Future Students

Environmental Sciences

The Area of Study

Studies in environmental science combines a strong scientific education with multidisciplinary studies in the economic, legal and social aspects of environmental studies. It introduces environmental issues, provides knowledge of the science and technology associated with environmental science and its applications and explores relevant legal, political, ethical and economic aspects.

The environmental science program trains you in natural science, giving you a solid grounding in one specialist area (either the biophysical or social sciences) and an introduction to others in terms of what they have to offer environmental problem-solving and management. It also provides a brief introduction to relevant aspects of social science to raise awareness of such things as economics, politics, the law, and people’s perceptions and desires in tackling environmental issues in the real world. Additional subjects can include environmental chemistry, environmental geology and physical geography from the biophysical sciences or, in addition to human geography, environmental economics and environmental law, sociology, politics and Indigenous studies from the social sciences.

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Degree Program Information

Degree UAI 2008 CSP Course duration
Bachelor of Environmental Science 76.65 3 years full-time/ equivalent part-time
Bachelor of Environmental Management 74.55 3 years full-time/ equivalent part-time
Bachelor of Environmental Management with Bachelor of Laws 95.95 5 years full-time

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What You Will Study

You must complete a program of study (major) in one of the following:

  • Environmental Biology
  • Environmental Geology
  • Environmental Physical Geography
  • Environmental Management
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Law

Your program of study may include units from the subject areas listed below:

  • plant physiology
  • ecology and evolution
  • biodiversity and conservation
  • chemical analysis
  • microbiology
  • geographic information systems
  • field geology and mapping
  • structural and metamorphic geology
  • environmental and groundwater geophysics
  • applied climatology
  • environmental management
  • environmental geology
  • geomorphology — rivers and catchment systems
  • law

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Recommended Prior Knowledge

HSC Biology, Geography, Earth and Environmental Science or their equivalents are recommended studies for units in environmental sciences. Other units taken as part of a degree may require assumed knowledge, prerequisites or recommended studies and you should refer to the Macquarie University Handbook of Undergraduate Studies for full degree requirements.

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Career Options

  • environmental planning
  • heritage administration
  • environmental education
  • environmental consultancy
  • environmental policy
  • community-based resource management
  • environmental field and laboratory based research and monitoring roles
  • environmental and resource management
  • local and regional water boards

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Some Major Employers

  • Aboriginal land councils
  • environment protection authorities
  • businesses and industry
  • community environment groups
  • foreign aid projects
  • community relations sector of business and industry
  • local councils
  • mining and other resource industries
  • consultancy firms
  • national parks and wildlife services
  • heritage bodies
  • departments of land and water conservation

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Further information

Department of Environment and Geography
Macquarie University, NSW 2109
Telephone:  (02) 9850 8386
Fax: (02) 9850 6052
Email: enviroandgeog@mq.edu.au
Web: www.els.mq.edu.au/EnvSci
www.es.mq.edu.au/physgeog

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