centered around. An interest in mathematics, chemistry, biology and physics will make the study of this program all the more enjoyable.

Scroll to the bottom for a list of institutions that offer Environmental Engineering

WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?

The courses that are covered in this program include engineering mathematics, chemistry, physics, computing, communication skills, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, environmental chemistry, biotechnology, solid waste management, applied environmental statistics, water and wastewater engineering, environmental ecology, research methodology, air pollution and control, water resources engineering, environmental process technology, principles of ecotoxicology, environmental management, law and policy, climate change science, mining and the environment, energy and the environment etc.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

General entry requirements for this program are O' level credits (grade 6) or better in 5 subjects including Mathematics, English and Science (Physics and Chemistry). You need to score at least 12 points or better to stand a good chance of being accepted.

WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?

It is possible to advance the bachelor of engineering in environmental engineering by acquiring a master of philosophy in environmental engineering or a master of science in environmental engineering. Acquiring these higher qualifications allows one to earn a chance of getting employed in some institutions such as environmental regulatory bodies, water regulators, universities and many more. A masters also allows one to be able to lecture at a university.

INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 3 years (diploma) / 5 years (degree) / 2 years (Master's)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time
Admitting school: School of Mines and Mineral Sciences
Intakes: June/July
Location: Kitwe
Contacts
Tel: +260 212 290816 or +260 212 290817 or +260 212 290815
E-mail: academicoffice@cbu.ac.zm
Website: www.cbu.ac.zm/fees/

UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
Programme duration: 5 years (Degree Civil and Environmental Engineering) / 2 years (Master's Enviromental Engineering)
Mode of study: Full-time and Part-time
Admitting school: School of Natural Sciences
Intakes: January only
Location: Great East Road Campus - Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +26 021 129 2792
E-mail: dean-eng@unza.zm
Website: www.unza.zm/schools/engineering/departments/civil-and-environmental

ROCKVIEW UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 2 years (Master’s enviromental management)
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Health science
Intakes: January and July
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 955 151 517 or +260 967 976 961
E-mail: rockviewprofessionals@yahoo.com
Website: www.rockview.edu.zm