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 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.
- Campus note: Only first-year courses are offered at Fraser Coast.
^First year courses offered at Moreton Bay campus from Semester 1, 2020.
- Campus note: Only first-year courses are offered at Fraser Coast.
^First year courses offered at Moreton Bay campus from Semester 1, 2020.
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 natural world.
In this program you'll learn about plant 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 advanced 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
- Choose an area of interest from a range of options including Environmental Management, Sustainability and more
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
Program structure
Introductory courses (5) 60 units
COR109 Applied Systems Modelling
ENS103 Epidemiology and Biostatistics
SCI102 E-Learning Leader
SCI105 Learning for Sustainability in Schools
SCI110 Internship
Developing and Graduate courses (11) 132 units
ENS221 Human Development and Early Learning
ENS222 Learning Choices
ENS224 Vocational Education and Training: Learning Engagement
ENS242 Teaching Reading and Writing
ENS253 Teaching Mathematics
ENS321 Alternative Schooling Pedagogies
ENS325 Contexts of Disability and Differences
GEO201 Business Law and Ethics
GEO302 Law of Business Associations
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
ANM203 Taxation Law and Practice
SCI202 Employment and Industrial Law
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
ENS330 Property Law
ENS333 Communication and Thought
SUS310 Earth's Surface Processes
SRP301 Biodiversity and Ecology
WPL310 Chemistry
Minor (4) 48 units
- Agriculture and Aquaculture
- Coastal and Marine Environments
- Environmental Health
- Environmental Management
- Geospatial Analysis
- Restoration and Conservation
- Sustainability^
^Minor not available at Moreton Bay campus
Elective courses (4) 48 units
Select 4 elective courses (48 units) from the undergraduate elective course options.
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
Recommended study sequences
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.