Environmental Science

Overview

Overview

This course is one of 16 majors offered in the Bachelor of Science.

The sustainability of human life depends on the health and function of our natural environment – which requires a deep understanding of environmental systems and the practical skills to manage them.

In this course, you will study natural environmental systems, restoration and environmental management, as well as the technical skills of remote sensing. You’ll also learn how to apply your expertise to inform environmental policy.

Throughout your studies you’ll engage with leading Curtin researchers in the areas such as landscapes, soils, oceans, environmental monitoring, spatial sciences and environmental geoscience. And, in your third year, you’ll complete a research project in environmental science or spatial sciences, mentored by Curtin research staff.

This course also offers the flexibility to study a double major or specialisations in other disciplines to broaden your STEM knowledge and skillsets. These include agriculture, marine science, chemistry, data science, earth sciences, mining, mineral processing, and environmental biology and ecology.

After completing your studies, you’ll have the expertise to help meet Australia’s growing need for scientists who can oversee environmental monitoring and restoration, and contribute to sustainable development and resource management.

Double degrees

You can study Environmental Science as a double degree with Environmental Engineering, Innovation or Law.

Advanced Science (Honours)

Environmental Science is also available as an Advanced Science (Honours) course. Advanced Science courses include an embedded honours year (fourth year), in which students lead a defining research project, and a focus on project-based learning, leadership and entrepreneurship. Learn more at curtin.edu/bach-advsci. 

What you'll learn

• exhibit a well-developed depth and breadth of knowledge, critical understanding and application in environmental science, including at a field, systems, and management level, GC1
• select, innovate and apply field, laboratory, remote sensing and data techniques to address problems in the understanding and management of the environment via the design and development of investigations, and the accurate and ethical collection, analysis, visualisation, and interpretation of data and other forms of evidence, demonstrating awareness of limitations and reliability, GC2
• synthesise, critically evaluate, and communicate information, arguments and ideas around environmental science, environmental systems and their management, demonstrating awareness of underlying assumptions and scientific merit; communicate across written, visual and oral modes, in face to face and digital contexts, and for a range of purposes and audiences, GC3
• be adaptable within evolving professional contexts within the environmental and adjacent sectors, demonstrating awareness of global citizenship and sustainability principles, their role in environmental science and management, and a capacity to engage with complex global problems and stakeholders from a range of disciplines, backgrounds and communities, GC4
• demonstrate a coherent and reflective understanding of the nature of environmental science, the core ethics, the social and cultural context of environmental concepts and endeavour, and the contributions of different global knowledge systems, including Indigenous perspectives and practices, especially around environmental management and relationship to Country, GC5
• demonstrate integrity and reflective and ethical professional behaviours, including responsible self-direction and collegial collaboration; working safely in diverse environments, including laboratory and field sites; showing respect for others’ voices, knowledge, ownership and agency, including cultural protocols and IP; and cognisance of all appropriate regulatory, cultural and professional considerations within and adjacent to the environmental sector, GC6