Bachelor of Environmental Science (BEnvSc) Study Planner

What will I study?

The Bachelor of Environmental Science centres on the understanding of fundamental processes in the environment, and the way in which they can be described, monitored and predicted. Human impact is studied in relation to the processes that occur in the physical and biological environment. Graduates have the knowledge and skills to contribute to environmental decision making and management.

Earth Resources Field is concerned with the physical environment and environmental auditing of damaged systems. Students will learn preventative or remedial measures to minimise the impact of mineral and water resource extraction and natural occurrences such as earthquakes, floods and erosion.
Ecology Field is focused on the interrelationships between plant and animal species and their environments, and how their populations may be modified by environmental changes. Ecologists are equipped to analyse environmental systems and to recognise critical physical and biological processes and their interactions. This enables ecologists to develop measures to avoid damage from disturbance or pollution to species or ecosystems at risk.
Molecular & Microbial Science Field involves applying tools of analytical chemistry, microbiology and toxicology to the study and improve the environment through remediation and monitoring.
Natural Resource Science Field focuses on the various components of the landscape (soils, water and vegetation) and on correcting and monitoring the adverse effects of human use of these resources. Detailed studies are made of site assessment techniques, soil/plant relationships in natural and disturbed environments, and the influence of site contamination on rehabilitation processes.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Environmental Science is a four-year program in which you will specialise in one field of study. The program comprises: Years 1–3 a program of core courses and electives relevant to your specific field of study; and Year 4 of the program focuses on conducting an independent research project and advanced courses. Check out the rules and requirements for the BEnvSc through the www.uq.edu.au/study website.

A student is required to obtain #64 from the BEnvSc List comprising

#48 from Part A in the chosen field, including all compulsory courses and at least #12 for late year courses.
#16 from Part H.

Part H may not be commenced before Part A is completed. Refer to BEnvSc Rules for further information. These rules should be read in conjunction with the General Award Rules.

How do I use the Study Plans?

1.     Select a field of study.
2.     Enrol in compulsory courses from your chosen field's study plan for the appropriate year level.
3.     Select electives to enrol in 4 courses per semester (full-time enrolment).
4.     Understand and follow the BEnvSc program rules and requirements.

Contact the Faculty if you need advice.

What do the different columns mean?

Compulsory courses – compulsory for the major.
Elective courses – electives from the program's course list.

Course List

Link to course list

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Earth Resources Field

Year 1	Compulsory Courses	Elective Courses
Sem 1	BIOL1020 Genes, Cells & Evolution BIOL1030 Biodiversity & Our Environment CHEM1030 Chem - Structure & Reactions ERTH1501 Earth Proc & Geol Materials	–
Sem 2	CHEM1020 Chem - Energetics & Reactivity ERTH1000 Planet Earth: The Big Picture GEOS1100 Environment & Society STAT1201 Analysis of Scientific Data	–

Year 2	Compulsory Courses	Elective Courses
Sem 1	BIOL2006 Biostatistics BIOL2010 Ecology ERTH2005 Mineralogy ERTH2050 Field Geology	–
Sem 2	ERTH2003 Sedimentary Petrology & Strati ERTH2006 Igneous/Metamorphic Petrology	Select #4 from this field of study electives list.

Year 3	Compulsory Courses	Elective Courses
Sem 1	ERTH3020 Introduction to Geophysics LAND3007 Land Use & Management	Select #4 from this field of study electives list.
Sem 2	ENVM3203 Environ Impact Assess	Select #6 from this field of study electives list.

Ecology Field

Year 1	Compulsory Courses	Elective Courses
Sem 1	BIOL1020 Genes, Cells & Evolution BIOL1030 Biodiversity & Our Environment CHEM1030 Chem - Structure & Reactions ERTH1000 Planet Earth: The Big Picture	–
Sem 2	GEOS1100 Environment & Society STAT1201 Analysis of Scientific Data	Select #4 from this field of study electives list.

Year 2	Compulsory Courses	Elective Courses
Sem 1	BIOL2006 Biostatistics BIOL2010 Ecology GEOM2001 Geographical Info Systems LAND2003 The Soil Environment	–
Sem 2	BIOL2203 Plant Biology BIOL2204 Zoology	Select #4 from this field of study electives list.

Year 3	Compulsory Courses	Elective Courses
Sem 1	BIOL3000 Conservation & Wildlife Biol ENVM3103 Reg F/works for Envl Mmgt & LAND3007 Land Use & Management	Select #2 from this field of study electives list.
Sem 2	BIOL3214 Advanced Ecology ENVM3203 Environ Impact Assess GEOM3001 Adv Remote Sensing of Environ	Select #2 from this field of study electives list.

Molecular & Microbial Science Field

Year 1	Compulsory Courses	Elective Courses
Sem 1	BIOL1020 Genes, Cells & Evolution BIOL1030 Biodiversity & Our Environment CHEM1030 Chem - Structure & Reactions ERTH1000 Planet Earth: The Big Picture	–
Sem 2	CHEM1020 Chem - Energetics & Reactivity GEOS1100 Environment & Society STAT1201 Analysis of Scientific Data	Select #2 from this field of study electives list.

Year 2	Compulsory Courses	Elective Courses
Sem 1	BIOC2000 Biochem & Molecular Biology BIOL2006 Biostatistics BIOL2200 Cell Structure & Function CHEM2050 Chem Reactions & Mechanisms	–
Sem 2	BIOM2402 Principles of Pharmacology CHEM2054 Experimental Chemistry MICR2000 Microbiology & Immunology	Select #2 from this field of study electives list.

Year 3	Compulsory Courses	Elective Courses
Sem 1	–	Select #8 from this field of study electives list.
Sem 2	CHEM3016 Advanced Experimental Chem MICR3001 Microbes & Human Health	Select #4 from this field of study electives list.

Natural Resource Science Field

Year 1	Compulsory Courses	Elective Courses
Sem 1	BIOL1020 Genes, Cells & Evolution BIOL1030 Biodiversity & Our Environment CHEM1030 Chem - Structure & Reactions ERTH1000 Planet Earth: The Big Picture	–
Sem 2	GEOM1000 Geog Inform & Analysis GEOS1100 Environment & Society STAT1201 Analysis of Scientific Data	Select #2 from this field of study electives list.

Year 2	Compulsory Courses	Elective Courses
Sem 1	BIOL2006 Biostatistics BIOL2010 Ecology GEOM2001 Geographical Info Systems LAND2003 The Soil Environment	–
Sem 2	BIOL2203 Plant Biology LAND3006 Soils, Landscapes&Environments	Select #4 from this field of study electives list.

Year 3	Compulsory Courses	Elective Courses
Sem 1	ENVM3103 Reg F/works for Envl Mmgt & LAND3005 Soil Plant Relationships LAND3007 Land Use & Management	Select #2 from this field of study electives list.
Sem 2	BIOL3214 Advanced Ecology ENVM3203 Environ Impact Assess GEOM3001 Adv Remote Sensing of Environ	Select #2 from this field of study electives list.

Honours

Honours students undertake a major research project on a topic of environmental relevance. The research project is designed to enhance your scientific abilities and provide experience in the initiation, conduct, analysis, and reporting of independent project work. Such activities form the core of most employment tasks.

This project may take the form of an experimental study in the field or laboratory, an environmental audit involving the application of scientific principles or an environmental impact assessment that has a clear scientific problem as a major component. The project may be undertaken in any School or Centre that can provide appropriate facilities and supervision for the work.

In the first semester of your honours year you will prepare a research proposal as part of the planning for your research project. The research proposal will include background information in the form of a literature review, aims and significance of the research, and expected outcomes.

During your second and third years you should consider the project work you would like to undertake in your fourth year and begin your search for a supervisor for your research project. We encourage you to approach any of your lecturers to discuss their research programs and opportunities for you as an honours student, or meet with the Program Coordinator if you are uncertain of where you might find the appropriate supervision. Be proactive!

You will work with your supervisor to ensure you have well-developed analytical skills within your chosen subject area, are able to synthesise information from a diversity of sources, are capable of constructive criticism, and are able to specify where research is required to develop the subject area.

Program Coordinator

Associate Professor Gimme Walter
Specific Research Area – Adaptation and its ecological consequences

What I do

My associates and I approach ecological research as an interactive process between theory development and empirical investigation. We focus on the ecological requirements of individuals and species (autecology) as a basis for understanding the distribution and abundance of organisms, and for interpreting local diversity (community structure). The specific problems tackled include the clarification of the host relationships of phytophagous insects (including crop pests), and the ecology of parasitoid wasps and rainforest insects (mainly drosophilid flies). Overall, these efforts have led to the first formalisation of the structure of autecology, an approach that is particularly important in applied entomology.

Careers

Environmental Science graduates find employment in state and federal government departments, universities, industrial organisations, or commercial consultancies dealing with: environmental monitoring and management, impact assessment and licence-compliance requirements; and initiatives such as ‘green’ production or greenhouse challenge policies. Environmental impact studies may be undertaken for urban, industrial and rural development of animal feedlots or abattoirs; mining and mineral-processing operations or industrial developments; facilities in or bordering on national parks; or residential or agricultural developments adjacent to areas of environmental value. Students who perform well at honours level may choose a research-related career path by entering a higher-degree program.

Bachelor of Environmental Science (BEnvSc) Program Planner

Bachelor of Environmental Science (BEnvSc)