The University of Manchester Career Simulation: AI in Environmental Science

Overview This course introduces the role of an Environmental Scientist, and explores how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the industry. You'll discover the qualifications and skills you'll need to succeed, gain insight into day-to-day responsibilities, and understand how AI is being used right now to solve some of the biggest challenges in environmental science. This isn't just a career exploration course, it's a window into the future of one of the world's most important and fast-evolving industries. The course also covers career progression and provides an honest look at the challenges, rewards, and benefits of working in this field. Most importantly, you'll complete a real-world activity simulating a task an Environmental Scientist would tackle in their day-to-day life, with AI playing a central role, so you can get a genuine feel for what this career looks like in practice. This programme takes two hours to complete. What's Included This experience includes insightful content from Co-Lead for Environmental Data Science and AI at the Manchester Environmental Research Institute (MERI) and Lecturer in Data Science & Environmental Analytics at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DEES), The University of Manchester, Dr Zhonghua Zheng. Be prepared for insightful videos, interactive activities, quizzes, and so much more. At the end of this experience, you'll put your knowledge of the role to the test in a real-world simulation task. Lesson Overviews Career Overview - In this first lesson, you'll be introduced to the role of an Environmental Scientist and get a top-level overview of this vital, future-thinking career. You'll also get your first look at how AI is beginning to reshape the field, setting the scene for everything that follows throughout the course. What is AI? - What actually is AI, beyond just large language models such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Claude? From machine learning to data-driven environmental modelling, you'll explore how AI works, where it's being applied across the environmental science industry, and what it means to use it responsibly. This is your essential toolkit for everything ahead. Qualification & Skill Requirements - Discover what qualifications and skills you need to become an Environmental Scientist, and find out what entry routes are available, such as graduate schemes and degree apprenticeships! Whatever your preferred route into the world of work, environmental science offers a lot of diversity and flexibility. Daily Activities - Ever wondered what an Environmental Scientist actually does day to day? This lesson walks you through real daily activities and responsibilities, including how AI tools are being used in practice to monitor ecosystems, analyse environmental data, and identify patterns faster than ever before. Expect a few myth-busting moments along the way too. Career Progression - Once you begin your journey as an Environmental Scientist, how will your career develop? This lesson uncovers what different phases of your journey could look like, from your first role through to senior leadership and specialist positions, and explores how growing confidence with AI and digital tools can accelerate your progression. Challenges & Rewards - Every role comes with its challenges and rewards, and environmental science is no different. This lesson offers an honest insight into what real Environmental Scientists have found both demanding and deeply rewarding about their work, including how AI is changing both the nature of the challenges they face and the impact they're able to have. Salary & Benefits - This lesson provides information on salary ranges, so you can get an idea of how much you could earn at different points throughout your career. What’s more, working as an Environmental Scientist comes with a number of exciting benefits, which you’ll find out more about! Meet the Expert - Meet a real Environmental Scientist as they walk you through their career journey, share what a typical day looks like, and offer honest advice for anyone considering this path. You'll also hear their perspective on how AI is changing the industry, and what that means for the next generation of scientists entering the field. How is AI Shaping the Future of Environmental Science? - This dedicated lesson takes a deeper look at the role AI is playing across the environmental science industry right now, from tracking biodiversity and modelling climate change to analysing pollution data and forecasting environmental risks. You'll also explore what it means to use AI responsibly, ethically, and critically as you build your career. Activity - Now it's time to put your learning into practice. Guided by an Environmental Scientist, you'll be briefed on a real-world activity that asks you to think and work like a professional in this field, with AI playing a key role in the challenge. Are you ready to think like a scientist of the future? Reflection Activity - In this final lesson, you will reflect on everything you have learnt in this experience. With all of the information you need about the role of an Environmental Scientist, is this a career you would consider? If not, don’t stress! Environmental Science is a diverse community with many exciting roles to explore.