- 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
- 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 Environmental Chemistry
COR110 Communication and Thought
COR111 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
Introductory courses (4)
ENS103 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
SCI102 Earth's Surface Processes, Materials and Soils
SCI105 Biodiversity and Ecology
SCI110 Chemistry
Advanced courses (12)
ENS221 Science Research Methods
ENS222 Plant Diversity and Ecology
ENS242 Animal Diversity and Ecology
ENS253 Introduction to Weather and Climate
ENS254 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology
ENS300 Satellite Image Analysis and Surveying
ENS305 Environmental and Resource Economics
ENS351 Environmental Chemistry
GEO201 Integrated Environmental Management
GEO301 Hydrology and Geomorphology
LGL301 Biogeography
SCI202 Professional Practice: Legal Frameworks and Issues
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:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| COR109 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility | |||
| COR110 Communication and Thought | |||
| COR111 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship |
Required courses: (4)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENS103 Environment, Technology and Sustainability | |||
| SCI105 Earth's Surface Processes, Materials and Soils | |||
| SCI110 Chemistry | |||
| SCI102 Science Research Methods |
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 Biodiversity and Ecology | |||
| ENS253 Plant Diversity and Ecology | |||
| GEO201 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology | |||
| ENS222 Hydrology and Geomorphology | |||
| ENS254 Animal Diversity and Ecology | |||
| ENS242 Satellite Image Analysis and Surveying | |||
| SCI202 Introduction to Weather and Climate |
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 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics | |||
| ENS351 Environmental and Resource Economics | |||
| GEO301 Integrated Environmental Management | |||
| LGL301 Biogeography | |||
| ENS305 Professional Practice: Legal Frameworks and Issues |
Elective courses: (3)
Select three (3) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).