- 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 2013 entry: OP-16 / Rank-66
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 2013: 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
- Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
- Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering for program advice
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 Study Plan.
Program structure
Core courses (2)
Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Introduction to Weather and Climate
COR110 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
COR111 Environmental and Resource Economics
Introductory courses (4)
ENS103 Integrated Environmental Management
SCI102 Biogeography
SCI105 Professional Practice: Legal Frameworks and Issues
SCI110 Environmental Chemistry
Advanced courses (12)
ENS221 Communication and Thought
ENS222 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
ENS242 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
ENS253 Earth's Surface Processes, Materials and Soils
ENS254 Biodiversity and Ecology
ENS300 Chemistry
ENS305 Science Research Methods
ENS351 Plant Diversity and Ecology
GEO201 Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
GEO301 Introduction to Weather and Climate
LGL301 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology
SCI202 Satellite Image Analysis and Surveying
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
- Four (4) required courses:
SCI105 and SCI110 should be studied in Semester 1 - Two (2) Core courses:
One Core course in your first semester and one Core course in your second semester - Two (2) elective courses:
Elective courses should be studied in Semester 2
Required courses: (4)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENS103 Business Law and Ethics | |||
| SCI105 Planning and Environmental Law | |||
| SCI110 Rural and Regional Sustainability | |||
| SCI102 Landscapes, place and people |
Core courses: (2)
Select 2 courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| COR109 Regional Infrastructure Planning | |||
| COR110 Coastal and Marine Ecology | |||
| COR111 Environmental and Resource Economics |
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)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENS221 Earth's Surface Processes, Materials and Soils | |||
| ENS253 Chemistry | |||
| GEO201 Science Research Methods | |||
| ENS222 Biodiversity and Ecology | |||
| ENS254 Communication and Thought | |||
| ENS242 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship | |||
| SCI202 Environment, Technology and Sustainability |
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
- Three (3) elective courses:
3 elective courses must be studied in Semester 2
Required courses: (5)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENS300 Plant Diversity and Ecology | |||
| ENS351 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology | |||
| GEO301 Hydrology and Geomorphology | |||
| LGL301 Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology | |||
| ENS305 Satellite Image Analysis and Surveying |
Elective courses: (3)
Select three (3) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).