Bachelor of Environmental Science

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Environmental Science prepares graduates for employment in the wide variety of disciplines within the area of environmental management.

You can make a difference in environmental management. Management of our natural environment is the single greatest challenge of the future. The need for new ideas and fresh management approaches has never been greater. You can be part of the solution to the world's environmental problems.

Over the past few years, the environment has been raised higher and higher on the political agenda, both nationally and internationally. This increased environmental awareness has led to unprecedented growth in employment in the wide variety of disciplines covered by environmental management.

What will I learn?

The course focuses strongly on field instruction and real-world situations. Studies in ecology, wildlife management, vegetation management and the earth sciences are complemented by studies of the human dimension in order to understand your role in conserving and protecting the natural environment, because you can't manage the environment if you can't manage people. For this reason, a major focus of the degree is learning how to apply the scientific knowledge to real-world situations that involve people.

Different specialisations allow students to focus on areas of particular interest after their first year of study. The following specialisations are available:

  • Land and Water
  • Catchment Management
  • Ecological Conservation 

Note: CSU's Bachelor of Environmental Science is only available by distance education.
For on campus study at CSU's internationally recognised sustainable Albury-Wodonga Campus, applicants should refer to the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management.

Learning facilities

To make sure you are experienced using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include:

  • a range of field-based equipment and software relevant to undertaking field study exercises
  • fully equipped laboratory facilities
  • a library that covers a broad range of natural and cultural management literature.

Your course is recognised by industry

The course is recognised by every environmental management agency in Australia.

Residential school

Students usually study two subjects per session. Some subjects have a compulsory residential school of two to four days duration.

Campus

Albury-Wodonga

Duration

6 years distance education

Graduation requirements

To graduate students must satisfactorily complete 192 points (24 subjects). Students will graduate from the Bachelor of Environmental Science with one of the following awards according to their elected specialisation:

  • Land and Water BEnvSci(Land&Water)
  • Catchment Management BEnvSci(CatchMgt)
  • Conservation and Management BEnvSci (Cons&Mgt)

Course structure

More information about subjects and course structure.

Career opportunities

Ready to make a real difference to the world? Discover more about where this course could take you.

Workplace learning

Refer to the workplace learning information for further requirements associated with studying this course.

Cost of study

When weighing up the costs of study, consider the benefits of having the qualification you need to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Career opportunities

Land and Water specialisation

Land and water management are the biggest issues facing Australia as a whole. With climate change, increased competition for resources and declining biodiversity, the Land and Water specialisation provides graduates with extensive skills in river restoration and management, water resource management and soil analysis. Additionally, a solid grounding in the highly sought after skill of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provides graduates with a unique opportunity to apply their skills in a wide range of employment possibilities.

Catchment Management specialisation

This specialisation combines a strong grounding in Australia's fauna and flora, climate, soils and landscapes with an understanding of Australia's unique agricultural environment. Agriculture is the biggest land and water user in Australia and to be best able to contribute to the successful operation of agriculture on a catchment scale, while at the same time minimising impacts on the flora, fauna and water resources of the country an appreciation and understanding of the agricultural industry is essential.

Catchment Management agencies across the country are seeking graduates with more than just an understanding of the natural environment, and more than graduates with just an agricultural science degree. The complex nature of issues on a catchment scale requires both. Graduates are therefore sought after by industries seeking this combination of skills and can find employment in Catchment Management Authorities, Landcare organisations, Government Natural Resource Management agencies and many other areas.

Conservation and Management specialisation

With a strong grounding in Australia's fauna and flora, climate, soils and landscapes through studies in the classroom and field, graduates enjoy a wide range of employment opportunities. In particular, graduates are sought after to provide the knowledge necessary for conservation and restoration of Australia's unique ecosystems.

The course is of 192 points duration, comprising 88 points of core subjects, a specialisation sequence of 96 points, and one elective subject (8 points).

Core subjects (88 points)
BIO100 Concepts of Biology
BIO112 Principles of Ecology
BIO263 Methods for Environmental Data Analysis
GEO164 Earth System Processes
GEO204 Soils and Landscapes
ENM109 Workplace Preparation
ENM163 Natural Resource Management
ENM309 Environmental Management - Administration and Practice
ENM101 People and the Environment
SCI200 Introduction to Spatial Science and Data Visualisation
SPA115 Principles of GIS

Specialisation subjects (96 points)

Ecological Conservation Specialisation
BIO216 Conservation Biology
BIO262 Vegetation Ecology
BIO323 River and Floodplain Ecology
BIO326 Vegetation and Disturbance Management (16 points)
BIO327 Wildlife Ecology and Management (16 points)
ENM422 Environmental Impact Assessment and Auditing
GEO360 Catchment Management through Community Development
PKM301 Principles of Indigenous Land Management
PKM307 Environmental Planning
SPA406 GIS Applications

Land and Water Specialisation
BIO203 Animal Systematics
BIO312 Landscape Ecology
BIO323 River and Floodplain Ecology
BIO328 Restoration Ecology
CHM108 Chemical Fundamentals
ENM422 Environmental Impact Assessment and Auditing
GEO314 River Hydrology & Geomorphology
HRT202 Plant Taxonomy & Systematics
SPA412 Integrated GIS/Remote sensing
PSC420 Water Policy and Management
SPA405 Image Analysis
SPA406 GIS Applications

Catchment Management Specialisation
AGR220 Extension
AHT404 Climate Change Impacts, Mitigation and adapation
AHT401 Agroecosystems & Human Values
BIO402 River Restoration and Protection
BIO262 Vegetation Ecology
BIO323 River and Floodplain Ecology
BIO326 Vegetation and Disturbance Management (16 points)
GEO314 River Hydrology & Geomorphology
GEO360 Catchment Management through Community Development
PSC420 Water Policy and Management
SPA406 GIS Applications

Enrolment pattern

Normally Six year by Part-time Distance Education
Note students may be able to decrease the length of time it takes to do the degree by taking some of the limited number of subjects that are available in Session 3 (90).

Ecological Conservation Specialisation - by Part-time Distance Education Study
Year 1
Session 1 (30)
BIO100 Concepts of Biology
ENM109 Workplace Preparation
Session 2 (60)
BIO112 Principles of Ecology
SCI200 Introduction to Spatial Science and Data Visualisation
Session 3 (90)
It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. The school offers a limited number of biology (BIO), park management (PKM) and environmental management (ENM) subjects during this time. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

Year 2
Session 1 (30)
ENM101 People and the Environment
GEO164 Earth System Processes
Session 2 (60)
BIO262 Vegetation Ecology
ENM163 Natural Resource Management
Session 3 (90)
It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. The school offers a limited number of biology (BIO), park management (PKM) and environmental management (ENM) subjects during this time. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

Year 3
Session 1 (30)
BIO263 Methods for Environmental Data Analysis
SPA115 Principles of GIS
Session 2 (60)
PKM301 Principles of Indigenous Land Management
SPA406 GIS Applications
Session 3 (90)
It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. The school offers a limited number of biology (BIO), park management (PKM) and environmental management (ENM) subjects during this time. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

Year 4
Session 1 (30)
BIO216 Conservation Biology
GEO204 Soils and Landscapes
Session 2 (60)
GEO360 Catchment Management Through Community Development
[ ] Elective
Session 3 (90)
It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. The school offers a limited number of biology (BIO), park management (PKM) and environmental management (ENM) subjects during this time. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

Year 5
Session 1 (30)
BIO326 Vegetation and Disturbance Management (16 points)
Session 2 (60)
BIO327 Wildlife Conservation and Management (16 points)
Session 3 (90)
It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. The school offers a limited number of biology (BIO), park management (PKM) and environmental management (ENM) subjects during this time. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

Year 6
Session 1 (30)
BIO323 River and Floodplain Ecology
PKM307 Environmental Planning
Session 2 (60)
ENM309 Environmental Management - Administration and Practice
ENM422 Environmental Impact Assessment and Auditing


Land and Water Specialisation - by Part-time Distance Education Study
Year 1
Session 1 (30)
BIO100 Concepts of Biology
ENM109 Workplace Preparation
Session 2 (60)
BIO112 Principles of Ecology
SCI200 Introduction to Spatial Science and Data Visualisation
Session 3 (90)
It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. The school offers a limited number of biology (BIO), park management (PKM) and environmental management (ENM) subjects during this time. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

Year 2
Session 1 (30)
ENM101 People and the Environment
GEO164 Earth System Processes
Session 2 (60)
ENM163 Natural Resource Management
HRT202 Plant Taxonomy and Systematics
Session 3 (90)
It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. The school offers a limited number of biology (BIO), park management (PKM) and environmental management (ENM) subjects during this time. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

Year 3
Session 1 (30)
BIO263 Methods for Environmental Data Analysis
SPA115 Principles of GIS
Session 2 (60)
SPA406 GIS Applications
[ ] Elective
Session 3 (90)
It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. The school offers a limited number of biology (BIO), park management (PKM) and environmental management (ENM) subjects during this time. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

Year 4
Session 1 (30)
BIO203 Animal Systematics
CHM108 Chemical Fundamentals
Session 2 (60)
PSC420 Water Policy and Management
SPA405 Image Analysis
Session 3 (90)
It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. The school offers a limited number of biology (BIO), park management (PKM) and environmental management (ENM) subjects during this time. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

Year 5
Session 1 (30)
GEO204 Soils and Landscapes
BIO312 Landscape Ecology
Session 2 (60)
BIO328 Restoration Ecology
SPA412 Integrated GIS/Remote Sensing
Session 3 (90)
It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. The school offers a limited number of biology (BIO), park management (PKM) and environmental management (ENM) subjects during this time. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

Year 6
Session 1 (30)
BIO323 River and Floodplain Ecology
GEO314 River Hydrology & Geomorphology
Session 2 (60)
ENM309 Environmental Management – Administration and Practice
ENM422 Environmental Impact Assessment and Auditing

Catchment Management Specialisation - by Part time Distance Education Study
Year 1
Session 1 (30)
BIO100 Concepts of Biology
ENM109 Workplace Preparation
Session 2 (60)
BIO112 Principles of Ecology
SCI200 Introduction to Spatial Science and Data Visualisation
Session 3 (90)
It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. The school offers a limited number of biology (BIO), park management (PKM) and environmental management (ENM) subjects during this time. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

Year 2
Session 1 (30)
GEO164 Earth System Processes
ENM101 People and the Environment
Session 2 (60)
ENM163 Natural Resource Management
AGR220 Extension
Session 3 (90)
It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. The school offers a limited number of biology (BIO), park management (PKM) and environmental management (ENM) subjects during this time. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

Year 3
Session 1 (30)
BIO263 Methods for Environmental Data Analysis
SPA115 Principles of GIS
Session 2 (60)
GEO360 Catchment Management Through Community Development
BIO262 Vegetation Ecology
Session 3 (90)
It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. The school offers a limited number of biology (BIO), park management (PKM) and environmental management (ENM) subjects during this time. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

Year 4
Session 1 (30)
AHT401 Agroecosystems & Human Values
GEO204 Soils and Landscapes
Session 2 (60)
SPA406 GIS Applications
[ ]Elective
Session 3 (90)
It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. The school offers a limited number of biology (BIO), park management (PKM) and environmental management (ENM) subjects during this time. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

Year 5
Session 1 (30)
BIO326 Vegetation & Disturbance Management (16 points)
Session 2 (60)
ANT404 Climate Change Impacts, Mitigation, and adaptation
PSC420 Water Policy and Management
Session 3 (90)
It is optional for students to undertake studies in this semester. The school offers a limited number of biology (BIO), park management (PKM) and environmental management (ENM) subjects during this time. Students should look at subject availability list for specific details

Year 6
Session 1 (30)
BIO323 River and Floodplain Ecology
GEO314 River Hydrology & Geomorphology
Session 2 (60)
BIO402 River Restoration and Protection
ENM309 Environmental Management – Administration and Practice

A fully supported work placement program ensures that all students receive first-hand experience of what it is like to work in an industry that needs environmental scientists from CSU.

Admission requirements

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

  1. previous studies, and
  2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

  • the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
  • the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
  • a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
  • a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
  • an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
  • completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English language proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:

  • have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
  • were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
  • have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
    or
  • have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.

All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.

Acceptable tests for English proficiency

Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:

  • an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
  • a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
  • a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
  • a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
  • a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
  • a C pass in English at the GCE 'A' level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
  • completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
  • a C pass in 'Use of English' in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
  • completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in 'Use of English';
  • completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
  • successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
  • a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
  • a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
  • IRI Diploma of English.

An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University's requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

  • voluntary or paid work experience;
  • performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
  • participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
  • completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

 

 

 

 

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Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2

Australian and New Zealand students

Apply online

Admission code: ESES

Mail your application

International Students

Apply online

Admission code: JSES

Mail your application

Recruitment agent

Contact a Recruitment agent in your country who can answer your questions about CSU as well as help with the student visa application process.

More information:

Consider also:

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Watch some highlights from the annual four week field experience program in Nepal.

Prospective Student Inquiries

Australian campus business hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Australian Eastern Time (GMT +10).

info.csu can provide support and guidance to prospective students on everything you need to know on the University, courses, fees, accommodation, etc.

within Australia 1800 334 733
International + 61 2 6338 6077 Fax (02) 6338 6001