Bachelor of Environmental Science

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Environmental Science
Award abbreviation: BEnvSc
QTAC code: 013011
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-17 / Rank-65
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences, preferably Chemistry
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: SC316
CRICOS code: 066283E. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

The depletion of natural resources has highlighted the importance of having skilled environmental professionals to manage human interaction with the natural environment.

In this program you examine the connection between organisms and their environment, both natural and artificial. You study natural and human-managed environments and gain skills in environmental management, planning and restoration, managed ecosystems, and marine science. There is an emphasis on practical applications through industry visits and field trips, and an opportunity to undertake an unpaid professional placement. Graduates have the scientific base required to make valid judgements on the preservation and use of Australia’s natural ecosystems and resources.

Career opportunities

Environmental management and protection, parks and wildlife, resource management, waste and pollution control, catchment management agencies, local councils, environmental consultancies.

Professional recognition

Graduates may become members of the Australian Network for Plant Conservation; Australian Water Association; Ecological Society of Australia; Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand; Australian Marine Sciences Association.

Enquiries

• Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering for program advice

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete 2 required core courses.
• Complete 4 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

Core courses (2)

Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Introductory courses (4)

ENS103 Earth’s Surface Processes, Materials and Soils
SCI102 Biodiversity and Ecology
SCI105 Chemistry
SCI110 Science Research Methods

Advanced courses (12)

ENS221 Plant Diversity and Ecology
ENS222 Animal 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
ENS304 Environmental Project
ENS305 Environmental Chemistry
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).

Study Plan

The Bachelor of Environmental Science Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.

Year 1

• Two (2) Core courses
  One Core course in your first semester and one Core course in your second semester
• Four (4) required courses:
  SCI105 and SCI110 should be studied in Semester 1
• Two (2) elective courses:
  Elective courses should be studied in Semester 2

Core courses: (2)

Select 2 courses from:

Required courses: (4)

Elective courses: (2)

Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Year 2

• Seven (7) required courses
• One (1) elective course:
  Elective course should be studied in Semester 1

Required courses: (7)

Elective course: (1)

Select one (1) elective course from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Year 3

• Five (5) required courses:
  ENS300 should be studied in Semester 1
  ENS304 should be studied in Semester 2
• Three (3) elective courses:
  1 elective course should be studied in Semester; 2 elective courses must be studied in Semester 2

Required courses: (5)

Elective courses: (3)

Select three (3) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable 
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide 
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering