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 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 2024 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.
- ^First year courses offered at Moreton Bay campus from Semester 1, 2020.
- ^First year courses offered at Moreton Bay campus from Semester 1, 2020.
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 natural world.
In this program you'll learn about plant 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 advanced 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
- Choose an area of interest from a range of options including Environmental Management, Sustainability and more
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
Program structure
Introductory courses (5) 60 units
ENS103 Public Health Foundations
SCI102 Leading and Managing Organisations
SCI105 Understanding and Managing Organisational Behaviour
SCI110 Understanding and Preventing Suicide
SCI113 Communication and Thought
Developing and Graduate courses (11) 132 units
ENS221 Anatomy and Physiology
ENS222 Introductory Bioscience
ENS224 Nursing Practicum 1
ENS242 Practice Foundations
ENS253 Health, Culture and Society
GEO201 Research Foundations
ENS321 Holistic Health Assessment
ENS325 Human Pathophysiology
GEO302 Challenges to Mental Health
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
ANM203 Nursing Practicum 3
SCI202 Nursing Practicum 2
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
ENS330 Caring for Child, Youth and Family
ENS333 Health Law and Ethics
SUS310 Drug Therapy
SRP301 Health Alteration
WPL310 Palliative, Rehabilitation and Continuing Care
Minor (4) 48 units
- Agriculture and Aquaculture
- Coastal and Marine Environments
- Environmental Health^
- Environmental Management
- Geospatial Analysis
- Restoration and Conservation
- Sustainability^
^Minor not available at Moreton Bay campus
Elective courses (4) 48 units
Select 4 elective courses (48 units) from the undergraduate elective course options.
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
Recommended study sequences
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.