Use science to solve environmental problems.
In a changing climate, the ability to solve environmental problems with science is more critical than ever. Environmental scientists help businesses and governments understand and make informed decisions about the preservation of natural ecosystems and resources, and how to balance the needs of humans and the 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 2025 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.
- *Only first-year courses are offered at Fraser Coast in 2018.
- *Only first-year courses are offered at Fraser Coast in 2018.
In a changing climate, the ability to solve environmental problems with science is more critical than ever. Environmental scientists help businesses and governments understand and make informed decisions about the preservation of natural ecosystems and resources, and how to balance the needs of humans and the natural world.
- Learn about plant and animal ecology, chemistry, hydrology, Earth sciences, weather and climate, geospatial sciences and resource economics
- Study the interaction between natural and human-managed environments, and develop skills in environmental management, conservation and restoration
- Use advanced visualisation facilities, spatial analysis and drones to gain industry-ready skills
- Build practical knowledge through field trips to USC research sites, including a diverse range of environments on the beautiful Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast
Career opportunities
Environmental scientists work across a range of industries and sectors, including: environmental management and protection, restoration and conservation, parks and wildlife, resource management, waste and pollution control, catchment management agencies, local councils, environmental consultancies.
Membership
This program qualifies you for associate membership of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ). Other memberships include the Australian Network for Plant Conservation; Australian Water Association; Ecological Society of Australia; and Australian Marine Sciences Association.
Program structure
Introductory courses (5)
COR109 Research in Health Care
ENS103 Qualitative Research: Approaches and Practice
SCI102 Quantitative Research Methods
SCI105 Special Project: Evaluating Practice Knowledge
SCI110 Special Project: Translating Knowledge into Practice
Advanced courses (11)
ENS221 Research Project A
ENS222 Research Project B
ENS224 Research Project C
ENS242 Research Project F
ENS253 Communication and Thought
ENS321 Earth's Surface Processes
ENS325 Biodiversity and Ecology
GEO201 Chemistry
GEO302 Science Research Methods
PLUS select 1 course from:
ANM203 Plant Diversity and Ecology
SCI202 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
PLUS select 1 course from:
ENS330 Soil Properties, Processes and Rehabilitation
ENS333 Introduction to Weather and Climate
SRP301 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology
WPL310 Restoration Ecology
Minor (4)
- Animal Ecology
- Climate Change Adaptation
- Coastal and Marine Environments
- Environmental Geography
- Environmental Management
- Geospatial Analysis
- Journalism
- Mathematics
- Restoration and Conservation
- Sustainability
Elective courses (4)
Select 4 elective courses from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
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
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)
- Most courses are valued at 12 units unless otherwise specified
- 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 Planning your study page to manage your progression
- You may wish to use electives to complete an additional major or minor
- Apply for your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)