- Program summary
- Program overview
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Special features
- Credit transfer. recognition of prior learning and articulation
- Program structure
- Program requirements and notes
- Enquiries
Program summary
QTAC code: 013011
OP/Rank for 2009 entry: OP-18 / Rank-64
Award abbreviation: BEnvSc
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type 2010: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288 units (normally 24 courses)
Recommended prior study: English, Maths and one or more of the sciences, preferably Chemistry
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
USC program code: SC316
CRICOS code: 066283E
Program overview
Increasing concern about the depletion and degradation of natural resources has highlighted the importance of having skilled environmental professionals to manage human interaction with the natural environment.
In the Bachelor of Environmental Science, you will study the interaction between organisms and their environment, both natural and artificial. Courses focus on these natural and human-managed environments, the interactions between them, and the management of the interactions.
On graduating, you will have the scientific-base required to make valid judgements on the preservation and utilisation of Australia’s natural ecosystems and resources, and will have experience in practical applications of environmental management techniques.
The program is based on the foundation sciences, ‘toolbox courses’ that provide relevant practical skills, and specialist courses that equip graduates to enter selected fields of environmental management.
Career paths are diverse, and graduates have excellent employment prospects in government departments (eg Department of Natural Resources and Water, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Environmental Protection Agency), local councils, environmental consultancies, and private companies.
Professional recognition
Depending on study specialisations, graduates may become members/associate members of the Australian Network for Plant Conservation, Australian Water Association, Ecological Society of Australia, Environmental Institute of Australia, and the Marine Society of Australia.
Career opportunities
Career paths may include:
- agriculture and fisheries
- aquaculture
- environmental education/management/protection
- erosion control
- field forestry
- horticulture and aquaculture
- landcare and vegetation
- natural resources
- parks and wildlife
- restoration ecology
- waste and pollution control
Special features
- emphasis on practical applications through industry visits and field trips
- the environmental science program allows specialisation in in the areas of Climate change, Integrated resource management, Animal and plant biology, Coastal and marine ecology, Geographical information systems and environmental modelling and Sustainability
Program structure
Core courses
Select 2 courses from:
COR109 ICT Industry Project
COR110 Communication and Thought
COR111 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
Introductory courses
4 required courses:
LFS100 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
SCI102 Cell Biology
SCI105 Biodiversity and Ecology
SCI110 Chemistry
Plus select 2 courses from:
MTH101 Science Research Methods
SCI107 Introduction to Mathematics
SCS130 Physics
SUS101 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
or introductory (100 level) courses from the Faculty of Science, Health and Education.
Advanced courses
6 required courses:
ENS221 Foundations of Sustainability
ENS222 Australian Vegetation
ENS242 Australian Wildlife
ENS253 Introduction to Weather and Climate
ENS351 An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems
SCI202 Integrated Environmental Management
Plus select a minimum of 4 ENS coded courses
Plus select up to 6 introductory or advanced courses from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business)
Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program
As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
Program requirements and notes
- A maximum of ten introductory (100 level) courses may be chosen, including the core courses.
- A minimum of fourteen advanced (200 & 300 level) courses must be chosen.
- Refer to the Academic Rules.
- Refer to explanation of terms.
- Refer to recommended enrolment patterns. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
- International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including, namely, essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examination. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
Enquiries
How to apply
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au