Environmental science is concerned with understanding natural processes, how they connect to form the natural environment and how – by measuring these processes – we can establish, disentangle and manage the impact and effect of human disturbances, climate change and environmental pollution.

 This major will prepare you to tackle the big environmental and climatic issues of today and tomorrow, and provides a direct path to a career in the environmental sector, particularly as an environmental scientist. It focuses on hands-on practical learning in the field and the lab, where you’ll explore critical topics, including soil formation and health; geomorphology of rivers, wetlands, coasts and dunes, as well as management of these environments; pollutants and contaminants in soil, water and sediment; climate change and atmospheric processes; urban air quality; extreme weather events; geospatial trends and visualisation; and interactions between the environment and human society. You’ll learn to assess the vulnerability of human societies, ecosystems, landscapes and the atmosphere; design and implement rigorous experiments and field-based projects; use advanced measurement and monitoring instruments; analyse and evaluate scientific data, including geographic information systems; and communicate complex findings to engage with environmental policy planning and inform decision making. You’ll boost your career prospects by developing skills and undertaking experiences that provide the perfect training ground for a practical career in assessing and understanding the environment.

Key Features

• This major is available in the Bachelor of Environment – the only degree in Sydney dedicated to environmental issues.
• This major has a strong focus on practical work, both in the field and in modern labs, designed to foster problem solving, collaboration and cutting-edge scientific research.
• The mix of theoretical and practical components provides opportunities for field trips to places in New South Wales, such as Seal Rocks and Wee Jasper, and to New Zealand and further afield.
• You’ll gain an array of workplace skills and experience in fieldwork, group work and report writing to get you job ready.
• In your final year, you’ll undertake a work-integrated learning activity with a partner organisation to help prepare you for real workplace scenarios.
• With an understanding of the interconnected aspects of natural and social sciences, and that no environmental issue exists outside a social or political framework, you’ll be prepared to take on a career at the highest level.
• Macquarie is one of only two universities to be given the top rating of five for environmental sciences research in all three Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) evaluations.
• Macquarie is ranked number one in Sydney for teaching quality and overall graduate satisfaction in mathematics and science (QILT, 2017).

• Air quality and pollution manager
• Climate consultant
• Contaminated land assessor
• Environmental consultant
• Environmental researcher
• Environmental scientist
• Land care and catchment manager
• Local council environmental officer
• Meteorologist
• National parks officer and manager
• Oceanographer
• Project manager
• Resource manager
• River and water manager
• Soil scientist
• Spatial information officer