ObjectivesThis degree program aims to produce high-quality graduates with the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills required for employment in fields related to environmental monitoring and management, and ecologically sustainable development. Students will develop a wide range of skills through a combination of theoretical and practical work, including applied problem-solving, communication and teamwork. The program combines the insights of the chemical/biological sciences with those of the humanities/social sciences and other disciplines.
Entry requirementsDomestic students - Prerequisites: Nil; Recommended study - English or a social science subject, and biological science or chemistry
Academic titleBachelor of Environmental Science
Course description
About Environmental Science
The environment in the broadest sense encompasses natural ecosystems such as rivers and their catchments, along with estuarine and marine habitats. It also includes urban and rural communities, and the workplace, including farms, mines and industrial facilities. The environment has become the focus of activities by communities, large corporations and industries, schools and all levels of government. Environmental scientists apply their knowledge to the monitoring and management of the natural environment, enabling us to lead sustainable lives. Students who choose this program will achieve a holistic understanding of the science of environmental processes and challenges and an ability to think systemically and systematically about natural resource management and social and economic development.
The first year provides a broad foundation in environmental studies as well as developing generic skills in the sciences and social sciences/humanities, emphasising the multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies. Subsequent years provide the opportunity for progressive specialisation. Considerable scope is allowed in the choice of electives such that students can develop a particular emphasis in science, humanities/social science, occupational health and safety, or in other fields. Bridging courses are available for students who do not have a strong background in biology, chemistry or mathematics, or who have been away from study for an extended period.
Career Opportunities
There are many career opportunities for graduates of the Bachelor of Environmental Science in fields related to ecologically sustainable development including both the human and natural environment. Employment exists with public and private sectors for example local catchment authorities, CSIRO, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Natural Resources and Water, GBRMPA, environmental consulting firms, local councils and mining companies.
Program Structure
To satisfy the requirements of the award, students must complete 24 courses/144 units of credit as outlined below:
* 12 core courses (72 units of credit);
* at least 1 core plan (36 units of credit); and
* up to 6 courses from any undergraduate program within the University (or an additional core plan - 36 units of credit).
Level 1 core courses
Course Code Course Name
ENVR11011 Fundamentals of Environmental Science
ENVR11012 Applications of Environmental Science
GEOG11023 Physical Geography of Australia
GEOG11024 Conservation in Australia
SOCL11055 Introduction to Sociology
SOCL11058 Science Technology and Society
Advanced core courses
BIOL12105 Biological Experimentation
ECON19031 Environmental Economics
EVST19007 Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
EVST19021 Thinking Systemically & Sustainably
GEOG19029 Applied Demography
LAWS11046 Law and the Environment
First year full-time enrolment
Course Code Course Name
Term 1
ENVR11011 Fundamentals of Environmental Science
GEOG11023 Physical Geography of Australia
SOCL11055 Introduction to Sociology
Elective
Term 2
ENVR11012 Applications of Environmental Science
GEOG11024 Conservation in Australia
SOCL11058 Science Technology and Society
Elective
GEOG11023 and GEOG11024 are not available on campus in Mackay. Students at Mackay will have to enrol in these courses externally.
First year part-time enrolment
Course Code Course Name
Term 1
ENVR11011 Fundamentals of Environmental Science
Either
GEOG11023 Physical Geography of Australia
OR
SOCL11055 Introduction to Sociology
Term 2
ENVR11012 Applications of Environmental Science
Either
GEOG11024 Conservation in Australia
OR
SOCL11058 Science Technology and Society
GEOG11023 and GEOG11024 are not available on campus in Mackay. Students at Mackay will have to enrol in these courses externally.
Core plans
Students must take at least one of the following plans (a plan is 36 units of credit from a discipline area, at least 4 courses or 24 units of credit must be at Advanced Level).
Water Management
Students are required to take 2 Level 1 and 4 Advanced Level courses:
Course Code Course Name
Level 1 courses
BIOL11099 Living Systems
BIOL11100 Functional Biology
Advanced courses
BOTN12010 Botany of Aquatic Environments
EVST12013 Water Quality Management
EVST13014 Aquatic Systems
MARN13007 Coastal Marine Resources
additional electives may be taken from:
CHEM11008 Essential Principles of Chemical Sciences
ZOOL12009 Invertebrate Zoology
AQUA12003 Aquaculture A
BIOL12050 Industrial Placement
CHEM11007 Introductory Concepts of Chemical Sciences
EVST19020 Environmental Management Systems
MBIO19003 Introductory Microbiology
Additional courses approved by the Environmental Science Program Director
Land Management
Course Code Course Name
Level 1 courses
BIOL11099 Living Systems
BIOL11100 Functional Biology
Advanced Level courses
BIOL13031 Ecology A
BOTN19001 Terrestrial Botany
BOTN13002 Plants and the Environment
PHYG12003 Geological Science
Additional electives may be taken from:
EVST19020 Environmental Management Systems
SOCL19060 Human Ecology
ZOOL19004 Insect Biology
Environmental Geography
Students must complete 6 Compulsory Advanced Level courses:
Course Code Course Name
GEOG19021 Geographic Information Systems
GEOG19022 Data Visualisation
EVST19008 Environmental Management
EVST19015 Australian Environmental History
EVST19020 Environmental Management Systems
EVST19022 Climate Change: Global Challenges and Opportunities
Additional electives may be chosen from the following
HUMT13006 Humanities Research Topic
OR
HUMT13007 Humanities Research Topic
* GEOG19021 and GEOG19022 are recommended for Year 2 of study.
* Students enrolling in geography courses will need access to a computer with Internet and email capabilities including a CD Rom. These requirements will vary among the geography courses. CQU student computer labs provide these types of PCs at CQU campuses, while the Queensland Learning Network can also provide access for distance education students in most parts of the state.
* EVST19020, HUMT13006 and HUMT13007 are recommended for Year 3 of study.
* Topics in HUMT13006 and HUMT13007 will be relevant to environmental geography.
Occupational Health and Safety
Students should choose 6 of the following courses:
Course Code Course Name
OCHS12001 Introductory Occupational Health and Safety
OCHS12005 Risk Management and Safety Technology CQ26
OCHS13010 Applied Worksite Analysis
OCHS13008 Human Factors CQ26
OCHS13016 Occupational Health, Hygiene and Toxicology
OCHS13011 Occupational Rehabilitation and Compensation
OR
OCHS12015 Law and Management of Occupational Health and Safety CQ26
Either OCHS13011 OR OCHS12015 but not both.
Environmental and Natural Resource Sociology
Course Code Course Name
Students are required to take the following 6 courses:
SOCL19057 Environmental Sociology
SOCL19060 Human Ecology
SOCL19062 Policy Power and Politics
SOCL19065 Rural Sociology and Social Services
SOCL19066 Community Analysis
SOCL19076 Social Sciences Research Topic-Single Semester
Note:
Students may select up to six other relevant courses from other CQU degree programs, or they may choose up to 6 additional electives from the above plans. Students may wish to consult the Environmental Science Program Coordinator before finalising their choices.