Bachelor of Environmental Biology

Climate change is the singular issue of our time – today, the planet is facing its ultimate test. The Bachelor of Environmental Biology prepares students to protect and manage the critical species and ecosystems that hold the key to the future.
Like most degrees of its kind, the UTS Bachelor of Environmental Biology combines theoretical and lab-based learning, but it’s what happens outside the classroom that really sets it apart. An extensive fieldwork program challenges students to test their skills in a variety of aquatic and terrestrial environments, while professional internship offerings can help kickstart their career with placements in leading university, government and industry labs.

Why UTS Science?

As one of Australia’s leading university science faculties, UTS Science is committed to teaching and research that creates a more sustainable world. When students enrol at UTS, they join a university that delivers global impact in STEM education and research and a faculty that produces scientists with the power to transform the profession, the globe and society.

Course features

• Students complete a series of common core subjects that underpin all undergraduate UTS Science degrees. Design, Data and Decisions and Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues are designed to equip students with a toolkit of technical and workplace skills, preparing them to thrive both at and after uni. 
  
• Environmental science subjects: Course content combines general science subjects with specialist environmental learning that spans aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, plant physiology, biodiversity conservation, wildlife management and environmental protection, among others. Students also build highly practical skills in areas like urban resilience, geographic information systems and remote sensing, preparing them to take hands-on action towards a more sustainable world. 
  
• Free electives: Students can customise the degree to suit their personal or career aspirations. They can enrol in an international exchange, pursue a professional internship, or tailor their studies with a choice of subjects from any UTS faculty.
  
• Science communication: An embedded English language program challenges students to build science communication skills over the life of their degree. By the end of their studies, students will have specialist theoretical and practical skills, as well as the capacity to communicate what they know to a diversity of audiences.

Professional experiences are part of the degree

With this degree, students don’t just sit in a classroom taking notes. Instead, they combine theoretical learning and lab-based pracs with ‘muddy boots’ fieldwork opportunities in locations such as the Blue Mountains, Manly Dam and Royal National Park. Engage with data collection, stream and lake assessments, and environmental survey activities, among others, and study alongside leading academics whose research is shaping the contemporary environmental science field.

Taught by the leaders in environmental science

Hands-on environmental science internships on campus and beyond prepare students to connect with a range of professional placement opportunities*. They also benefit from extensive research and industry connections through co-designed curriculum, guest lectures and seminar series, and industry-relevant projects that bring them face to face with the critical challenges facing the planet today.

*Please note: this is an elective subject. Students must complete a competitive application process to secure a professional placement.

Areas of study

Biodiversity; cell biology and genetics; ecology of freshwater, estuarine and marine systems; environmental chemistry; experimental design and data analysis; GIS and remote sensing; marine geoscience; plant and wildlife ecology and management; structure, behaviour and physiology of plants and animals. Additional subjects are available after first year for in-depth specialisation in selected areas.

Career opportunities

An environmental science degree can lead directly into a scientific career or into a diversity of professional opportunities in the world beyond the lab. From scientific and research roles to policy, education and advocacy positions, you could find yourself working for environmental protection and/or management organisations, universities and research institutes, tourism bodies, government agencies or environmental/sustainability consulting firms, or in schools.

Specific job titles include – but aren’t limited to – scientific officer, research scientist, education officer, environmental officer, parks manager, environmental consultant, policy officer, science communicator or science educator.

Professional recognition

Australian Institute for Biology, Ecological Society of Australia, Australian Society for Plant Physiology, Australasian Society for Ecotoxicology, Australian Marine Sciences Association.

Practical experience

There are many subjects with a major fieldwork component, and opportunities for practical experience also exist through electives which include a substantial research component or internship.

Students studying this course have an opportunity to undertake an internship subject and receive academic credit for their placement off campus (an external business or research institute) or on campus (UTS research institutes or departments), in a capacity relevant to their academic studies.

Honours

Available as an additional year to meritorious students.

Fees and charges

Refer to UTS current fee information.