Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment

School of Life and Environmental Sciences

Bachelor of Environmental Science
(Environmental Management and Sustainability)

The Course

Bachelor of Environmental Science (Environmental Management and Sustainability)

Melbourne Burwood Campus

Deakin's Bachelor of Environmental Science (Environmental Management and Sustainability) provides you with the skills and knowledge to manage the interaction between people and the environment, and to satisfy society's needs for clean water, fresh air and healthy soils through the sustainable use of natural resources, environments and ecosystem services.

Environmental managers work with natural, rural and urban systems and their communities. They monitor environmental health - to guard against the degrading impacts of overuse and waste disposal - as well as planning activities and developing policy to achieve the best outcome for the environment and our society.

While studying Deakin's Bachelor of Environmental Science (Environmental Management and Sustainability) you will experience a combination of hands-on and theoretical learning and have access to state-of-the-art facilities including sustainability assessment tools and a Global Information Systems (GIS) laboratory. You also have the option of using your elective units to complete a recommended major sequence in Environmental Health.

Design your own career direction in environmental management by choosing elective units to specialise in areas such as:

Coastal and marine management

Over eighty-five per cent of Australians live in coastal cities and towns and the coast is the primary destination for overseas and local tourists. Yet the marine and coastal environment is ecologically dynamic and is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change (for example, through increased storm surges, rising sea levels and sea temperatures and ocean acidification). Hence there is a critical need for marine and coastal planners and managers and this course will equip you with the skills to work on Australia's iconic coast.

Environmental policy and planning

 

Environmental policy is developed by government, business and individuals to manage human activities so that harmful effects on our natural systems are prevented or minimised. The types of issues addressed include water and air pollution, waste management, ecosystem management and the protection of biodiversity, natural resources and wildlife. Environmental planning is the 'on ground' decision making process which puts policy into action to sustainably manage the relationships between human and natural systems for the benefit of society and the environment now and in the future.

Environmental protection

Environmental protection is a multi-disciplinary approach to ensuring that further damage to the environment is avoided or reduced significantly and where possible working to reverse any such damage. Those working in this field can manage parts of the environment such as air and water quality, land contamination and waste management. Skills to work in this field range from the capacity to evaluate applications to discharge materials into the environment, inspecting current facilities, collecting samples for testing, developing policies and legislation and working cooperatively with industry to achieve improved sustainability. Environment protection officers are very much in demand due to their ability to work strategically with industry and government to achieve improved environmental practices.

Environmental sustainability

This area of study focuses on how human societies have led us to a way of living that our Earth cannot sustain, and investigates the pathways for moving forward to a positive, environmentally sustainable future. Topics covered examine the history of natural resource use by humans, different cultural values and their impact on the natural environment, as well as issues such as climate change and peak oil. All are essential elements in understanding environmental management issues for the present and future.

Natural resources management

Natural resources and 'ecosystem services' are important for everything that we do. Clean air and water, a stroll along the beach, our food and medicine all rely on healthy ecosystems. This area of study will focus your course on topics such as environmental earth science, environmental monitoring, geospatial science, land and water management. If you are looking for a career in land and water rehabilitation, geoscience (or earth science) or natural resources management, then this course is for you.

Wildlife management

This area of study allows you to focus your course on wildlife management and conservation. You will study topics such as biodiversity conservation, wildlife and landscape ecology, park management and marine wildlife and will participate in field work and extended field trips. You will develop skills for a career in wildlife management and conservation, where your role may be as a wildlife manager, conservation officer, park ranger or research scientist.

Why study this course?

Environmental management is a multidisciplinary field which focuses on finding solutions to the world's most pressing environmental problems. Content in the course focuses on 'real-world' problem solving and the development of applied solutions to environmental issues at local, national and international levels. Graduates have a strong theoretical and interdisciplinary skills base, and are able to make an immediate contribution in a dynamic field of employment.

Career opportunities

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Environmental Management and Sustainability) degree you may choose to pursue opportunities in a wide variety of careers such as environmental planning, environmental policy, sustainability, environmental protection, climate change adaptation and mitigation, industry-based environmental management, waste management, environmental education, catchment management, water resource management, land rehabilitation, pollution control, environmental science, conservation, wildlife management and coastal and park management.

Fieldwork and camps

The Environmental Management and Sustainability course at Deakin incorporates fieldwork and industry experience in several ways: in weekly or fortnightly practical classes, weekend site visits and overnight field courses.

Video: Making an Ark for Native Animals - watch Deakin environmental science students in the field.

Fieldwork: Into the Wild with Deakin, the Deakin Environment field trip experience

Facilities

Deakin's Environmental Management and Sustainability course gives students use of first-class facilities including the teaching and computer laboratories, where students can develop their skills as future environmental managers. The location of the Melbourne Burwood Campus provides easy access to the study of interactions between people and the environment in urban and industrial settings, as well as the ecosystems of nearby coastal and rural areas.

Industry and professional work placements

Government and industry partners regularly contribute to Deakin's Environmental Management and Sustainability course to ensure graduates are job ready. From the beginning of the course students will be involved with government agencies, community groups and businesses interested in environmental issues, such as pollution control, recycling and ecotourism. All students undertake professional work placements with an industry or government-based environmental organisation of their choice.

Flexibility

A degree in Environmental Science is a broad qualification that combines the skills for a specialised career with more generic skills that give graduates job flexibility and broad career options. Students will gain the knowledge and skills to be managers of urban, industrial and natural environments, with a strong understanding of the communities that depend on and work within those environments.

Study while you see the world

At Deakin you’ll find opportunities to help prepare you for a global future.

In 2013, the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment is introducing a new program to help high achieving students add an international experience to their studies. The Global Science and Technology Program aims to recognise, reward and support high achieving students who would like to conduct part of their studies overseas (via an exchange or study abroad program). Successful applicants will be offered a scholarship of $3,000 to assist with the travel costs. As part of the program, they will be required to participate in the Deakin Global Citizenship program. To find out more, visit the Global Science and Technology Program page.

Deakin's Study Abroad and Exchange Office also offers various programs including exchange, study abroad, short-term study programs, study tours and international volunteering opportunities, enabling students to study overseas for a few weeks, a trimester, or a year as part of their degree.

Tropical Biology Association

The School of Life and Environmental Sciences is a member of the Tropical Biology Association (TBA). This non-governmental, non-profit organisation works in partnership with environmental institutions in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Malaysia. The TBA provides practical training for conservation biologists and practitioners with the potential to have a significant impact on biodiversity management and research. Students benefit from this membership by receiving priority access to places on TBA field courses at reduced rates.

Further information is available at www.tropical-biology.org

Related courses

Course structures and prerequisites

For complete information on course structures and prerequisites refer to the Deakin course search website

Want to find out more?

Contact us at the School of Life and Environmental Sciences

 

Deakin University acknowledges the traditional land owners of present campus sites.

8th February 2013