Environmental Science

With human exploitation of the environment having taken a serious toll on the planet, environmental scientists are needed to solve issues related to land degradation, urban and regional development, pollution, loss of biodiversity, and the impacts of mining, oil and gas extraction and processing.

In this course you will undertake environmental research and develop expertise in zoology, botany, ecology, genetics, environmental management, sustainability and statistics.

You can select from a large range of specialisations to study. The four specialisations described below are those that best complement this degree. To see our full list of specialisations, visit curtin.edu/sae-special.

Agricultural Science

In this specialisation, you will gain the ideal combination of knowledge and skills for careers in natural resource management and related areas.

Chemistry

In this specialisation, you will study the advanced aspects of chemical science. You'll learn to use complex equipment and apply procedures to understand the science that underpins biochemistry and make, analyse and monitor chemicals in our environment.

Environmental Management

Effective monitoring, management and restoration of the natural environment are required to preserve and improve biodiversity. In this specialisation, you will gain the knowledge and skills to excel in environmental management.

Marine Science

In this specialisation you will study marine biology, oceanographic sciences, sustainable aquaculture and fisheries management, and gain the knowledge and skills required to understand, protect and manage marine environments.

This major sits within the Bachelor of Science (Science) degree. It can also be studied as part of the Bachelor of Advanced Science course. 

See our handbook for more course information.

Why study

Governments and a diversity of industries engage scientists to ensure they responsibly manage natural environments, adhere to strict environmental regulations, and restore and remediate degraded environments.

Curtin's Environmental Science teams are highly regarded in the international environmental community and have an excellent research reputation.

How this course will make you industry ready

In your final year you will conduct a significant research project in conjunction with academics engaged in environmental science research.

Student profile

View our student profile table to get an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students at Curtin University. This table provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and passed the census date in the most relevant recent intake period for which data are available. It includes those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

Professional recognition

Depending on the area of specialisation, graduates will be eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Biology, the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, the Australian Mathematics Society or the Australian Institute of Physics.

Career information

Careers

• Conservation scientist
• Environmental consultant
• Environmental scientist
• Mine restoration consultant
• Natural resource manager
• Remediated lands consultant

Industries

• Environmental
• Government policy and planning
• Research and development
• Urban and regional planning

Further study

• Bachelor of Science (Honours)
• Master of Science (Dryland Agricultural Systems)
• Master of Science (Water Quality and Treatment)
• Master of Philosophy
• Doctor of Philosophy

What you'll learn

• apply principles of the biological and physical sciences to theoretical and practical sciences to theoretical and practical environmental situations
• apply critical thinking, process skills, and the scientific method to generate innovative and sustainable solutions to environmental problems
• use a range of technologies to locate, extract and critically appraise existing scientific knowledge; use scientific knowledge to develop coherent and logical arguments
• communicate scientific information concisely and accurately using written, visual, and verbal means appropriate to the audience
• employ new and established technologies to collect and interpret scientific data; argue the merits and limitations of current and emerging technologies
• evaluate their own learning and development as a student, and develop strategies to take control of their own learning and development, and to continue to learn as a graduate
• consider environmental issues from a global perspective, recognising the importance of national and international standards for collecting and reporting data
• respect and recognise the responsibilities of professional scientists in society, both nationally and internationally; incorporate indigenous and other community perspectives in the development of solutions to environmental problems
• work independently and in teams to demonstrate employment-ready skills such as negotiation, leadership, professional behaviour and ethical practices

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