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CA42 - Bachelor of Environmental Science

Overview

Compulsory Residential School

Some units in this course require you to attend a compulsory Residential School or Work Integrated Learning. Please see Course Features in the Getting Started tab for further information.

Course Overview

Management of environmental issues such as pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss and habitat destruction are critical for the future. In the Bachelor of Environmental Science you will examine, measure, monitor and manage aspects of the Earth’s living and non-living environment. Your first year of study will incorporate skills-focused units that develop field and laboratory competencies useful for research and desired by industry and government. Further study will include transdisciplinary subjects such as environmental economics, geography, environmental law and community engagement, in addition to underpinning biological and chemical sciences, will develop skills and knowledge that enable you to contribute to the sustainability of ecosystems and societies. With a degree in Environmental Science, you may continue onto higher degree research programs or obtain employment in a wide range of occupations such as Conservation Officer, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Scientist or Park Ranger.

Career Information

There are many career opportunities for graduates of the Bachelor of Environmental Science in fields related to ecologically sustainable development including both the human and natural environment. Employment exists with public and private sectors for example local catchment authorities, CSIRO, state and federal government departments involved in natural resource management and environmental protection, GBRMPA, environmental consulting firms, local councils and mining companies.

Course Details
Duration 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time
Credit Points that Must be Earned 144
Number of Units Required CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24).
Expected Hours of Study One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term.
Course Type Undergraduate Award
Qualification (post nominal) BEnvSc
AQF Level Level 7: Bachelor Degree
Course Fees
Indicative Year - 2024
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $9,866
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $26,029.5
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $19,680
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $37,740
Indicative Year - 2023
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $8,296
Indicative Year - 2022
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $8,016

Admission Codes

Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.

Domestic Availability

Term 2 - 2024

Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2024

Online
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2023

Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2023

Online
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2022

Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2022

Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2021

Online
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2020

Bundaberg
Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2020

Bundaberg
Online
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2019

Bundaberg
Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2019

Bundaberg
Online
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2018

Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2018

Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2017

Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2017

Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2016

Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2016

Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2015

Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2015

Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2014

Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2014

Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton
Show All

International Availability

Term 2 - 2024

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2024

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2023

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2023

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2022

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2022

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2021

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2020

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2020

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2019

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2019

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2018

Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2018

Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2017

Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2017

Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2016

Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2016

Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2015

Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2015

Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2014

Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2014

Rockhampton
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
What do I need to start?
Entry Scores
Entry scores are not available, please contact the Student Advice Team for more information.
Entry Requirements

English (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent

English Language Proficiency Requirements

If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.

Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:

  • A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
  • An Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma level qualification, or
  • Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0

completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.

If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:

  • An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 overall with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Requires 550 or better overall and minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 75 or better overall and no score less than 17 (Internet Based Test); or
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or
  • An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.

English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.

International Students should visit http://www.cqu.edu.au/international for further information.

Each student will be assessed individually.

Assumed Knowledge

English and a social science, biological science or chemistry subject.

Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards Not applicable
Exit Awards CV92 - Diploma of Environmental Science CV91 - Associate Degree of Environmental Science
Accreditation
  • Core

    not applicable

Residential School Requirements

Compulsory Residential School Students studying via distance and mixed-mode will be required to attend compulsory residential schools for some units.
Click here to view all Residential Schools

Practicum/Work Placement

BIOL12050 - This unit provides students with an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge and practical skills attained in their degree course to the professional work environment. Students will undertake either a) an industry placement, or b) a short research project. They will report on their experience in an appropriate format, identifying the nature of the work and activities undertaken. In this report, they will also reflect on how the knowledge gained and the skills developed during placement relate to their course of study and their future career.
ENVR11014 - This unit requires students to attend a 5-day long skills-intensive residential school in a remote environment focused on practical activities common in the industry (e.g. animal trapping and vegetation monitoring). Environmental professionals (eg Queensland Parks and Wildlife Rangers) attend and work side by side with students, imparting practical skills, professional knowledge and assisting students in developing work experience and professional networks.

Previous and Current Enrolments

Year Number of Students
2024 76
2023 68
2022 84
2021 91
2020 109
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.

Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.

If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.

Ethical Behaviour

Examples are:

  • Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
  • Complying with the University Ethics Committees directions when undertaking research or learning activities.
  • Respecting an individual's/group's diversity by demonstrating sensitivity to religious, cultural and individual differences.
  • Demonstrating an ability to adhere to ethics policies and reflecting on ethical dilemmas and issues concerning to practice as well as taking responsibility for ensuring ethical and professional behaviour including when dealing with animals.
  • Participating in activities where it may be necessary to humanely destroy animals (e.g. feral cats and other Class 1 pests captured during trapping activities) or to use dead animals and animal materials in laboratory learning activities (dissections).
Behavioural Stability

Examples are:

  • Interacting positively and effectively with other students, while attending all activities related to the course including field work.
  • Being receptive and responding appropriately to different viewpoints, to constructive feedback and to direction from academics and other staff.
  • Coping effectively with your own emotions, responses and behaviour, when dealing with challenging situations.
Legal Compliance

Examples are:

  • Understanding and adhering to professional policy around Occupational Health and Safety including appropriate use of social media.
  • Knowing, understanding and complying with safety requirements which are necessary pre-requisites during field and laboratory work, especially when dealing with chemicals, animals and plants, in order to reduce the risk of harm to self and others.
Communication Skills (Verbal, Non-verbal, Written and Technology)

Examples are:

  • Actively participating in discussion activities related to the course.
  • Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual or group.
  • Verbally communicating your knowledge and skills with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness.
  • Present scientific work to various audiences.
  • Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of peers and others and responding appropriately.
  • Having access to a computer and having some computer skills to engage in on-line learning, reading and responding to emails, and completing relevant tasks and assessments for the course.
  • Constructing your assessment work to academic standards with attention to correct grammar and punctuation.
  • Constructing fluent summarised written text from complex and detailed information.
  • Constructing legible reports in a timely manner to meet professional standards and clearly communicating the intended message.
  • Having access to a computer for your studies.
  • Regularly accessing the Internet for research and email for communication with peers and lecturers.
  • Analysing, manipulating and displaying scientific information using a variety of specific courses.
Cognitive Abilities (Knowledge and Cognitive Skills, Literacy and Numeracy)

Examples are:

  • Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
  • Performing your duties within set time-frames.
  • Summarising, paraphrasing and referencing in accordance with appropriate academic conventions.
  • Actively listening to information within a variety of academic and professional settings.
  • Reading and accurately interpreting scientific information.
  • Completing documentation that is accurate, clear and concise.
  • Demonstrating competency in applying basic mathematics knowledge and skills when reading scientific information and equipment.
  • Demonstrating effective use of numeracy skills to record accurate measurements during field and laboratory work.
  • Applying numeracy skills to interpret and solve problems in a range of settings and situations.
  • Interpreting graphical information when reading scientific publications.
Sensory Abilities (Visual, Auditory, Tactile)

Examples are:

  • Focussing on and recognising objects that are either near or far.
  • Observing and detecting subtle differences and changes in colours, including interpreting aerial photographs and analysing biological and geological samples.
  • Safely operating electronic equipment.
  • Looking through optical equipment such as microscopes.
  • Observing and detecting differences and changes in the physical environment, such as flora, fauna, water, atmosphere, soils geology and the built environment.
  • Sufficiently hearing verbal communication from other students and lecturers during activities related to the course.
  • Having sufficient auditory ability to consistently and accurately monitor, assess and manage electronic instruments.
Sustainable Performance

Examples are:

  • Actively participating in activities related to the course with adequate, sustained levels of physical energy and concentration.
  • Actively participating in laboratory and field activities.
Strength and Mobility (Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills)

Examples are:

  • Incorporating a range of gross motor skills while participating effectively in activities related to the course, including transporting and operating field and laboratory equipment.
  • Maintaining balance while safely transferring delicate equipment.
  • Moving with ease around equipment items while performing various tasks.
  • Safely retrieving and utilising stock and equipment.
  • Physically manipulating material, systems and processes, including mixing concrete, sieving soil, and collecting and transporting samples of flora, fauna, water, gas, soil and rocks.
  • Manipulating delicate, breakable equipment with ease and care.
  • Handling test tubes, Petri dishes and other breakable equipment with care.
  • Handling animals both in field and laboratory situations.
  • Handling potentially harmful chemicals.
  • The ability to move through brush and scrub and over or around rough terrain for short distances (<1km).
Interpersonal Engagement
Examples are:
 
  • Interacting respectfully and constructively with Indigenous Australians, landowners, concerned citizens, industry and government representatives, and all other relevant stakeholders.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Abilities

Examples are:

  • Having access to and a beginner level of ability with spreadsheet or data manipulation software (MS Excel, Google Sheets or R).
Compulsory Requirements
COVID-19 Vaccination Advice

Effective 25 September 2023, updates have been made to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for Queensland Health sites and the Queensland Ambulance Service. While Queensland Health does not currently mandate evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, it's essential to recognise that other organisations may enforce their own vaccination specific criteria. This situation is similar across other states and territories, with the exception of Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, where COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all healthcare students.    

Core Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Environmental Geography (EnvGeo) Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Demonstrate broad and coherent, theoretical and technical knowledge of the transdisciplinary concepts underlying environmental science
  • 2. Effectively communicate environmental information to diverse audiences, using a range of modalities, and in varied contexts
  • 3. Critically analyse environmental problems to design and evaluate alternatives and innovations for sustainable futures
  • 4. Apply relevant field and laboratory techniques to undertake environmental monitoring, assessment and research
  • 5. Evaluate and synthesise information, concepts and evidence from diverse sources
  • 6. Interact professionally and ethically within teams
  • 7. Analyse the spatial aspects of interactions between humans and the natural world.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner
Integrated Land and Water Management (ILWM) Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Demonstrate broad and coherent, theoretical and technical knowledge of the transdisciplinary concepts underlying environmental science
  • 2. Effectively communicate environmental information to diverse audiences, using a range of modalities, and in varied contexts
  • 3. Critically analyse environmental problems to design and evaluate alternatives and innovations for sustainable futures
  • 4. Apply relevant field and laboratory techniques to undertake environmental monitoring, assessment and research
  • 5. Evaluate and synthesise information, concepts and evidence from diverse sources
  • 6. Interact professionally and ethically within teams
  • 7. Apply knowledge and skills of land and water management to whole of catchment management issues.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner
Animal Biology (EnvGeo Majors) Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Biology in Depth (EnvGeo Majors) Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Environmental Business and Law (ILWM or EnvGeo Majors) Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Environmental Geography (ILWM majors) Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Plant and Crop Systems (ILWM or EnvGeo Majors) Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Plant Biology (EnvGeo Majors) Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Water Quality Assessment for Environmental Geography Majors Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Water Quality Assessment for Integrated Land and Water Management Majors Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 1 major
  3. Complete electives

Integrated Land and Water Management (ILWM) Major

Animal Biology (EnvGeo Majors) Unit Pack

Number of units: 4 Total credit points: 24

This Unit 4-pack can be taken by any student enrolled as a an Environmental geography major in the Bachelor of Environmental Science (CA42).

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BIOL12107 Genomes, Genetics & Evolution
BIOL12112 Animal and Plant Physiology
ZOOL13015 Environmental Physiology of Animals
ZOOL19002 Australian Vertebrate Fauna

Biology in Depth (EnvGeo Majors) Unit Pack

Number of units: 8 Total credit points: 48

This Unit 8-pack can be taken by any student enrolled as a an Environmental geography major in the Bachelor of Environmental Science (CA42).

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BIOL12107 Genomes, Genetics & Evolution
BIOL12112 Animal and Plant Physiology
ZOOL12009 Invertebrate Zoology
MBIO19013 Environmental Microbiology
BIOL12105 Scientific Analysis and Statistics
ZOOL19002 Australian Vertebrate Fauna
BOTN13002 Plants and the Environment
ZOOL13015 Environmental Physiology of Animals

Environmental Business and Law (ILWM or EnvGeo Majors) Unit Pack

Number of units: 4 Total credit points: 24

This Unit 4-pack can be taken by any student enrolled in the Bachelor of Environmental Science (CA42).

Anti-requisite: Advanced Integrated Land and Water Management (Strongly Recommended) Unit 4-Pack

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
EVST19020 Environmental Management Systems
LAWS13024 Law and the Environment
MGMT11109 Introduction to Business
MRKT11029 Marketing Fundamentals

Environmental Geography (ILWM majors) Unit Pack

Number of units: 4 Total credit points: 24

This Unit 4-Pack is only for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Environmental Science (CA42) course.

Students enrolled in Bachelor of Environmental Science (CA42) course and majoring in Environmental Geography cannot enrol in this Unit 4-pack.

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
GEOG12020 Australian Weather and Climate
GEOG12021 Remote Sensing of Environment
GEOG13013 Sustainable Regions and Cities
EVST19022 Climate Change: Risk and Assessments

Plant Biology (EnvGeo Majors) Unit Pack

Number of units: 4 Total credit points: 24

These units are recommended to supplement your knowledge and skills if you are majoring in Environmental Geography and seeking employment in the industry afterwards.

Students enrolled in Bachelor of Environmental Science (CA42) course and majoring in Integrated Land and Water Management cannot enrol in this Unit 4-pack.

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BIOL12107 Genomes, Genetics & Evolution
BIOL12112 Animal and Plant Physiology
BOTN13002 Plants and the Environment
BOTN19001 Australian Botany

Water Quality Assessment for Environmental Geography Majors Unit Pack

Number of units: 4 Total credit points: 24

These units are recommended to supplement your knowledge and skills if you are majoring in Environmental Geography and seeking employment in the industry afterwards.

This Unit 4-Pack is only for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Environmental Science (CA42) course and majoring in Environmental Geography.

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BOTN19001 Australian Botany
MBIO19013 Environmental Microbiology
CHEM19085 Environmental Chemistry
CHEM13080 Analytical Science

Water Quality Assessment for Integrated Land and Water Management Majors Unit Pack

Number of units: 4 Total credit points: 24

These units are recommended to supplement your knowledge and skills if you are majoring in Integrated Land and Water Management and seeking employment in the industry afterwards. This Unit 4-Pack is only for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Environmental Science (CA42) course and majoring in Integrated Land and Water Management.

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
CHEM19085 Environmental Chemistry
MBIO19013 Environmental Microbiology
GEOG12021 Remote Sensing of Environment
CHEM13080 Analytical Science
More Details
There is no additional information for this course.