Global environmental problems require innovative solutions from creative thinkers with a deep scientific understanding of the environment, including its underlying physical, chemical and biological processes. Environmental scientists focus on applying scientific techniques to study interactions between people and the rest of the world, including living and non-living environments.

This major is part of the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours). It provides a flexible and personalised approach to studying environmental science with students able to explore the field through for-credit immersive research experiences, industry placement and/or interdisciplinary team-based projects. The major culminates in a capstone experience.

Your first years of study provide an appropriate foundation for studying the physical, chemical and biological conditions of various environments and their effects on organisms. In your later years you’ll cover a wide range of environmental science topics, including study conservation biology and sustainability, chemical structure and spectroscopy, ecotoxicology, analytical chemistry, environmental impact assessment, environmental restoration, ecology and environmental geoscience.

Students in this course gain practical experience programming in both R and Python and exposure to data science professionals. Work-based learning is ensured through the requirement to engage in immersive industry and/or research experience.

The Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) provides opportunities through second and third year to undertake internal and external internships and immersive work experience, sourced by the student, which can be used for course credit.

This major sits within the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) degree. To apply for this major, you will apply for the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours).

Why study

The majors in Curtin’s Advanced Science (Honours) are unique in Western Australia in their combination of discipline focus, capacity to specialise within that discipline or pursue other interests, and research and work experience within the course. You will have a distinctive set of skills and experience that lay the foundation for a career as a scientist able to work across the range of ‘science’ jobs.

How this course will make you industry ready

In this major you will have the opportunity to interact with a wide range of industry experts. Through embedded research and industry engagement you will have the opportunity to investigate multiple areas of specialisation and tailor you final year experience that prepares you for the industry of your choice.

Professional recognition

Depending on the major area of specialisation, graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Biology, the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand.

• Conservation scientist
• Environmental scientist
• Life scientist
• Mine restoration consultant
• Natural resource manager
• Remediated lands consultant