Environmental Science

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

In this major, you will undertake environmental research and develop your expertise in zoology, botany, ecology, genetics, environmental management, sustainability and statistics to help you meet these challenges.

You will study a common first year and then specialise in one of the following streams:

Wildlife Biology

Conservation and management of wildlife is increasingly important in the protection of global biodiversity.

This stream provides the knowledge and skills needed to work with wildlife, with a focus on Australia’s unique fauna. It provides you with opportunities to work towards research programs with leading wildlife biologists.

Restoration

Restoration is an AUD$2 trillion global enterprise encompassing marine, aquatic- to-terrestrial and desert ecosystems.

This unique study stream places you at the forefront of this discipline and sets you on the path to advanced training through the Curtin Centre for Mine Site Restoration.

Genetics

Genetics and genomics have expanded rapidly in recent years and offer a number of career opportunities.

This stream will help you develop the practical and theoretical skills required to contribute to the field of genetics and microbiology. You will interact with a number of research teams that use genetic or bioinformatic approaches in the environmental and agricultural disciplines.

Environmental Chemistry

There is an increasing need to understand and manage the adverse effects of contaminants on the environment.

This stream gives you the chemical and toxicological skills necessary to evaluate degraded environments and implement strategies to restore environmental health.

This major sits within the Bachelor of Science (Science) degree. To apply for this major, you will apply for the Bachelor of Science (Science). 

Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information. 

This major can also be studied as part of the Bachelor of Advanced Science course.

Why study

• Our science departments are highly regarded in the international environmental community and renowned for their excellent research reputation.
• Students in their final year conduct a significant research project in conjunction with academics involved in research.

How this course will make you industry ready

As the human population grows, it takes work to keep the natural environment safe. Businesses and governments hire scientists to make sure they effectively manage natural environments, follow strict environmental laws, and restore and remediate degraded environments.

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 major 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 (Sustainability Management)
• 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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