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

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Bachelor of Environmental Science

Understand and solve environmental problems with science

Environmental scientists help businesses and governments understand and make informed decisions about how to preserve natural ecosystems and resources, and how to balance the needs of humans and the natural world.

Study location
  • Sippy Downs
Refer to the program footnotes
CRICOS code
066283E
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2
Program length (full-time)
3 years
Annual tuition fee 2019
A$27,000
Estimated total tuition fee *
A$81,000
Footnotes
  • 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.
  • Campus note: Only first-year courses are offered at Fraser Coast in 2018.
Study locations QTAC code
  • Sunshine Coast 013011
  • Fraser Coast 019011
Minimum selection threshold
OP - 18 Rank - 64
UniSC program code
SC316
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2
Duration
3 years full time or equivalent part time
Study mode
on campus
Recommended prior study
English; Maths B or C; and at least one of the sciences, preferably Chemistry
Other requirements
Applicants from a non-English speaking background should refer to the English language requirements for further information.
Fee type 2019
  • What will I pay?
Total courses
24
Total units
288
Footnotes
  • Campus note: Only first-year courses are offered at Fraser Coast in 2018.

Environmental scientists help businesses and governments understand and make informed decisions about how to preserve natural ecosystems and resources, and how to balance the needs of humans and the natural world.

In this program you’ll learn about plant and animal ecology, chemistry, hydrology, soil rehabilitation, climate change, coastal studies, geospatial sciences and conservation and restoration. Study the interaction between natural and human-managed environments and develop skills in environmental monitoring and advanced research methods.

In this program you will:

  • Develop skills in advance research methods
  • Use technology such as spatial analysis and drones to gain industry-ready skills
  • Participate in field trips to USC research sites
  • Learn how to solve complex environmental problems
Career opportunities:
  • Restoration and conservation
  • Parks and wildlife
  • Resource management
  • Waste and pollution control
  • Catchment management agencies
  • Local councils
  • Science and research agencies
  • Environmental consultant 
Graduates are eligible to become members of:
  • Australian Network for Plant Conservation
  • Australian Water Association
  • Ecological Society of Australia
  • Australian Marine Sciences Association
And associate members of:
  • Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ)

Program structure

Introductory courses (5) 60 units

COR109 Communication and Thought
ENS103 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
SCI102 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
SCI105 Cell Biology
SCI110 Introduction to Mathematics

Developing and Graduate courses (11) 132 units

ENS221 Chemistry
ENS222 Science Research Methods
ENS224 Foundations of Sustainability
ENS242 Human Physiology
ENS253 Human Anatomy
ENS321 Biodiversity and Ecology
ENS325 Physics
GEO201 Communication and Thought
GEO302 Earth's Surface Processes

PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
ANM203 Biodiversity and Ecology
SCI202 Chemistry

PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
ENS330 Science Research Methods
ENS333 Plant Diversity and Ecology
SRP301 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
WPL310 Soil Properties, Processes and Rehabilitation

Minor (4) 48 units
Elective courses (4) 48 units

Select 4 elective courses (48 units) 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
  • Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses
Program notes
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
  • The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
  • It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
  • 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 Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
  • Apply for your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)