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

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Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)

Program Summary
Program Overview
Career Opportunities
Advanced Standing, Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit and Articulation
Program Structure
Program Requirements and Notes
Enquiries
Recommended Enrolment Patterns

Program Summary

QTAC Code: 013011
OP/Rank for 2005 Entry: OP-18 / Rank-60
Award Abbreviation: BSc(EnvSc)
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Total Units: 288
Recommended Prior Study: English, Maths and one or more of the Sciences, preferably Chemistry
CRICOS Code: 030278K

Program Overview

As an environmental science student you study the interaction between organisms and their environment, both natural and artificial. You have the opportunity to study courses dealing with the natural and human-managed environments and the interactions between them. You may also gain skills in the following areas:

  • applied and environmental microbiology
  • environmental management
  • environmental planning
  • environmental restoration
  • managed ecosystems
  • marine science
  • the natural environment

Once you have graduated you will have the scientific base required to make valid judgements on the preservation and utilisation of Australia's natural ecosystems and resources.

Professional Membership

Graduates may become members/associate members of the following professional bodies depending on their study specialisations:

  • Australian Network for Plant Conservation
  • Australian Water Association
  • Ecological Society of Australia
  • Environmental Institute of Australia
  • Marine Society of Australia

Career Opportunities

If you choose to enter the workforce rather than proceed to graduate studies you may obtain employment in the following fields: agriculture and fisheries, aquaculture, conservation biology, environmental education, environmental management, environmental protection, erosion control, field forestry, government departments, horticulture and aquaculture, landcare and vegetation, marine science, natural resources, parks and wildlife, restoration ecology, and waste and pollution control.

Program Structure

Core Courses

2 required courses
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship

Introductory Courses

4 required courses:
SCI102 Biodiversity and the Environment
SCI103 Cell Biology
SCI105 Chemistry
SCI110 Research Design and Data Analysis
Plus - choose 2 courses from:
SCI104 Cell Metabolism
SCI107 Physics
SCI109 Environment and Health

Advanced Courses

Choose a minimum of 14, a maximum of 18 advanced level courses. Twelve (12) courses* must be chosen from the following list, of which at least 5 courses must be at third year level (ie coded 300 or above):
ENS221 Australian Vegetation
ENS222 Australian Wildlife
ENS232 Ecological Principles of Land and Water Management
ENS251 Environmental Monitoring
ENS253 Introduction to Geographical Information Systems
ENS261 Aquatic Geochemistry#
ENS262 Hydrology and Geomorphology
ENS271 Marine Dynamics
ENS272 Marine Ecology
ENS321 Population Ecology, Genetics and Conservation
ENS322 Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology#
ENS331 Sustainable Land Management#
ENS332 Production Systems Research
ENS351 Integrated Catchment Management
ENS353 Applied Spatial Analysis and Decision Support
ENS352 Environmental Management Strategies
ENS361 Restoration Ecology
ENS362 Environmental Restoration Practice
ENS371 Aquaculture
ENS372 Integrated Marine Systems
MBT251 Biochemistry
MBT263 Microbiology
MBT363 Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology
MBT364 Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology
PUB262 Environmental Health Risk Management
SCI202 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
SCI302 Advanced Instrumental Techniques

Course Substitution: The GO (Global Opportunities) Program

As part of their USC program, students may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider

Program Requirements and Notes

  1. Both Core Courses must be completed within the first two years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) enrolment.
  2. A minimum of 6 and maximum of 10 introductory courses may be completed, including Core Courses, in the BSc(EnvSc).
  3. A minimum of 4 and maximum of 8 introductory Science courses (100 level) are to be included in the BSc(EnvSc).
  4. A minimum of 12 and maximum of 18 advanced courses (200 and 300 level courses) are to be included in the BSc(EnvSc).
  5. A minimum of 5 of the advanced courses included in the BSc(EnvSc) must be completed from the Faculty of Science, Health and Education 300 level (third year) courses.
  6. A maximum of 4 courses from outside the Faculty of Science, Health and Education (72 units), other than Core Courses, may be included in the BSc(EnvSc).
  7. An introductory level course has a number less than 200 in its course code. An advanced level course has a number greater than 200 and less than 400 in its course code.
  8. Refer to the Academic Rules.
  9. Refer to Explanation of Terms.
  10. Refer to Recommended Enrolment Pattern.

* If you choose a minimum of 12 courses, you must choose an additional 4 courses from any faculty ( Science, Health and Education , Arts and Social Sciences or Business). A total of 288 units must be completed to satisfy the program requirements.
# Not offered in 2005

Enquiries

Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869; Email: scienceinfo@usc.edu.au

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