Deciding your university course is perhaps the trickiest thing you do as a student. The host of generic subjects and courses may seem like safe choices, but you may end up with a degree every second professional has. Fortunately, you can pick unconventional options that let you follow your passion and outshine others in the job market.

A degree in ecotechnology is among the less-trodden academic pathways for students looking outside the box. Here are a few facts you must know about this option to decide whether it is apt for your personality, priorities, and personal goals.

WHAT IS ECOTECHNOLOGY?

Ecotechnology is a combination of the study of ecosystems and technology. It entails the application of technology to manage ecosystems by understanding their natural workings and ensuring minimal environmental harm. The fundamental principles of ecotechnology relate to tackling the overuse of resources, generating awareness about environmental protection, minimising the impact of pollution, saving energy through practical methods, and developing new technology for environmental conservation.

Typically, ecotechnology covers the following areas-

• Energy-efficient Buildings (Residential & Industrial)
• Vertical Farms
• Electric Vehicle
• Waste Management and Disposal Systems
• Waste-to-Energy Solution
• Advanced Sewer Treatment Plant
• Watershed/lake/reservoir management
• Eco—Marketing
• Effects of adverse environment practices

WHAT DOES AN ECOTECHNOLOGY DEGREE INCLUDE?

Whether you pick an undergraduate or postgraduate course in ecotechnology, you will have to study two disciplines- natural science and social science. Expect it to be a mix of practical and theoretical knowledge, with an emphasis on environmental science and environmental technologies. These courses address environmental concerns from a global perspective. The essential topics covered in the course are-

• Environment and natural resources
• Environmental innovation and society
• Environmental audit and economies
• Environmental engineering
• Environment management systems
• Relationship between environment and humankind
• Sustainable development
• Water and wastewater pollution control
• Ecosystem services
• Toxicants in the environment and organ toxicity
• Industrial work environment
• Disaster management and risk assessment
• Technological advancements

POPULAR COURSES IN ECOTECHNOLOGY

You’ll probably want to explore your options in ecotechnology education according to your academic stage. The good thing is that you can find a huge array of courses, despite the field being an unconventional one. Here is a list of courses you can check to explore a career in this domain.

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

• Bachelor in Ecotechnology
• Bachelor of Science in Biodiversity & Conservation Biology
• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
• Bachelor of Science in Environment- Ecological Determinants of Health

POSTGRADUATE COURSES

• MSc Environmental Science
• Master in Environmental Policy and Law
• MSc Ecotechnology and Sustainable Development
• MSc Sustainability
• MSc Sustainable Water Environments
• Master of Social Change and Development
• Master of Environmental Change and Global Sustainability
• MSc Chemical, Biochemical and Material Engineering
• Master of Environmental Science – Climate Change Impact Assessment 
• MSc Sustainable Construction
• MSc Sustainable Development
• MSc Energy Policy

DOCTORATE

• PhD in Environmental Science
• PhD Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• PhD in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
• PhD Sustainable Futures
• PhD in Renewable Resources

POPULAR UNIVERSITIES FOR ECOTECHNOLOGY COURSES

Choosing the right university is another critical factor when it comes to picking an unconventional course like eco-technology. Here is a list of the best ones in the field-

• Harvard University (United States)
• Stanford University (United States)
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (United States)
• University of Cambridge (United Kingdom)
• University of Oxford (United Kingdom)
• ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Switzerland)
• Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands)
• University of California, Berkeley (United States)
• Imperial College London (United Kingdom)
• Tsinghua University (China)

SCOPE OF ECOTECHNOLOGY

Another factor an aspiring student must consider is the scope after completing the degree. Ideally, it should get you a lucrative job with excellent growth prospects. The good thing about eco-technology is that it enables students to pursue a career they are passionate about. Here are your options-

• Environmental Consultant 
• Sustainability Consultant 
• Landscape Architect 
• Water Quality Scientist  
• Waste Management Officer 
• Nature Conservation Officer
• Horticulture Therapist 
• Recycling Officer 
• Environmental Health Practitioner 
• Landscape Development Professional

You may also explore fields like teaching, research and development, environmental accounting, environmental law, transport planning, and sustainable tourism.

Hope you’ve got all the information you need about the academic and career opportunities in the field of ecotechnology.