Science, Technology and Engineering

Environmental Geoscience

Undergraduate Course

The Bachelor of Science with a specialisation in Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary degree, based in the physical sciences, and addresses environmental problems related to air, water, land, and energy. The course provides a good grounding in chemistry, geology, soil sciences and physics, which, together with a biology component, give students a comprehensive understanding of the physical, biological and chemical processes that govern our natural world.

The course gives students the opportunity to:

• acquire a wide knowledge of the science, enabling the assessment and management of a range of environmental problems,
• gain the ability to critically assess scientific information and apply the results to real-world scenarios,
• develop their presentation skills (written and verbal)

The course focuses on teaching the science related to current environmental issues, including:

• air and water pollution
• land contamination and remediation
• waste disposal
• renewable energy sources
• soil degradation and salinisation
• the greenhouse effect and ozone depletion
• ecological conservation, management and rehabilitation

Course Structure

The first year of the course provides a broad background in the relevant areas of science (chemistry, geology, physics, mathematics and biology); in the second and third years particular topics are covered in more detail, including the chemical and physical basis of water, soil and air pollution/degradation.

For more detail on the course structure, including a list of possible electives at each year level, visit the Bachelor of Science with a specialisation in Environmental Science page in the 2008 University Handbook. You can also read more about specialist Environmental Science subjects.

Students can undertake the Bachelor of Science with a specialisation in Environmental Science as part of the Science Double Degree Program.

Practical Classes

Practical classes in various subjects draw on a range of current environmental issues such as contamination of local waterways, the effects of climate change and remediation of soil salinity. Students are encouraged to apply the scientific knowledge gained in a variety of real-world situations.

Field Trips

Field trips are an important component of a number of the subjects, giving students the opportunity to see how theories learnt in classes are applied in the environmental science industry.