Subject to prior approval, many students in any of USC's faculties may undertake a four-course minor or an eight-course major in Sustainability as part of their degree.
These study areas are designed for those seeking to make a difference and to become innovators in sustainability. USC has a strong research focus on sustainability with the establishment of the Sustainability Research Centre and defines sustainability as being "the enhancement of communities into the indefinite future without impinging on the value of natural systems".
Sustainability is achieved through promoting equity within and between generations, conservation of biodiversity and natural systems, and wise use of resources. Sustainability enhances the interdependency and resilience of economic, environmental and social systems.
Studying this major or minor will greatly assist students who are interested in developing their innovation and adaptable problem-solving skills for a rapidly changing world.
Major
For a major in Sustainability, students must successfully complete 8 courses:
4 required courses:
SUS101 Foundations of Sustainability
SUS201 Empowering Individuals for Sustainability
SUS202 Reorienting Society Towards Sustainability
SUS302 Sustainable Futures
Plus select 4 sustainability-related courses:
Faculty of Science, Health and Education courses:
ENS221 Australian Vegetation
ENS222 Australian Wildlife
ENS281 Introduction to Sustainable Energy Systems
ENS300 Environmental and Resource Economics
ENS310 Climate Change Adaptation
ENS320 Climate Change Mitigation Theory and Practice
ENS321 Restoration Ecology and Genetics
ENS351 Integrated Environmental Management
ENS372 Integrated Marine Systems
PUB102 Environment and Health
PUB262 Environmental Health Risk Management
SCI102 Biodiversity and Ecology
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses:
ENP211 Planning and Environmental Law
ENP236 Rural and Regional Sustainability
ENP365 Participation and Conflict Resolution
SCS201 International Community Development and Global Justice
SCS211 Green Justice: Environment and Social Issues
Faculty of Business courses:
BUS102 Economics for Business
MGT310 Small Business and New Venture Management
TSM221 Policy and Planning for Tourism and Leisure
TSM223 Sustainable Tourism, Leisure and Event Management
Other courses:
WPL310 Work Place Learning I *
Minor
For a minor in Sustainability students must successfully complete 4 courses:
2 required courses:
SUS101 Foundations of Sustainability
SUS302 Sustainable Futures
Plus select 2 courses from:
ENS281 Introduction to Sustainable Energy Systems
ENP365 Participation and Conflict Resolution
PUB102 Environment and Health
SUS201 Empowering Individuals for Sustainability
SUS202 Reorienting Society Towards Sustainability
* Subject to special entry requirements. Course coordinator approval only.