Bachelor of Environmental Science | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

Accessibility links

Non-production environment - edittest.usc.edu.au
This page was archived on 24 February 2012 and is no longer updated.

Bachelor of Environmental Science

  • 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
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 [TabLink top Study Plan]Study Plan.

Program structure

Core courses (2)

Select 2 courses from:
COR109
COR110
COR111

Introductory courses (4)

ENS103 Earth's Surface Processes
SCI102 Biodiversity and Ecology
SCI105 Introductory Chemistry
SCI110 Science Research Methods

Advanced courses (12)

ENS221 Plant Diversity and Ecology
ENS222 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
ENS242 Weather and Climate
ENS253 Geographic Information Science and Technology
ENS254 Earth Observation: Remote Sensing and Surveying
ENS300 Environmental Economics
ENS304
ENS305 Environmental Chemistry
GEO201 Hydrology and Geomorphology
GEO301 Mapping with Drones
LGL301
SCI202 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics

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:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
COR109 Integrated Environmental Management
COR110 Public Health Practicum
COR111 Communication and Thought
Required courses: (4)
CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
ENS103 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
SCI105 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
SCI110 Earth's Surface Processes, Materials and Soils
SCI102 Chemistry
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)
CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
ENS221 Plant Diversity and Ecology
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 1
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 1
12Pre: SCI102
Anti: ENS201
ENS253 Geographic Information Science and Technology
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 1
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 1
  • Online: Semester 1
12 
GEO201 Hydrology and Geomorphology
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 1
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 1
  • Online: Semester 1
12 
ENS222 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 2
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 2
12Pre: SCI102
ENS254 Earth Observation: Remote Sensing and Surveying
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 2
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 2
12 
ENS242 Weather and Climate
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 2
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 2
12 
SCI202 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 2
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 2
12Pre: SCI110 or BUS101
Anti: ANM203
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
    ENS304 should be studied in Semester 2
  • Three (3) elective courses:
    1 elective course should be studied in Semester; 2 elective courses must be studied in Semester 2
Required courses: (5)
CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
ENS300 Environmental Economics
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 1
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 1
12Anti: ENS700
GEO301 Mapping with Drones
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 1
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 1
  • Online: Semester 1
12Pre: GEO100 or ENS253
LGL301    
ENS304    
ENS305 Environmental Chemistry
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 2
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 2
12Pre: SCI105
Elective courses: (3)

Select three (3) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

 

Back to top