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Bachelor of Environmental Science

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    View in availability

  • Duration

    3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

  • Location

    View in availability
    Online students attend compulsory residential workshops at Lismore campus.

  • Placements

    NA

  • Course abbreviation

    BEnvSc

  • Course code

    3004100

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

The Bachelor of Environmental Science produces graduates who can manage the environment for future generations and focuses on building scientific knowledge and practical skills in land, water, and flora and fauna conservation.

As well as lectures and tutorials, students undertake classes in the School’s scientific laboratories equipped with advanced analytical equipment.

Field trips feature in many units offered in this course, enabling students to gain first-hand knowledge and a range of hands-on skills in many differing environments. The University is located near a variety of unique study environments, including significant wetlands and estuaries, forests, coastal and inland national parks, and urban and rural development. 

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

Demonstrate skills of critical analysis, and application of scientific methods in environmental science and management/Make decisions and exercise informed judgement in relation to environmental science and management.

Creativity

Demonstrate imagination, initiative and enterprise in problem-solving/Respond creatively to intellectual, professional, environmental and social challenges.

Ethical practice

Evaluate issues with reference to sound ethical frameworks and sustainability/Demonstrate well developed judgement on principles of social justice and professional standards.

Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of environmental science and management/Apply disciplinary knowledge and skills in professional and community settings/Demonstrate in-depth knowledge in one or more disciplines, or areas of practice.

Lifelong learning

Demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in self-managed learning /Critically reflect on practice /Demonstrate information literacy skills.

Communication and social skills

Communicate clearly and coherently knowledge and ideas in environmental science and management contexts/Collaborate effectively on personal, scholarly, and professional terms.

Cultural competence

Demonstrate awareness and respect for cultural diversity and the relationship between people and their environment.

Students can complete an eight-week professional placement to gain industry experience. Interns can work with organisations across the environmental science spectrum including local, state or federal government agencies; private consultancies; or business enterprises in Australia or overseas.

  • Coastal Management provides insights into processes that affect our use of the coastal zone. Students explore the impact of climate change, land use planning, protected area management, economics, and people in the coastal environment.
  • Environmental Resource Management focuses on conducting wildlife surveys, conserve fauna and flora and rehabilitating degraded land for future generations.
  • Fisheries and Aquaculture Management integrates fisheries biology, stock management, habitat protection, and aquaculture studies with environmental management. Students focus on developing strategies to maintain a sustainable fishery/ aquaculture enterprise. Some third year subjects for this major will be taught as intensive residential courses at the National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour.
  • Waste and Resource Recovery develops multidisciplinary skills that will support their innovation in providing solutions for dealing with waste and waste minimisation, now and in the future. 

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Lismore Session 1 , Session 2 334100 054001
Online Session 1 , Session 2 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Course requirements

  1. To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Environmental Science a candidate shall successfully complete not less than twenty-four (24) units (288 credit points) comprising:
    1. all units listed in Part A; and
    2. one major from Part B; and
    3. elective units, which may include units from Parts B and C.
  2. A candidate who, while enrolled for a Bachelor of Environmental Science:
    1. has successfully completed eight (8) units from Part A, with no more than four (4) units awarded as Advanced Standing may elect to be awarded the Diploma of Environmental Science following withdrawal from candidature for the Bachelor Degree; or
    2. has successfully completed eight (8) units from Part A and eight (8) units from Part B and/or Part C, with no more than eight (8) units awarded as Advanced Standing may elect to be awarded the Associate Degree of Environmental Science following withdrawal from candidature for the Bachelor Degree.

Entry requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

Language requirements

  1. To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Environmental Science a candidate shall successfully complete not less than twenty-four (24) units (288 credit points) comprising:
    1. all units listed in Part A; and
    2. one major from Part B; and
    3. elective units, which may include units from Parts B and C.
  2. A candidate who, while enrolled for a Bachelor of Environmental Science:
    1. has successfully completed eight (8) units from Part A, with no more than four (4) units awarded as Advanced Standing may elect to be awarded the Diploma of Environmental Science following withdrawal from candidature for the Bachelor Degree; or
    2. has successfully completed eight (8) units from Part A and eight (8) units from Part B and/or Part C, with no more than eight (8) units awarded as Advanced Standing may elect to be awarded the Associate Degree of Environmental Science following withdrawal from candidature for the Bachelor Degree.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Most units studied by Distance Education will have a compulsory residential component.
Session 1, Year 1
BIO00201 -  Biology Introductory Note 1
BIO10187 -  Global Environmental Issues Introductory Note 1
GLY00201 -  Earth Systems I: The Lithosphere Introductory Note 1
SUR00201 -  Environmental Mapping Introductory Note 1
Session 2, Year 1
ENS00203 -  Earth Systems II: The Hydrosphere Introductory Note 1
MAT00211 -  Environmental Information Analysis Introductory
CHE00201 -  Chemistry Introductory Note 1
BIO00202 -  Ecology Introductory Note 1
Exit Point: Diploma of Environmental Science
Session 1, Year 2
AGR00214 -  Soil Processes Intermediate Note 1
BIO00213 -  Plant Identification and Conservation Intermediate Note 1
2 elective units offered by the School of Environment, Science and Engineering
Session 2, Year 2
AGR00215 -  Water and Catchment Management Advanced Note 1
BIO00212 -  Wildlife Conservation Intermediate Note 1
AGT00217 -  Land Degradation and Rehabilitation Advanced Note 1
1 elective unit offered by the School of Environment, Science and Engineering
Exit Point: Associate Degree of Environmental Science
Session 1, Year 3
4 elective units offered by the School of Environment, Science and Engineering
Session 2, Year 3
ENG30012 -  Water and Wastewater Engineering Advanced Note 1
SCI00211 -  Integrated Project Advanced Note 3
1 elective unit offered by the School of Environment, Science and Engineering

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Most units studied by Distance Education will have a compulsory residential component.
Session 1, Year 1
BIO00201 -  Biology Introductory Note 1
BIO10187 -  Global Environmental Issues Introductory Note 1
GLY00201 -  Earth Systems I: The Lithosphere Introductory Note 1
SUR00201 -  Environmental Mapping Introductory Note 1
Session 2, Year 1
ENS00203 -  Earth Systems II: The Hydrosphere Introductory Note 1
MAT00211 -  Environmental Information Analysis Introductory
CHE00201 -  Chemistry Introductory Note 1
BIO00202 -  Ecology Introductory Note 1
Exit Point: Diploma of Environmental Science
Session 1, Year 2
BIO01204 -  Wetland Ecosystems Intermediate Note 1
BIO00232 -  Coastal Marine Ecosystems Intermediate Note 1
2 elective units offered by the School of Environment, Science and Engineering
Session 2, Year 2
BIO00105 -  Fisheries Biology Advanced Note 1
BIO01209 -  Aquaculture Management Intermediate Note 1
ENV10656 -  Extension and Professional Practice in Natural Resource Management Advanced Note 1
1 elective unit offered by the School of Environment, Science and Engineering
Session 1, Year 3
BIO00233 -  Fisheries Management Advanced
3 elective units offered by the School of Environment, Science and Engineering
Session 2, Year 3
SCI00211 -  Integrated Project Advanced Note 3
2 elective units offered by the School of Environment, Science and Engineering

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Most units studied by Distance Education will have a compulsory residential component.
Session 1, Year 1
BIO00201 -  Biology Introductory Note 1
BIO10187 -  Global Environmental Issues Introductory Note 1
GLY00201 -  Earth Systems I: The Lithosphere Introductory Note 1
SUR00201 -  Environmental Mapping Introductory Note 1
Session 2, Year 1
ENS00203 -  Earth Systems II: The Hydrosphere Introductory Note 1
MAT00211 -  Environmental Information Analysis Introductory
CHE00201 -  Chemistry Introductory Note 1
BIO00202 -  Ecology Introductory Note 1
Exit Point: Diploma of Environmental Science
Session 1, Year 2
BIO00232 -  Coastal Marine Ecosystems Intermediate Note 1
BIO00213 -  Plant Identification and Conservation Intermediate Note 1
2 elective units offered by the School of Environment, Science & Engineering
Session 2, Year 2
BIO01230 -  Principles of Coastal Resource Management Advanced
ENV10656 -  Extension and Professional Practice in Natural Resource Management Advanced Note 1
PLN10001 -  Rural and Regional Planning Introductory Note 1
1 elective unit offered by the School of Environment, Science & Engineering
Exit Point: Associate Degree of Environmental Science
Session 1, Year 3
4 elective units offered by the School of Environment, Science & Engineering
Session 2 Year 3
BIO00244 -  Protected Area Management Advanced Note 4
SCI00211 -  Integrated Project Advanced Note 3
1 elective unit offered by the School of Environment, Science & Engineering

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Most units studied by Distance Education will have a compulsory residential component.
Session 1, Year 1
BIO00201 -  Biology Introductory Note 1
BIO10187 -  Global Environmental Issues Introductory Note 1
GLY00201 -  Earth Systems I: The Lithosphere Introductory Note 1
SUR00201 -  Environmental Mapping Introductory Note 1
Session 2, Year 1
ENS00203 -  Earth Systems II: The Hydrosphere Introductory Note 1
MAT00211 -  Environmental Information Analysis Introductory
CHE00201 -  Chemistry Introductory Note 1
BIO00202 -  Ecology Introductory Note 1
Exit Point: Diploma of Environmental Science
Session 1, Year 2
CHE00073 -  Environmental Chemistry Intermediate Note 1, Note 5
PLN20005 -  Community Engagement Intermediate Note 1
2 elective units offered by the School of Environment, Science and Engineering
Session 2, Year 2
ENS00218 -  Waste Technology Intermediate Note 1, Note 5
ENO72001 -  Policy and Legislation for Waste Management Intermediate Note 1
ENV00224 -  Internship Study OR 2 elective units offered by the School of Environment, Science and Engineering Advanced Note 2
Exit Point: Associate Degree of Environmental Science
Session 1, Year 3
CHE73005 -  Hazardous Waste and Leachates Advanced Note 1
ENO73001 -  Resource Recovery - Chemical and Engineering Solutions Advanced Note 1
2 elective units offered by the School of Environment, Science and Engineering
Session 2, Year 3
ENO73005 -  Social and Economic Perspectives in Resource Recovery Advanced
ENG30012 -  Water and Wastewater Engineering Advanced Note 1
SCI00211 -  Integrated Project OR ENV00224 -  Internship Study OR
2 elective units offered by the School of Environment, Science and Engineering 		Advanced Note 2

Note 1:

Compulsory Residential for External Students

Note 2:

ENV00224 and SCI00211 are both double-weighted units

Note 3:

Double-weighted unit

Note 4:

Intensive mode with field camp

Note 5:

This unit is a pre-requisite for an Advanced Core unit in the Waste Management and Resource Recovery major.

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Part A
BIO00201 Biology Introductory
BIO00202 Ecology Introductory
BIO10187 Global Environmental Issues Introductory
CHE00201 Chemistry Introductory
MAT00211 Environmental Information Analysis Introductory
SUR00201 Environmental Mapping Introductory
GLY00201 Earth Systems I: The Lithosphere Introductory
ENS00203 Earth Systems II: The Hydrosphere Introductory

Part B

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
BIO00213 Plant Identification and Conservation Intermediate
BIO00232 Coastal Marine Ecosystems Intermediate
BIO00244 Protected Area Management Advanced
BIO01230 Principles of Coastal Resource Management Advanced
ENV10656 Extension and Professional Practice in Natural Resource Management Advanced
SCI00211 Integrated Project Advanced Note 2
PLN10001 Rural and Regional Planning Introductory

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
AGR00214 Soil Processes Intermediate
AGR00215 Water and Catchment Management Advanced
AGT00217 Land Degradation and Rehabilitation Advanced
BIO00212 Wildlife Conservation Intermediate
BIO00213 Plant Identification and Conservation Intermediate
SCI00211 Integrated Project Advanced Note 2
ENG30012 Water and Wastewater Engineering Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
BIO00105 Fisheries Biology Advanced
BIO00232 Coastal Marine Ecosystems Intermediate
BIO00233 Fisheries Management Advanced
BIO01204 Wetland Ecosystems Intermediate
BIO01209 Aquaculture Management Intermediate
ENV10656 Extension and Professional Practice in Natural Resource Management Advanced
SCI00211 Integrated Project Advanced Note 2

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
PLN20005 Community Engagement Intermediate
ENG30012 Water and Wastewater Engineering Advanced Note 1
CHE73005 Hazardous Waste and Leachates Advanced Note 1
ENO73001 Resource Recovery - Chemical and Engineering Solutions Advanced Note 1
ENO73005 Social and Economic Perspectives in Resource Recovery Advanced
ENO72001 Policy and Legislation for Waste Management Intermediate
Select one of the following
SCI00211 Integrated Project Advanced Note 2
ENV00224 Internship Study Advanced Note 2

Part C

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
CHE00073 Environmental Chemistry Intermediate
ECO00202 Ecological and Environmental Economics for Sustainable Development Intermediate
FOR00100 Fire Ecology and Management Intermediate
FOR00101 Plant Physiology and Ecology Intermediate
FOR00110 Natural Resources Policy Intermediate
GLY00223 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Intermediate
BIO72020 Genetics Intermediate
GLY00232 Coastal Biogeochemistry Intermediate
ISY01224 Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis Intermediate
ENV00224 Internship Study Advanced Note 2
BIO10185 Marine Mammals: Biology and Conservation Advanced
FOR00109 Forest Modelling and Management Advanced
ENV10655 Coastlines - Diversity, Dynamics and Risks Intermediate
EDU01290 Outdoor Education I Introductory
GLY20001 Environmental Analysis: Solids Intermediate
ENS00218 Waste Technology Intermediate
ENV00207 Environmental Planning Intermediate
ENG20005 Hydrology Intermediate
AGR00214 Soil Processes Intermediate
AGR00215 Water and Catchment Management Advanced
AGT00217 Land Degradation and Rehabilitation Advanced
MNG10253 Sustainable Business Management Advanced
SCI00211 Integrated Project Advanced
GLY30001 Contamination Assessment and Remediation Advanced
BIO10121 Successful Sampling Advanced
BIO10125 Sustainable Use of the Marine Environment Advanced
BIO10126 Marine Pollution Advanced
BIO10124 Ocean Change Biology Advanced