Overview 2021
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the International Online Course Guide (PDF 809KB) for courses that are offered to international students
The Environmental Science program offered at the University of Tasmania has a strong focus on aquatic science, chemical monitoring and environmental management and overarches a number of the University's theme areas, particularly the Environment, and Antarctic and Marine Studies.
The degree also provides a nexus with research programs in chemistry (environmental chemistry, ACROSS) and geography and environmental (coastal and catchment management, forest ecology and agroforestry), as well as institutes within the University (IMAS, AMC NCMCRS).
This course specifically aims to provide students with competencies, skills, knowledge and awareness, which will prepare them for employment as environmental scientists. The program also develops a wide range of general abilities including communication, analytical and problem solving skills that are widely valued by employers.
Course objectives
This degree combines Biology, Chemistry, Ecology and Geography with studies in Environmental Policy and Management. It prepares you for careers which educate, guide, manage and support both private and public companies in the pursuit of sustainability and environmental understanding and management.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course students will have:
- an understanding of the environment and how components of the environment interact with each other;
- an appreciation of the values society places on our environment and how these values may transfer to environmental policy and practice;
- an appreciation of the changes in the environment from an historical perspective;
- an understanding of how we use the environment and how these uses impact on the integrity of the environment and its sustainable management;
- an understanding of the fate and transport of contaminants in the environment;
- the capacity to undertake environmental monitoring and relate findings of monitoring to practices associated with land use and industry;
- the capacity to plan and execute small field projects associated with the above.
Practical experience
Our world class research is your educational advantage
Our teaching staff bring their cutting-edge, globally connected research to your laboratories and classrooms. You benefit from their amazing work, as our well above world-class research rankings in disciplines including analytical and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, ecology, environmental sciences and management, evolutionary biology, geology, geophysics, genetics, oceanography, plant biology, zoology, agriculture, fisheries science and horticulture, and neurosciences help deliver you a cutting edge science education.
When you study with us, you’re learning from some of the best in the world. People who are helping solve global health problems and locating missing star clusters, in the same environment where they conduct their world-class research.
Tasmania is literally a living laboratory
The University of Tasmania diverse ecosystems all within minutes of our campuses. We’re the gateway to Antarctica and, as the birthplace of the green movement, celebrate our biodiversity and environmental sustainability. Your proximity to a wide range of pristine, diverse environments, and the researchers who travel from around the world to work in them, give you opportunities for unparalleled practical field experience while you study, plus it makes Tasmania an amazing place to live!
Study overseas at one of our partner institutions
Our international exchange program offers opportunities to study at universities around the world, and it counts towards your degree. Exchange can allow you to have an affordable educational and cultural experience in a foreign country for a semester, or a full year. To facilitate this, we offer a range of scholarships and financial assistance. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP Loans or scholarship funding to assist with their airfares, accommodation and other expenses.
Find out more about Student Exchange.
Career outcomes
The degree will prepare students for a wide range of careers in industry, government, private consulting firms, non-profit organisations and educational institutions performing duties such as environmental and natural resource management, pollution monitoring and environmental impact assessments, water and waste water management, and policy analysis and implementation. An educational background in environmental science will be attractive to a wide range of employers given the impact of environmental issues on most employment sectors.
Postgraduate study
If you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research. Filter the course list by Postgraduate to view the current courses available.
Course structure
In the Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Science) you complete 24 units comprising two majors - Environmental Management and Environmental Monitoring (reversed major) - a minor and 4 student electives.
Unit level requirements for the degree are: between 8-10 units at introductory level, 6-10 units at intermediate level and 6-10 units at advanced level. For example, this means you could study 8 introductory, 8 intermediate and 8 advanced, or you could take 8 introductory, 7 intermediate and 9 advanced units or other combinations within these ranges.
Compulsory major
Environmental Management (73U)
Year 1
Compulsory introductory units
This introduction to geography and environmental studies, KGA171 Global Geographies of Change integrates physical and social science inquiry. You study earth evolution, human development and their interaction, in light of questions about sustainability. You apply this knowledge to issues of…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
This foundation unit in Geography and Environmental Studies develops yourknowledge of the ways in which people turn space into place, how patterns oflandforms, soils, plants and animals form on the surface of the earth, and howcultures, societies and economies manage,…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Year 2
Compulsory intermediate units
…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for KGA216 Catchment and Coastal Geomorphology
Society needs professional environmental managers who have the knowledge and skills to effectively tackle problems of sustainable resource use, climate change and biodiversity conservation. Environmental managers also play an important role in helping communities identify and move towards sustainable and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Year 3
Choose 4 advanced units from the following list:
Being a multidisciplinary unit, this unit brings together the subject material of a number of disciplines. In order to manage marine ecosystems sustainably, including decisions to use or conserve these ecosystems, an understanding of the primary tools used to assess…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for JFA307 Ecosystem Assessment for Policy Design
Unit Aim: To provide the student with the principles and practices necessary for the planning and management of marine protected areas. Within this unit students will study protected area management from a regulator’s perspective, covering the following broad concepts: 1.…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for JFA316 Marine Protected Area Management
Overall purpose / aim / objective: to review and critique peer-reviewed literature on specific topics relevant to the marine environment. Students will learn how to synthesise information and will then scientifically critique information in order to develop their own ideas…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for JFA322 Topics In Marine Environmental Studies
…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for KGA300 Geography and Environment Research Project
A unit essential for those working towards a career managing natural environments and people in protected areas. For those with other vocational interests, the unit is a way to learn about natural ecosystems and the principles of conservation management. Fire,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Summer school | ||||
View all details for KGA331 Fire, Weeds and Ferals: Conserving Nature in Protected Areas
This unit introduces legal, administrative, social and scientific aspects of environmental impact assessment (EIA) using case studies. The unit emphasises the practical aspects of environmental impact assessment in Tasmanian contexts, but EIA processes and legislation are similar in many parts…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Coastlines and river catchments undergo processes of change, bringing complex management issues. Focus is on sedimentary environments of hill slopes, river channels, beaches and estuaries, including natural hazards such as flooding, landslides and coastal erosion. Vulnerability of different types of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit links your knowledge in agronomy, horticulture and business to the area of agricultural land resource assessment. We will develop your understanding and land management skills via practical experiences with SE Tasmanian soil and land resources. This unit will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Compulsory reverse major
Environmental Monitoring (73U)
Compulsory introductory units
Chemistry 1A (Semester 1) and Chemistry 1B (Semester 2) are core units for the Chemistry major, Environmental Science and Biomedical Science students and give an introduction to the fundamentals of chemistry. Both units build on the introduction to chemistry given…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Data Handling and Statistics 1 is the first of three applied statistics units offered by the School of Natural Sciences (Mathematics). Statistics is the science of decision making, and as such forms a key foundation of any scientific research. This…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
Chemistry 1A (Semester 1) and Chemistry 1B (Semester 2) are core units for the Chemistry major, Environmental Science and Biomedical Science students and give an introduction to the fundamentals of chemistry. Both units build on the introduction to chemistry given…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
We live in a world of sciences. From the pure physics of string theory to the applied sociology of interventions, from the study of nanoparticles to broadband strategies. Science, in its various forms, plays an important role in how we…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Compulsory intermediate units
KRA211 is a Semester 1 unit (12.5%) that covers aspects of environmental chemistry. This unit will develop an understanding of the chemical behaviour of important elements and compounds in the environment, with an emphasis on aquatic, marine and atmospheric chemistry.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit builds on KRA113/114 or KRA101/102, and consolidates the theoretical and practical framework required by students who intend to major in chemistry or who need additional chemistry to support their studies in other science areas. The Physical Chemistry component…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for KRA242 Physical and Analytical Chemistry
Compulsory advanced units
KRA300, Environmental Monitoring & Remediation utilises the diversity of examples of environmental chemistry in natural, urban and industrial environments within Tasmania to develop an understanding of the sources and fate of chemical contaminants in the environment, and an understanding of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KRA300 Environmental Monitoring and Remediation
This is a Semester 2 unit conducted as an introduction to the fundamentals of instrumental analytical chemistry. The unit will be taught over 13 weeks in 2015 to give a total of about 26 lectures and 4 less-formal teaching sessions.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Compulsory minor
Aquatic Biology (BEnvSc)
Year 1
Compulsory introductory units
KZA161 Biology of Animals is offered in Attending and Distance mode. In Attending mode, (offered in both Launceston and Hobart) student participation in fortnightly face to face practical classes is compulsory during the semester. Students enrolling in Distance mode will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Cell Biology, Genetics & Evolution is a core first year unit for BSc students majoring in Plant Science, and important for any student studying Biological Sciences. Cell biology, genetics and evolution are fundamental to an understanding of the processes of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for KPZ164 Cell Biology, Genetics and Evolution
Year 2
Compulsory intermediate units
Microbiology is the study of single-celled organisms and viruses, which are ubiquitous on Earth and which are intimately involved in our lives, with both good and bad effects. General Microbiology is an introductory unit that gives students an overview of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit builds upon first year units that teach statistics. The emphasis in this unit is on training scientists to be literate in statistical issues so that both “consumers” and “producers” of data analysis will be able to effectively communicate.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Need help choosing your first year units? Try the Unit Selection Guide.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study at UTAS.
Domestic applicants
Domestic applicants who have recently completed secondary education (in the past two years)
Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. In 2019, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 64.25. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.
Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your study plan and subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.
To be eligible for an offer, you must also have a satisfactory achievement in the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary (or equivalent) subjects:
- General Mathematics (MTG315115); and
- Chemistry (CHM415115)
If you have not met these prerequisites, you will need to complete UTAS foundation unit/s before you start your course.
All other domestic applicants
To be eligible for an offer, you must meet the University’s General Entry Requirements based on your prior studies and experience.
You must also have studies or experience equivalent to satisfactory achievement in Tasmanian Senior Secondary General Mathematics (MTG315115) and Chemistry (CHM415115). If you have not met these prerequisites, you will need to complete UTAS foundation unit/s before you start your course.
Special consideration
If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, serious medical condition or disability.
We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.
International applicants
Admissions information for international applicants, including English language requirements, is available from the International Future Students site. You can also enquire online to check your eligibility.
Credit transfer
You may be eligible for advanced standing (i.e. credit points) in this degree if you:
- Have completed an award such as a Diploma or Advanced Diploma from another institution;
- Are currently studying another Bachelor degree at the University or at another institution;
- Have completed a Bachelor degree at the University or an equivalent award from another institution.
How to apply for a credit transfer
You can apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing as part of the standard online application process for this degree.
For more information on credit transfers, contact us on 1300 363 864 or enquire online.
Articulation from
This degree does not formally articulate from another degree. See Credit transfer for information on advanced standing from other qualification and experience, or Alternative entry pathways for pathway options into this degree.
Articulation to
If you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research. Filter the course list by Postgraduate to view the current courses available.
Alternative entry pathways
If you haven't completed the required pre-requisite unit(s), we offer foundation units to help you bridge the gap. Many run in spring and summer school so you can meet a prerequisite and not delay the start of your Bachelor level studies. HECS scholarships may also be available for domestic students.
- Visit the Foundation Unit page to find out more.
If you aren’t eligible for an offer to this course, you should consider enrolment in the Diploma of University Studies or the University Preparation Program.
In all cases, contact us to discuss an option best suited to your needs.
Detailed Admissions Information
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
International students
2021 Total Course Fee (international students): $105,456 AUD*.
Course cost based on a rate of $33,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).
* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.
International students
International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Scholarships
Scholarships for domestic students
Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards to students from all walks of life, including: those who have achieved high academic results, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, students with sporting ability, students undertaking overseas study, and students with a disability.
For information on all scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.
Scholarships for international students
There are a huge range of scholarships, bursaries and fee discounts available for international students studying at the University of Tasmania. For more information on these, visit the Tasmanian International Scholarships (TIS) website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 1300 363 864
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries