The program centres on the understanding of environmental processes, biotic and abiotic, and the way in which they can be analysed, monitored, predicted and managed. Human impact is placed in the context of the processes that occur in the physical and biological environment. In addition to scientific contexts, students examine the legal, political and social aspects of environmental management, and develop skills in systems analysis and planning. This enables the environmental scientist to contribute rigorous analyses to environmental decision making and management.

The first three years of the program provide a comprehensive coverage of the relevant sciences, legislation and management. The fourth year is the Honours year that focuses on the application of these principles. Students are able to complete a substantial research project in either an environmental impact assessment or an environmental audit. During the Honours years, students often perform field-based research to gain experience in environmental research. For more information on what you can study in each major, please visit the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) Study Planner.

Graduates from this program find employment in departments of state and federal government, the corporate sector, universities, in industrial organisations, or in commercial consultancies dealing with environmental monitoring, impact assessment and environmental management. Monitoring work may be associated with licence compliance requirements or initiatives such as green production or greenhouse challenge policies. Graduates are likely to be engaged on environmental impact studies for urban, industrial and rural development of animal feedlots, abattoirs, mining and mineral processing operations, industrial developments, facilities in or bordering on national parks, or residential or agricultural developments adjacent to areas of environmental value.

For more information on program requirements, please contact the Faculty.