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Environmental forensics: an emerging discipline within UK higher education?
K Brian Astin1, Matthew R Bennett, Paul Kneller
1School of Conservation Sciences, Talbot Campus, Bournemouth University, Poole, Dorset, UK, BH12 5BB.
Journal of Environmental Monitoring : JEM
|May 12, 2007
Summary
Environmental forensics, a North American discipline, is emerging in the UK and Europe. This paper explores its underlying philosophy and argues for educational programs to meet the growing demand for environmental forensic professionals.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Environmental forensics is well-established in North America.
- The discipline has minimal presence in Europe, including the UK.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the reasons for the limited impact of environmental forensics in Europe.
- To examine the fundamental philosophy and nature of environmental forensics.
- To highlight the demand for environmental forensic professionals.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on environmental forensics.
- Analysis of the discipline's philosophical underpinnings.
- Exploration of case studies to illustrate complexity.
Main Results:
- Identified barriers to adoption in Europe.
- Defined the core principles of environmental forensics.
- Demonstrated the complexity and relevance of environmental investigations through case studies.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant demand for environmental forensic skills in Europe.
- Environmental forensics is a timely discipline for the European Higher Education sector.
- Higher education institutions should develop programs to cater to this emerging field.
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