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.

After your first year of study you’ll 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 aquatic-to-terrestrial, desert and marine ecosystems.

Through Curtin’s leading role in the national Centre for Mine Site Restoration, this unique study stream can place you at the fore of the discipline and set you on the path to advanced training.

Genetics

Genetics and genomics have expanded rapidly in recent years and offer various career opportunities.

In this stream you will develop the practical and theoretical skills required to contribute to the field of genetics and microbiology. You’ll interact with several 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 will give 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. It can also be studied as part of the Bachelor of Advanced Science course. 

Double degree options
You can study a Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) with a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology).

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