Bachelor of Environmental Science | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Environmental Science

  • A variety of specialisations are available, including climate change and sustainability
  • Emphasis on practical applications through industry visits and field trips
  • Career paths include agriculture and forestry, restoration ecology, environmental education

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Environmental Science
Award abbreviation: BEnvSc
QTAC code: 013011
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-17 / Rank-65
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences, preferably Chemistry
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: SC316
CRICOS code: 066283E. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

The depletion of natural resources has highlighted the importance of having skilled environmental professionals to manage human interaction with the natural environment.

In this program you examine the connection between organisms and their environment, both natural and artificial. You study natural and human-managed environments and gain skills in environmental management, planning and restoration, managed ecosystems, and marine science. There is an emphasis on practical applications through industry visits and field trips, and an opportunity to undertake an unpaid professional placement. Graduates have the scientific base required to make valid judgements on the preservation and use of Australia’s natural ecosystems and resources.

Career opportunities

Environmental management and protection, parks and wildlife, resource management, waste and pollution control, catchment management agencies, local councils, environmental consultancies.

Professional recognition

Graduates may become members of the Australian Network for Plant Conservation; Australian Water Association; Ecological Society of Australia; Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand; Australian Marine Sciences Association.

Enquiries
Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

  • Complete 2 required core courses.
  • Complete 4 required introductory courses.
  • Complete 12 required advanced courses.
  • Complete 6 elective courses from any Faculty.
  • Complete no more than 10 introductory courses including core courses. 
  • Complete a minimum of 14 advanced (200/300 level)
Program notes
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
  • As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses within an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Adviser to discuss timing and course issues.
  • When enrolling, please refer to the [TabLink top Study Plan]Study Plan.

Program structure

Core courses (2)

Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Professional Practice: Legal Frameworks and Issues
COR110 Environmental Project
COR111 Environmental Chemistry

Introductory courses (4)

ENS103 Communication and Thought
SCI102 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
SCI105 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
SCI110 Earth's Surface Processes, Materials and Soils

Advanced courses (12)

ENS221 Biodiversity and Ecology
ENS222 Chemistry
ENS242 Science Research Methods
ENS253 Plant Diversity and Ecology
ENS254 Animal Diversity and Ecology
ENS300 Introduction to Weather and Climate
ENS304 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology
ENS305 Satellite Image Analysis and Surveying
GEO201 Environmental and Resource Economics
GEO301 Environmental Project
LGL301 Environmental Chemistry
SCI202 Hydrology and Geomorphology

Elective courses (6)

Select 6 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Study Plan

The Bachelor of Environmental Science Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.

Year 1
  • Two (2) Core courses
    One Core course in your first semester and one Core course in your second semester
  • Four (4) required courses:
    SCI105 and SCI110 should be studied in Semester 1
  • Two (2) elective courses:
    Elective courses should be studied in Semester 2
Core courses: (2)

Select 2 courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
COR109 Professional Creative Writing Practice A: The Industry
COR110 Professional Creative Writing Practice B: Industry Engagement
COR111 Creative Writing and Editing for e-Publication
Required courses: (4)
CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
ENS103 Communication and Thought
SCI105 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
SCI110 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
SCI102 Earth's Surface Processes, Materials and Soils
Elective courses: (2)

Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Year 2
  • Seven (7) required courses
  • One (1) elective course:
    Elective course should be studied in Semester 1
Required courses: (7)
CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
ENS221 Chemistry
ENS253 Science Research Methods
GEO201 Biodiversity and Ecology
ENS222 Plant Diversity and Ecology
ENS254 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology
ENS242 Hydrology and Geomorphology
SCI202 Animal Diversity and Ecology
Elective course: (1)

Select one (1) elective course from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Year 3
  • Five (5) required courses:
    ENS300 should be studied in Semester 1
    ENS304 should be studied in Semester 2
  • Three (3) elective courses:
    1 elective course should be studied in Semester; 2 elective courses must be studied in Semester 2
Required courses: (5)
CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
ENS300 Satellite Image Analysis and Surveying
GEO301 Introduction to Weather and Climate
LGL301 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
ENS304 Environmental and Resource Economics
ENS305 Biogeography
Elective courses: (3)

Select three (3) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

 

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