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 Advanced Geographical Studies
SUS201 Physical Geography and Mapping
SUS202 Introducing Human Geographies
SUS302 Rural and Regional Sustainability
Plus select 4 sustainability-related courses:
Faculty of Science, Health and Education courses:
ENS221 Landscapes, place and people
ENS222 Urbanism and Urban Design
ENS281 Introduction to Weather and Climate
ENS300 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology
ENS310 Satellite Image Analysis and Surveying
ENS320 Applied Spatial Analysis and Geoprocessing
ENS321 Physical Geography and Mapping
ENS351 Introducing Human Geographies
ENS372 Hydrology and Geomorphology
PUB102 Indigenous Peoples and the Environment
PUB262
SCI102
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses:
ENP211
ENP236
ENP365 Foundations of Sustainability
SCS201 Empowering Individuals for Sustainability
SCS211 Reorienting Society Towards Sustainability
Faculty of Business courses:
BUS102 Sustainable Futures
MGT310 Australian Vegetation
TSM221 Australian Wildlife
TSM223 Introduction to Sustainable Energy Systems
Other courses:
WPL310 Environmental and Resource Economics *
Minor
For a minor in Sustainability students must successfully complete 4 courses:
2 required courses:
SUS101 Climate Change Adaptation
SUS302 Climate Change Mitigation Theory and Practice
Plus select 2 courses from:
ENS281 Restoration Ecology and Genetics
ENP365 Integrated Environmental Management
PUB102 Integrated Marine Systems
SUS201 Environment and Health
SUS202 Environmental Health Risk Management
* Subject to special entry requirements. Course coordinator approval only.