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Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Fast facts

Course type: Undergraduate degree 
Course length (full-time equivalent): 3 years 
Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER): 65.60
Location: On campus 

Course overview

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science is unique in Australia because it offers 3 areas of specialisation.

You can choose to concentrate your studies within one of the following streams:

  • Coasts and Catchments: which trains scientists in coastal and catchment hydrology and ecology.
  • Environmental Forensics: which will give you the skills to identify and trace the source of environmental contamination.
  • Global Water Resources: which examines the interactions, relationships and cycles between water, ecosystems and the environment.

Whichever stream you choose, you will take an interdisciplinary program that combines biology, earth science and chemistry with state-of-the-art technologies such as computer simulation and prediction and forensic identification.

Teamwork and communication skills are emphasised in professionally focussed topics designed to promote a smooth transition between university study and professional careers in environmental science.

What will I study? 

Refer to the program of study.

What is Environmental Science?

To protect our environment we need to fully understand how it works, what impact we can have and how we should set our priorities.

As the name suggests, Environmental Science focuses on the underlying science that underpins environmental monitoring, assessment and improvement. It is distinct from, but complementary to, areas such as environmental management and environmental health and opens up a variety of career opportunities.

Why study Environmental Science at Flinders?

  • We have a proud tradition of excellence in research and teaching across the environmental sciences and related fields.
  • Our environmental science staff are involved in a wide variety of research ranging from groundwater-surface water interactions on the Eyre Peninsula, tree physiology studies, catchment hydrology in the Mt Lofty Ranges and sustainability of wetlands in the lower southeast of SA.  In addition, studies on global climate change in southern Australia and studies on the impacts of the two proposed desalination plants in SA are currently underway.
  • We are a key partner in the National Centre for Groundwater Studies, which has its main office on our campus.
  • We are a leader in groundwater hydrology education in Australia and our hydrology staff are conducting research in many areas that are critical to the management of our water resources. These include: surface water and groundwater interaction, salinity investigations, the sustainability of groundwater aquifers, coastal hydrology, and irrigation and soil hydrology.
  • Much of our work is carried out in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and other state government agencies. We also have formal links with prestigious institutions in Europe and North America.
  • The Environmental Science program has existed for over 10 years and has many graduates and contacts in numerous agencies and consulting firms in South Australia and nation-wide.

Combined degree options

Combine with

Duration (full-time equivalent) 

Bachelor of Innovation and Enterprise
4 years
Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice
6 years

Refer to Science and Technology combined degrees for further information.

Career opportunities

What can I do with my Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degree?  

Study a language

Flinders also offers all students the opportunity to major in a language in conjunction with any undergraduate course. The Diploma in Language is designed to provide students with competence in a chosen language that adds greater portability to their qualifications. You will complete a total of one extra year of study and graduate with both your chosen degree and the Diploma in Language. You can apply for this at time of enrolment.

Entry requirements

Domestic students

International students

Prerequisites: None. Knowledge of Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics at Year 12 level is desirable.
Prerequisites: None. Knowledge of Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics at Year 12 level is desirable.
You can qualify for undergraduate courses through:
  • year 12 qualifications
  • mature age entry (STAT)
  • TAFE/VET qualifications
  • higher education transfers.

Flinders also offers a range of special access schemes.

Refer to undergraduate study applications

English language requirements

Science and Maths bonus points

Science and Maths bonus points will be allocated to students studying selected Science and Mathematics subjects in Year 12 who apply for entry to a Science and Engineering degree at Flinders. For more information refer to Science and Maths bonus points.

Applications

Domestic students 

International students 

SATAC code: 214161CRICOS code: 036355J
Mid-year entry: Yes Mid-year entry: Yes 
Apply through: SATAC Uniweb  Apply through: International Office  

Credit transfer

Refer to credit transfer for further information.

Annual fees

Place type

Domestic students 

International students 

Commonwealth supported - Student contribution amount  $4,891N/A 
Full fee paying N/A$19,300

Note: Domestic student fees are indicative only. Further information: How are these fees calculated?

Further study options 

Publications

Domestic students 

International students 

Environmental Science (PDF 643KB) 2008-2009 Undergraduate International Prospectus (PDF 2MB)

Contact

Faculty of Science and Engineering
Hotline: 1800 803 131 (local call cost)
Email: soak.up.science@flinders.edu.au

School of Biological Sciences
Course Co-ordinator: Erick Bestland
Phone: +61 8 8201 2306
Email: erick.bestland@flinders.edu.au

General domestic students information

Web: Prospective students

Enquiries: Admissions/Prospective Students Office
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel (08) 8201 3074 or 1300 657 671 (local call cost)
Fax (08) 8201 2580
Email: admissions@flinders.edu.au

General international students information

Web: International students

Enquiries: Ask Flinders