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New Breed Of Scientist To Tackle ‘wicked’ Problems

Author: Massey University
Posted: Monday 21st November, 2011. 11:51:35

Clever science has given us industrial, chemical, and technological developments to make life comfortable and convenient, but its excesses are putting the planet in peril, says Massey University Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey.

The Rena oil spill in the Bay of Plenty is a recent example and stark reminder of the growing need for a new approach to science education that will help to foster fast, effective solutions to environmental crises and other related issues, he says.

That’s why he is calling for the country’s top 30 aspiring young scientists to join the first intake for its Bachelor of Natural Sciences, where chemistry, physics and biology go hand-in-hand with project management, sustainability, sociology and other relevant topics to give graduates a broader perspective and range of skills.

Dubbed the BNatSci, the undergraduate degree is designed to educate students both in and beyond the classic science subjects, through project-based, research-oriented learning that encourages them to think broadly and creatively to find solutions to the complex issues.

Smart scientists with new ways of thinking are needed to find solutions to ‘wicked’ – or difficult, complex – problems, such as a soaring global population, obesity, widespread pollution, climate change impacts, species extinction, and the demand for safe, healthy food and clean energy, Mr Maharey says.

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