Program Overview

From climate change, habitat loss and pollution, environments around the world are facing extreme challenges. Explore these important issues along with other socio-scientific challenges, with UC’s Bachelor of Environmental Science. Immerse yourself in the world of environmental science using the latest lab and field tools, and emerge with an applied, solutions-focused perspective.

The Specialist Major in Environmental Science builds upon the Core Major in Science to give you skills to identify, conceptualise and analyse a diverse environmental futures. You’ll be introduced to major environmental challenges and be inspired to innovate solutions using cutting-edge approaches. 

The inclusion of a breadth component allows you to explore and expand your learning across a range of disciplines. Scenario-based study and work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities ensure you graduate career-ready, equipped to solve a range of theoretical and contemporary real-world problems in local and global contexts.

Study a Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) at UC and you will 

• Exhibit a breadth of scientific knowledge and technical skills, with specialist depth in environmental science.
• Develop critical thinking and data analysis skills to solve a range of complex problems in local and global contexts.
• Select and apply appropriate practical, conceptual and/or theoretical techniques or scientific tools to conduct scientific investigations relevant to a range of disciplines, with particular specialisation in environmental science.
• Demonstrate the ability to collect scientific data individually or collaboratively, within legal, ethical and social frameworks, with key laboratory and field-based competencies.
• Evaluate current and emerging ethical and cultural issues that arise in contemporary science and exhibit cross-cultural competence and social responsibility.
• Critically analyse, synthesise and integrate scientific knowledge, literature, data, or arguments for effective communication to a range of audiences.

Work-integrated learning

Get practical experience with inbuilt professional practice units. Complete internships with leading organisations like CSIRO, ACT Parks and Wildlife, Questacon and more.

Access unique opportunities to work on real-world research projects. The University of Canberra’s own Institute for Applied Ecology is renowned for delivering high-quality, globally significant research with practical solutions to real-world environmental problems.

Core Major: Science

The Core Major in Science will cultivate professional life-long qualities and skills that are transferable and adaptive to other disciplines and/or a variety of career pathways (for example communication, critical thinking, problem solving, team work, and project management). The core content units introduce students to the scientific foundations which underpin their course. Employability of Science graduates in the future job market is a major focus so that graduates of the Program of Science are not only 'job-ready' but also 'world-' and 'future-ready', and are able to make significant contributions to effective solutions to real-world challenges. Students will practice knowledge and skills in sustainable practices and innovation, professionalism and social responsibilities in work-integrated learning opportunities and professional practice units.