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QUT (Queensland University of Technology)

  • 17% international / 83% domestic

Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)

  • Bachelor

Develop the skills to undertake environmental planning and management, and tackle global issues such as climate change and wildlife conservation.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Duration
3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Course Code
418011, 077696D
Study Mode
In person
Intake Months
Feb, Jul
ATAR
70

About this course

Highlights
  • Be part of the solution to our increasing environmental issues including climate change, air, water and soil quality and water resources.
  • Study in the areas of land resources, hydrogeology, environmental geology, biogeochemistry, geographic information systems and field mapping, systems modelling and sustainable management.
  • Learn through a combination of theoretical, practical and field classes, using real-world industry examples and methods.
  • Attend guest lectures by relevant government agencies, industry and QUT staff who advise industry, government and community groups.
  • Prepare for a career in planning, management, monitoring or research in government departments and agencies, local councils, consultancies, and industrial and mining companies.
  • Study our new Climate Science minor to develop an in-depth understanding of climate change, alternative energy technologies, Earth's natural global change, marine environments, cloud formation, and much more.
Highlights
  • Be part of the solution to our increasing environmental issues including climate change, air, water and soil quality and water resources.
  • Study in the areas of land resources, hydrogeology, environmental geology, biogeochemistry, geographic information systems and field mapping, systems modelling and sustainable management.
  • Learn through a combination of theoretical, practical and field classes, using real-world industry examples and methods.
  • Attend guest lectures by relevant government agencies, industry and QUT staff who advise industry, government and community groups.
  • Prepare for a career in planning, management, monitoring or research in government departments and agencies, local councils, consultancies, and industrial and mining companies.
  • Study our new Climate Science minor to develop an in-depth understanding of climate change, alternative energy technologies, Earth's natural global change, marine environments, cloud formation, and much more.

Entry requirements

Year 12 early offer scheme

If you're a current Queensland Year 12 student you may be eligible to receive an offer for this course on the last day of Queensland Year 12 before receiving your ATAR or selection rank.

Find out more about the QUT Year 12 Early Offer Scheme

Helping you to get into your course

If you don't think your ATAR or selection rank is high enough to get into this course you can guarantee your entry with guaranteed advanced standing by upgrading through one the following programs which you can select as one of your QTAC preferences:

Dual TAFE-Qld Brisbane/QUT award

If you enrol in a QTAC offer in the following dual TAFE-Qld Brisbane/QUT award you will automatically receive a QUT conditional offer in June after your enrolment at TAFE-Qld Brisbane is confirmed.

Upon completion of the TAFE-Qld diploma you will be able to enrol at QUT. You will also automatically receive half a year (48 credit points) credit transfer and be able to complete the degree in 2.5 years as a full-time student (or equivalent part-time). More details will be provided in your QUT conditional offer letter.

Study locations

Gardens Point

What you will learn

We rely on our natural environment to sustain our lives and our lifestyles. We continually need to improve our understanding and management of the natural environment to balance our development with wise management while minimising impacts and degradation.

An understanding of the mechanisms controlling environmental systems provides the skills required to undertake a great range of scientific environmental planning and management and tackle problems such as local water quality and ecosystem impacts soil erosion catchment and groundwater use or adaptation to global climate change.

You will experience some of the most advanced laboratories and field work opportunities in Australia and be taught by staff who are at the top of their research fields internationally. You will also stay in touch with the real world as guest lectures site visits and opportunities for work integrated learning bring a strong industry flavour to the degree.

Career pathways

Careers and outcomes

Environmental scientists are continually needed in a wide variety of planning management monitoring and research careers. These roles are usually found in government departments and agencies local councils consultancy and industrial and mining companies. As an environmental science graduate you could be working in urban rural or remote settings depending on your interests.

Graduates are equipped to assess resources implement environmental impact programs analyse and interpret environmental data and formulate contingency plans in a wide variety of areas. These include strategic land use planning; pollution measurement and control; coastal protection; environmental impact of mining forestry agriculture tourism and urban development; rehabilitation and reforestation of degraded sites; natural resource management (ground water soil vegetation) and modeling.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand and a variety of other scientific societies including the Soil Science Society of Australia and the Ecological Society of Australia.

Other study options
Possible careers
  • Agronomist
  • Biologist
  • Coastal scientist
  • Conservation biologist
  • Cytologist
  • Ecologist
  • Environmental health officer
  • Environmental scientist
  • Environmental manager
  • Government officer
  • Laboratory assistant
  • Mapping scientist/photogrammetrist
  • Marine scientist
  • Policy officer
  • Policy analyst
  • Population ecologist
  • Project manager

Course structure

Faculty core units

These seven units give you an introduction to the principles of science. The inquiry based experimental science units will give you the opportunity to learn by enquiry and become familiar with the methods of scientific inquiry.

From your very first semester you will collaborate with your peers and teaching staff in QUT's exciting new learning environments. You will explore real-world problems from multiple scientific perspectives and learn the tools of the trade. Depending on your choices you may find yourself out in the field working in the laboratory or learning about the impact of scientific discovery on people policy industry and the planet.

Working with data you have collected you'll study how to apply fundamental methods of scientific practice perform scientific analysis and learn the tools to present your findings. You'll have the opportunity to explore and discover the range of career and professional outcomes available to you so you can gain the most from your unit selection and the flexibility the Bachelor of Science has to offer.

Primary major

Your major is your main area of study for what you aspire to become professionally. You will receive in-depth knowledge and expertise within your chosen scientific discipline preparing you for entry into the workforce or further study. Your primary major comprises 11 units.

Complementary study areas

This is where you make the degree your own tailoring your studies to further match your individual career goals with a wide range of complementary study options available. You'll have the opportunity to develop sought-after professional skills deepen your understanding of your major discipline pursue an interest from across the university or broaden your scientific understanding. You can even work with industry or study overseas to gain credit towards your degree.

You can choose: a second major (eight units); or an extended minor (four units) or breadth minor (four units) plus either a faculty minor (four units) or breadth minor (four units).

Second major (eight units)

Choose a second area of study to complement your major and develop a significant depth of knowledge and skills in two discipline areas. Experience another field learn another academic methodology and experience interdisciplinary networking.

Choose a second science discipline (biological sciences chemistry earth science or physics) or explore different perspectives which might include:

  • computational and simulation science
  • human biomolecular sciences
  • innovation and entrepreneurship or
  • sustainable environments for health

Minor (four units)

You might prefer to expand the breadth and depth of your studies by adding to your chosen science major with two minors. Minors include:

Extension minor (four units)

Gain further insights and depth in your primary area of study. Intensify your chosen major to develop additional knowledge skills and experience for your career in science.

Breadth minor (four units)

Broaden your studies to include minors from the list of science majors second majors or from the list of university-wide minors.