Understand and solve environmental problems with science
Environmental scientists help businesses and governments understand and make informed decisions about how to preserve natural ecosystems and resources, and how to balance the needs of humans and the natural world.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
- Campus note: Only first-year courses are offered at Fraser Coast in 2018.
- Campus note: Only first-year courses are offered at Fraser Coast in 2018.
Environmental scientists help businesses and governments understand and make informed decisions about how to preserve natural ecosystems and resources, and how to balance the needs of humans and the natural world.
In this program you’ll learn about plant and animal ecology, chemistry, hydrology, soil rehabilitation, climate change, coastal studies, geospatial sciences and conservation and restoration. Study the interaction between natural and human-managed environments and develop skills in environmental monitoring and advanced research methods.
In this program you will:
- Develop skills in advance research methods
- Use technology such as spatial analysis and drones to gain industry-ready skills
- Participate in field trips to USC research sites
- Learn how to solve complex environmental problems
Career opportunities:
- Restoration and conservation
- Parks and wildlife
- Resource management
- Waste and pollution control
- Catchment management agencies
- Local councils
- Science and research agencies
- Environmental consultant
Graduates are eligible to become members of:
- Australian Network for Plant Conservation
- Australian Water Association
- Ecological Society of Australia
- Australian Marine Sciences Association
And associate members of:
- Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ)
Program structure
Introductory courses (5) 60 units
COR109 Research Methods in Education
ENS103 Designing an Education Research Proposal
SCI102 Communicating Education Project Outcomes
SCI105 Communication and Thought
SCI110 Earth's Surface Processes
Developing and Graduate courses (11) 132 units
ENS221 Biodiversity and Ecology
ENS222 Chemistry
ENS224 Science Research Methods
ENS242 Plant Diversity and Ecology
ENS253 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
ENS321 Soil Properties, Processes and Rehabilitation
ENS325 Introduction to Weather and Climate
GEO201 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology
GEO302 Restoration Ecology
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
ANM203 Population Ecology and Genetics
SCI202 Hydrology and Geomorphology
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
ENS330 Coastal Geomorphology
ENS333 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
SRP301 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
WPL310 K'gari-Fraser Island Field Studies
Minor (4) 48 units
- Animal Ecology
- Climate Change Adaptation
- Coastal and Marine Environments
- Environmental Geography
- Environmental Management
- Geospatial Analysis
- Journalism
- Mathematics
- Restoration and Conservation
- Sustainability
Elective courses (4) 48 units
Select 4 elective courses (48 units) from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
A program may not be offered in full at each location
Total units: 288
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Apply for your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)