About Environmental Science (BSc, BEnvSc)
This is an exciting time in human history. As a species we have finally grown up and recognised the need to clean up the environmental mess we’ve made and, hopefully, find ways to live that will protect and nurture the only planet we’ve got! Environmental Science is at the forefront of this vital work; so if you really do want to be part of the solution then this is the course and career for you.
As an Environmental Science student you’ll explore the interaction between people and the physical and biological environment to ensure the long-term development of self-sufficient stable ecosystems. You’ll develop an understanding of how the linkages between air, land, water, biota and human society is essential in managing and caring for the natural environment. With a strong emphasis on a scientific understanding of the environment at a systems level you will learn how to link this to natural resource management. From a core of environmental knowledge you’ll also be able to develop your own specialisation in specific areas that fascinate you as your studies progress.
What can I do with my Environmental Science degree?
As an Environmental Scientist you’ll be trained not only in the scientific approach to environmental management but with an excellent appreciation of the human factors involved in the formulation and implementation of environmental policy. This will make you an asset in both the private and public sectors, nationally and internationally. As an Environmental Science graduate you may wish to pursue a role as an Engineering and Natural Science Manager; Conservation Scientist/ Forester; Environmental Ecologist; Health Physicist; Environmental Protection Officer; Mining Engineer; Ecological Modeler; or, an Energy and Environmental Engineer.
Some of your potential employers may be the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO); Department of Environment and Conservation; Department of Environment and Heritage; Environmental Consultancies; Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID); UN International Environmental Technology Centre; or, mining and agricultural companies.
How to apply
Our entry requirements tool will help you find the most appropriate and quickest pathways to admission. The tool will take you through a couple of steps to help identify the best pathways for you based on your situation. Once you have chosen the most suitable pathway you will also be provided you with information on how to apply based on the criteria you are using for admission.
Domestic student applications:
All undergrad applications for Semester 1 2009 need to be submitted through TISC. If you would like to apply for this course you can now:
- Get your TISC help kit containing your course info, handy hints and advice to help make the application process even easier.
- Get advice on how to structure your TISC preferences to give yourself the best chance of getting into the course of your dreams.
International student applications:
If you would like to apply for this course you can now:
Course Details
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| Length of course |
3 (BSc) or 4 (BEnvSc) years full time study or part-time equivalent. Available internally and externally.
Please note that international students can only study full time.
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| International fee information |
$19,750 indicative annual fee |
| Location |
South Street Campus
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| Murdoch course code |
B1039 (BSc); B1038 (BEnvSc) |
| TISC code |
MUNBC (BSc) (3yr)
MUNKC (BEnvSc) (4yr)
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| TER cut off for 2008 |
BSc (3yr) 73.55 or country equivalent
BEnvSc (4yr) 70.30 or country equivalent
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| STAT score |
>145
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Link to handbook entry |
Recommended TEE subjects:
The following recommended subject will provide you with a useful background if you are interested in studying Environmental Science: Maths and Chemistry.
We don’t have prerequisite subjects for any of our courses as we are a strong promoter of a well rounded education. However, remember that you will also need to demonstrate competence in English, normally through passing either English or English Literature or by getting a sufficiently high score in ESL.
Course structure:
Year 1
Foundation Unit
All new first year students take a Foundation Unit. These are designed so you have some idea what’s going on, because, let’s face it, you’ve never been to uni before!
Core Units
You must take these units for a particular major to gain a specialisation in this area.
- Environmental Biology
- Introduction to Environmental Science
- Statistical Data Analysis and Data bases
- Chemistry for Environmental Science
General Electives
You must take these units to have enough units to graduate. General Electives give you the flexibility to learn from a variety of different areas. Select three units offered by the University, subject to individual unit prerequisites.
Suggested double majors
To take a double major, students simply take the core units from another major in place of their general elective units. Further details on double majors are available in the Prospectus. Some recommended double majors are:
- Biological Science;
- Conservation & Wildlife Biology; or
- Marine Science.
What are my career options?
As a Murdoch Environmental Science graduate, your employment outlook is bright, especially if you combine it with other disciplines. Depending on which skill combinations or specialisations you have, your Murdoch degree may lead you towards work and study opportunities in a number of areas. The following are some professions to consider, including extra majors that will improve your prospects of achieving them.
| Professions |
What they do |
Suggested double majors |
| Engineering and Natural Science Manager |
Engineering and Natural Sciences Managers plan, coordinate, and direct research, design, and production activities. They may supervise engineers, scientists, and technicians, along with support personnel. These managers use their knowledge of engineering and natural sciences to oversee a variety of activities. |
Engineering
Environmental Restoration / Management / Technology
Extractive Metallurgy
Management |
| Conservation Scientist / Forester |
Conservation Scientists manage, improve, and protect the country’s natural resources. They work with the landowners and Federal, State, and local governments to devise ways to use and improve the land without damaging the environment. Although Conservation Scientists mainly advise farmers, farm managers, and ranchers on ways they can improve their land for agricultural purposes and to control erosion, a growing number are advising landowners and governments on recreational uses for the land.Foresters consider the economics as well as the environmental impact on natural resources. To do this, they determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. Foresters must balance the desire to conserve forested ecosystems for future generations with the need to use forest resources for recreational or economic purposes. |
Environmental Restoration
Conservations and Wildlife Biology
Sustainable Development |
| Environmental Ecologist |
Environmental Ecologists study the relationships between organisms and their environments and the effects of influences such as population size, pollutants, rainfall, temperature, and altitude. Utilizing their knowledge of various scientific disciplines, they may collect, study, and report data on air, food, soil, and water. |
Sustainable Development
Environmental Restoration / Technology
Public Policy and Management |
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