ObjectivesCSU’s Bachelor of Environmental Science course prepares graduates for employment in the wide variety of disciplines within the area of environmental management.
Academic titleBachelor of Environmental Science
Course descriptionAbout the course
You can make a difference in environmental management. Management of our natural environment is the single greatest challenge of the future. The need for new ideas and fresh management approaches has never been greater. You can be part of the solution to the world’s environmental problems.
Over the past few years, the environment has been raised higher and higher on the political agenda, both nationally and internationally. This increased environmental awareness has led to unprecedented growth in employment in the wide variety of disciplines covered by environmental management.
The course focuses strongly on field instruction and real-world situations. Studies in ecology, wildlife management, vegetation management and the earth sciences are complemented by studies of the human dimension in order to understand your role in conserving and protecting the natural environment – because you can’t manage the environment if you can’t manage people. For this reason, a major focus of the degree is learning how to apply the scientific knowledge to real-world situations that involve people. A fully supported work placement program ensures that all students receive first hand experience of what it is like to work in an industry that needs environmental scientists from CSU.
This course combines the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Master of Environmental Management into one four-year course to prepare students for the real challenges in managing the conservation of Australia's environment.
In years one and two, students undertake the Bachelor of Environmental Science and then in year three students can elect to be streamed into the Master of Environmental Management (subject to successful completion of subjects in the Bachelor degree) and enrol in subjects from the Master of Environmental Management. Year four is exclusively devoted to the Master of Environmental Management where students extend their knowledge of environmental science into the sought after areas of environmental law, environmental policy and planning, restoration ecology and rehabilitation. Students also undertake a supervised Master level research project in an area of their choice in year four.
Different specialisations allow students to focus on areas of particular interest after their first year of study. Specialisations in Land and Water, Catchment Management or Conservation and Management are available.
Where it will take you
Land and Water specialisation – Wagga Wagga Campus
Land and water management are the biggest issues facing Australia as a whole. With climate change, increased competition for resources and declining biodiversity, the Land and Water specialisation provides graduates with extensive skills in river restoration and management, water resource management and soil analysis. Additionally, a solid grounding in the highly sought after skill of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provides graduates with a unique opportunity to apply their skills in a wide range of employment possibilities.
Catchment Management specialisation – Albury-Wodonga or Wagga Wagga Campus
This specialisation combines a strong grounding in Australia’s fauna and flora, climate, soils and landscapes with an understanding of Australia’s unique agricultural environment. Agriculture is the biggest land and water user in Australia and to be best able to contribute to the successful operation of agriculture on a catchment scale, while at the same time minimising impacts on the flora, fauna and water resources of the country an appreciation and understanding of the agricultural industry is essential.
Catchment Management agencies across the country are seeking graduates with more than just an understanding of the natural environment, and more than graduates with just an agricultural science degree. The complex nature of issues on a catchment scale requires both. Graduates are therefore sought after by industries seeking this combination of skills and can find employment in Catchment Management Authorities, Landcare organisations, Government Natural Resource Management agencies and many other areas.
Conservation and Management specialisation – Albury-Wodonga Campus
With a strong grounding in Australia’s fauna and flora, climate, soils and landscapes through studies in the classroom and field, graduates enjoy a wide range of employment opportunities. In particular, graduates are sought after to provide the knowledge necessary for conservation and restoration of Australia’s unique ecosystems.
Professionals teaching you
The course is taught by dedicated professionals with a wide range of industry experience. Staff have expertise in wildlife management, fire ecology, vegetation management, Aboriginal heritage management, recreation design and planning and landcare. They have worked as consultants and managers within many government agencies. Several staff have also been appointed to advising bodies within agencies to address issues such as rare and threatened species management, the conservation of our inland waterways and are members of Catchment Management Boards and government advisory boards.
Your course is recognised by industry
The course is recognised by every environmental management agency in Australia.
The latest facilities
To make sure you are experienced using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace our facilities include:
* a range of field-based equipment and software relevant to undertaking field study exercises
* fully equipped laboratory facilities
* a library that covers a broad range of natural and cultural management literature
* access to an extensive computer network and the internet
* friendly and approachable staff who help facilitate and provide guidance to students throughout their study
Residential school
Distance education students usually study two subjects per session. Some subjects have a compulsory residential school of two to four days duration.
Science Scholarships
CSU's Science Scholarships are available for on campus applicants to this course, providing $4000 per annum for up to four years (subject to satisfactory progress). Once awarded the Scholarship, the money is the student's to spend in the way that assists them most.
Applicants must achieve a University Admissions Index (UAI)(NSW) or ENTER(VIC) of 80 and above (inclusive of the Regional Bonus) to be eligible to receive the Scholarship.
To apply, download the Science Scholarships application form, complete all sections, then return the form to the Scholarships Officer before the end of October in the year prior to commencing your studies.
Graduation requirements
To graduate students must satisfactorily complete 192 points (24 subjects). Students will graduate from the Bachelor of Environmental Science with one of the following awards according to their elected specialisation:
* Land and Water BEnvSci(Land&Water)
* Catchment Management BEnvSci(CatchMgt)
* Conservation and Management BEnvSci (Cons&Mgt)
Further study
Meritorious students may apply for acceptance into the Science Honours program.
Further postgraduate study
* Graduate Certificate in Applied Science
* Graduate Diploma of Applied Science
* Master of Applied Science
* Master of Environmental Management
* Doctor of Philosophy