Students learn to become skilled environmental professionals and manage human interaction with the natural environment.
The program develops the scientific base needed to make judgements on the conservation and use of Australia's natural ecosystems and resources. Courses examine the connection between organisms and their environment, both natural and artificial. Students explore natural and human-managed environments and gain skills in environmental management, planning and restoration, managed ecosystems and marine science. Students gain practical skills through field trips and an opportunity to undertake an unpaid professional placement.
- 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.
The program develops the scientific base needed to make judgements on the conservation and use of Australia's natural ecosystems and resources. Courses examine the connection between organisms and their environment, both natural and artificial. Students explore natural and human-managed environments and gain skills in environmental management, planning and restoration, managed ecosystems and marine science. Students gain practical skills through field trips and an opportunity to undertake an unpaid professional placement.
Career opportunities
Environmental management and protection, parks and wildlife, resource management, waste and pollution control, catchment management agencies, local councils, environmental consultancies.
Membership
Australian Network for Plant Conservation; Australian Water Association; Ecological Society of Australia; Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand; Australian Marine Sciences Association.
Program structure
For students commencing 2014. All other students please refer to previous handbooks.
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 1 required core course.
- Complete 6 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 Study Plan.
Program structure
Introductory courses (6)
COR109 Communication and Thought
ENS103 Earth's Surface Processes, Materials and Soils
SCI102 Biodiversity and Ecology
SCI105 Chemistry
SCI110 Science Research Methods
SET111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
Advanced courses (12)
ENS221 Plant Diversity and Ecology
ENS222 Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
ENS242 Introduction to Weather and Climate
ENS253 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology
ENS254 Satellite Image Analysis and Surveying
ENS300 Environmental and Resource Economics
ENS305 Environmental Chemistry
ENS351 Integrated Environmental Management
GEO201 Hydrology and Geomorphology
GEO301 Biogeography
LGL301 Professional Practice: Legal Frameworks and Issues
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).