- 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 Hydrology and Geomorphology
COR110 Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
COR111 Satellite Image Analysis and Surveying
Introductory courses (4)
ENS103 Introduction to Weather and Climate
SCI102 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
SCI105 Environmental and Resource Economics
SCI110 Integrated Environmental Management
Advanced courses (12)
ENS221 Biogeography
ENS222 Professional Practice: Legal Frameworks and Issues
ENS242 Environmental Chemistry
ENS253 Communication and Thought
ENS254 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
ENS300 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
ENS305 Earth's Surface Processes, Materials and Soils
ENS351 Biodiversity and Ecology
GEO201 Chemistry
GEO301 Science Research Methods
LGL301 Plant Diversity and Ecology
SCI202 Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
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 E-Learning Leader | |||
| SCI105 Learning for Sustainability in Schools | |||
| SCI110 Internship | |||
| SCI102 Human Development and Early Learning |
Core courses: (2)
Select 2 courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| COR109 Learning Choices | |||
| COR110 Vocational Education and Training: Learning Engagement | |||
| COR111 Teaching Reading and Writing in the Early Years |
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 Teaching Mathematics | |||
| ENS253 Alternative Schooling Pedagogies | |||
| GEO201 Contexts of Disability and Differences | |||
| ENS222 Earth's Surface Processes, Materials and Soils | |||
| ENS254 Chemistry | |||
| ENS242 Science Research Methods | |||
| SCI202 Biodiversity and Ecology |
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 Communication and Thought | |||
| ENS351 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship | |||
| GEO301 Environment, Technology and Sustainability | |||
| LGL301 Plant Diversity and Ecology | |||
| ENS305 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology |
Elective courses: (3)
Select three (3) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).