Going to learn at an institution of higher education is one of the turning points in a young person’s life. It often stands as a gateway to true adulthood, and can enlighten individuals to step confidently into their newfound responsibilities as adults. The courses of study below are some of the rarest in the world, yet they offer invaluable support and necessary skill to a variety of global processes. In this article, we explore rare courses of study that you never knew existed, and what each role does to support society.
- Nautical Archaeology
As you may expect, there is a wide variety of needs that humans have of the ocean. We have barely begun to scratch the surface when it comes to exploring its vast depths! Because of this, universities have seen not only a need for oceanographers and biologists, but also for something entirely new…nautical archaeology. This field of study is a cross between forensics, archaeology, history, and oceanography. These specialists study artifacts that have been claimed by the ocean, likely left behind from generations before and holding great historical significance.
- Fermentation Sciences
This is a type of science that is essential to human development and health, but is rarely purported on mainstream channels. This field of science studies the practice of fermentation, and a variety of other subtopics — such as fermentation’s effects on the human body, as well as the chemical processes and nuances involved in different types of fermentation. This course of study requires education around biochemistry, chemistry, biology, and mathematics, and is becoming increasingly popular in smaller, more niche universities.
- Ecogastronomy
Ecogastronomy is an important topic that is garnering more attention than ever before as we face the climate crisis head-on. This course of study emphasizes the need for sustainable practices at every level of our food production chain and practice, and studies environmental effects that stem from human farming and consumption. Concurrent topics of study include hospitality, evironmental science, sustainability, and restaraunt management. Because of its range and current attention, more universities are likely to offer related courses of study in our quest for lower impact food availability around the world.
- Ethnobotany
If you’ve had the chance to walk through your garden recently, you’ve likely experienced a tangible, physical response to what you saw. Maybe your blood pressure dropped just a touch, you felt more relaxed, or your thoughts stopped racing. In any case, this field studies the effects of plants on humans…as well as the effects of humans on plants. We are tied to the environment around us, and this course of study seeks to enhance our relationship and understanding of plants even more. They also explore the history behind popular uses for plants, such as they were used in dyes, food, clothing, or other related consumable items. This can give us insight into more refined, future uses. Related courses of study to ethnobotany include psychology, botany, biology, physiology, and sustainability.
