Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Science)

Overview

• Specialise in earth surface systems, environmental chemistry in air, water and soil, and environmental system modelling
• Learn through a combination of theoretical, practical and field classes
• Prepares you for a career in planning, management, monitoring or research, working with government departments and agencies, local councils, consultancies, and industrial and mining companies
• Graduate eligible for membership of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand and the Ecological Society of Australia

Details

We rely on our natural environment to sustain our lives and our lifestyles. Do you want to help the earth’s natural environment to maintain its integrity while continuing our urban and rural development? Have you wanted to be part of the solution to our increasing environmental issues such as climate change, air, water and soil quality, soil erosion, dry land salinity or water resources? 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.
The 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.

Why choose this course?

The environmental science course at QUT is designed to provide hands-on practical skills and field experiences using real-world industry examples and methods to allow you to pursue a variety of careers as an environmental scientist. The program has particular strengths in the areas of land resources, hydrogeology, environmental geology, biogeochemistry, geographic information systems and field mapping, systems modelling and sustainable management.
The program also emphasises practical skills and experience, including day-long and extended field trips. You will learn from guest lecturers from relevant government agencies, industry and QUT staff who regularly provide advice for industry, government and community groups.

Career 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; waste disposal; pollution measurement and control; coastal protection; environmental impact of mining, tourism and urban development; rehabilitation and reforestation of degraded sites; ground water assessment and modelling; flood plain planning; erosion control; and marine science.

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.

Units

Year 1
You will undertake introductory core studies in a range of scientific areas including life sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics and environmental science to give you a solid foundation for your future studies. You will be provided with a good introduction to environmental science issues and scientific problem solving as well as a basic knowledge about the natural systems that exist on plant earth and the way these systems interact. Following these introductory studies you should be in a position to confirm your choice of major area of study.

Year 2
You will learn fundamental concepts and gain practical experience in understanding and investigating earth surface systems and processes both in the laboratory and in the field. At the same time, you will be introduced to the design of field and laboratory experiments and you will have the option to pursue a more ecologically or geologically oriented direction. You will then be introduced to elements of environmental chemistry in air, water and soil, including a number of field trips.

Year 3
You will receive more advanced training in the essential areas of environmental systems and how we can model them, and you will survey and map natural resources during field trips. You will be introduced to the use of spatial science to assess and map environmental systems using geographic information systems and remote sensing. Case studies and problem-solving methods are used to introduce you to a wide variety of issues in sustainable management.

Entry requirements

Minimum academic requirements

Did you complete secondary school in Australia?

Course fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. All fees are based on current fixed fee prices. We review fees annually.

Scholarships and financial support

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

View all scholarships