Holistic Learning: Environmental Science vs. Physical Education

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field where scientists study the environment and the impact of human activities, and formulate measures to alleviate environmental issues. Physical Education pertains to learning about physiology and psychology, physical activities, exercise methods, and a nutritious diet for a healthy body or sports training. There is a broad career scope for both fields and after 12th grade, there are numerous certificate, undergraduate and postgraduate courses that aspirants can consider.

Available courses and eligibility: Environmental Science

To get theoretical and practical knowledge of environmental science, you can opt for any of the following courses:

Course Type	Name	Course Duration	Eligibility
Certificate Programme	Fundamentals of Environmental Science Renewable Energy & Sustainable Development Introduction to Sustainability Introduction to Environmental Law and Policy	6 months	10 + 2 with Science Background (PCB)
Diploma	Environmental Science Environmental Quality Monitoring & Analysis Energy and Climate	1 year	10 + 2 with Science Background (PCB)
Bachelor of Environmental Science	B.Sc., B.Tech, B.E.	4 years	10 + 2 with minimum 50% marks in Science Background (PCB) Entrance exam
Master of Environmental Science	M.Sc., M.Tech, M.E.	2 years	B.Sc. or B.Tech. (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Geology, Ecology, Zoology) Entrance exam
Ph.D.	Environmental Science	3 years	M.Sc. or M.Tech.

Available courses and eligibility: Physical Education

For a career in Physical Education or related fields, some of the courses available are:

Course Type	Name	Course Duration	Eligibility
Certificate Course	Physical Education Physical Exercise	6 months to 1 year	10 + 2 in any stream from any recognised board
Diploma Course	Diploma in Physical Education	2 years	10 + 2 in any stream from any recognised board
Bachelor Course	BA (Physical Education), B.P. Ed.	3 years	10 + 2 with minimum 50% marks in any stream
Master Course	M. P. Ed.	2 years	Graduation in a relevant stream from a recognised university
Doctorate Course	Ph.D. Physical Education	3 years	Post-graduation in a relevant stream from a recognised university.

Syllabus and curriculum: Environmental Science

An Environmental Science course will cover the following topics:

• Ecological System
• Natural Resource Management
• Environmental Economics
• Sustainable Development
• Environmental Policies 
• Environmental Education
• Environment and Development
• Environmental Planning
• Air Pollution Control
• Water Pollution Control
• Ecological Resources Conversation
• Disaster Management

The curriculum will include classroom lectures, laboratory experiments, field research, guest lectures, projects, and internships.

Syllabus and curriculum: Physical Education

The Physical Education course will cover the following topics:

• Sports Management
• Physical Education Organisation and Administration
• Sports Psychology
• Sports technology
• Yoga
• Diet and Nutrition

The curriculum for the course includes classroom lectures, physical exercise (outdoor and indoor), projects, and internships.

Career Prospects: Environmental Science

With a background in environmental science, one can consider career opportunities as :

• Environmental researcher – conducts research in different areas of environmental sciences such as marine biology, natural sciences, mining, etc.
• Sustainable Development Manager – evaluate and design systems and processes to create sustainable solutions and optimise facilities for safe and effective workflow.
• Zoology - Study of animals, their behaviour, physiology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and taxonomy and work towards animal protection and habitat conservation.
• WASH specialist – works in Water and Sanitation Health to ensure safe and sustainable water management and practice of sanitary habits.
• Project Manager – ensure optimum resource planning, supervising operations and documenting the processes.

Career Prospects: Physical Education

Environmental scientists work with environmental research and conservation organisations, the mining industry, forest, or oceanography-related businesses, urban or rural development agencies, manufacturing companies etc.
A physical Education background leads to a career as:

• Physical Education teacher/trainer – teach physical education courses in schools, sports centres, clubs, gymnasiums or other education institutes.
• Sports trainer – train sportspersons in a particular sport, provide guidance, teach them rules, and support them through their training and participation and various sports events.
• Sports nutritionist – creates diet plans, measures the efficacy of nutrition, and regulates the nutrient consumption of the sportsperson.
• Physical therapist – provides movement-based therapeutic exercises to for recuperation from injuries and medical procedures.

Final Thoughts

Conservation, innovation, and sustainability are urgent needs for protecting the planet and supporting social needs. One’s role with an environmental science background can lead to effective decision-making while factoring in environmental costs at every step. Physical education is the need of the hour with the rise in lifestyle-related illnesses and better awareness about the benefits of fitness solutions. Professional careers in both these fields are meaningful and rewarding and have far-reaching impacts on the wellness of people and the environment.