Bachelor of Environmental Science
- Local students
- International students
Program code - title: BP192 - Bachelor of Environmental Science
Campus
City campus
Description
Environmental science at RMIT is concerned with the evaluation and management of all aspects of the environment (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere).
This degree will provide you with a detailed knowledge of processes which occur in both natural and degraded environments, combined with a specialisation in two areas of environmental study. One of the specialisations will be either environmental chemistry or environmental biology. The other specialisation can be chosen from environmental engineering, environmental management, instrumental analysis or geospatial science.
In the environmental science degree at RMIT you will:
- gain considerable hands-on experience with equipment both in the laboratory and in the field. This is done in small groups to give each student equal opportunity.
- take part in many field trips. There are usually two to three field trips per semester.
- be given the opportunity to work on collaborative projects with industry. This generally involves working in small teams.
Considerable emphasis is placed on enabling each student to settle into this program and providing additional academic help, where needed.
Global connections
Students may spend one semester or one year at an overseas institution through the Education Abroad program at more than 120 partner universities. Recent students have studied in Denmark (Technical University of Denmark), Canada (Concordia), Sweden (Lund University), Holland (Delft University of Technology) and the USA (Buffalo State University).
Work experience
Regular field trips are a feature of this degree. They involve teamwork and are often carried out in association with government agencies, environmental agencies and consultancies. All students also engage with industry in their final year project.
There is also an opportunity to undertake a team research project in Vietnam.
Duration
Three years full-time or six years part-time.
Pathways
RMIT graduates of the following program may be eligible to apply for exemptions of up to one year from the Diploma of Conservation and Land Management.
Further information about gaining credit for previous study or experience
Further information about pathways
Career prospects
The training and the experiences provided at RMIT are modelled on the type of work likely to be required after graduation. This makes the RMIT graduates in environmental science highly employable.
Graduates obtain jobs in environmental consultancies, government agencies, resource management, research and education, and the mining/manufacturing industry.
Typical tasks that graduates undertake include sample collection and analysis, waste management, ongoing monitoring and assessment, environmental impact assessment, site remediation, policy development, cleaner production, environmental education and training and environmental auditing.
A number of past graduates are now in senior positions in several industry areas, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Professional recognition
All graduates will be eligible for membership of the Environment Institute of Australia. Those with sufficient chemistry may apply to the Royal Australian Chemical Institute for membership.
Entrance requirements
RMIT has general requirements of entry which applicants are required to meet in order to demonstrate their capacity to successfully complete an RMIT program. The general requirements of entry for undergraduate programs can be found at www.rmit.edu.au/policies/students/selection.
Current Year 12 prerequisite units 3 and 4—one of mathematical methods (CAS) or specialist mathematics and a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or at least 25 in any other English.
Equity access
Equity access schemes ensure that your individual circumstances are considered in the selection process for our programs. They give you an opportunity to provide more information about your achievements, background and preparedness for further study in support of your application to study at RMIT. Visit equity access for more information about what schemes are available, the eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Click here for further information .
Application procedures
Semester one intake
Application closing date: Late September (timely)
Late applications may be accepted, please contact VTAC.
VTAC application
Applicants must apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) and are advised to check detailed information on entrance requirements, application procedures and closing dates. Applicants must meet all extra requirements and selection procedures listed through VTAC.
Note: RMIT program codes listed on this page should not be used when applying through VTAC.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered.
Please refer to the current VTAC Guide for full details on extra requirements.
Many programs at RMIT have extra requirements as part of their selection process such as:
- an interview
- a test
- a folio
- completion of additional supplementary forms.
It is very important that you carefully read any extra requirements listed under programs in the current VTAC Guide or in RMIT program brochures. Failure to comply with these requirements by the date specified will jeopardise entry into a program.
RMIT supplementary forms are available at www.rmit.edu.au/programs/apply/forms
Semester two intake (midyear entry)
Application closing date: 31 May
To apply for midyear entry at RMIT you will need to apply online at www.rmit.edu.au/programs/apply
Not all RMIT programs will accept applications for midyear entry. A list of programs accepting midyear applications is published in May at www.rmit.edu.au/programs/midyear
Click here for further information .
Fees
Detailed information regarding fees for degree and TAFE programs, including for Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), State Government Subsidised Place (SGSP) and Fee Paying Place (FPP), can be found by clicking the further information link below.
Scholarships
RMIT is committed to enriching and transforming the futures of our students and will award more than 2000 scholarships worth millions of dollars in 2012.
RMIT’s scholarships help to recognise and foster academic achievement in our students, as well as assist students from a variety of backgrounds to realise their tertiary and career dreams. Visit RMIT Scholarships for further information.
Click here for further information .
Additional expenses
Students will be required to purchase a laboratory coat, approved safety glasses, a pipette filler, textbooks, and lecture notes.
Program structure
Year one
You will study chemistry and biology related to the environment, the processes involved in the development of the Earth, statistics, scientific communication, and ideas of environmental thought and action. There are a number of excursions during the year, including a weekend trip to French Island.
Year two
You will choose your two specialisations. All students study processes which occur in the natural environment and attend several excursions each semester.
Year three
You will continue with your specialisations and explore processes occurring in degraded environments. In first semester you will undertake a week-long field trip and learn how to work effectively in teams on a set project. Currently this project takes place in Lakes Entrance investigating the health of a local river and lake. In the second semester, you will work in a team on a science project of your choice, generally with an industry partner.
As an alternative to the science project, you may apply to be part of the Vietnam project, or attend an excursion to Lizard Island in Queensland.
Honours
An honours year is available.
The following program structure(s) are linked to this program.
Contact details
Info Corner
330 Swanston Street (cnr La Trobe Street)
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel. +61 3 9925 2260
Email: study@rmit.edu.au
OR
Shae Remilton, Undergraduate Coordinator
School of Applied Sciences
Tel. +61 3 9925 2010
Email: shae.remilton@rmit.edu.au
Download this information as a PDF brochure (Requires Acrobat Reader)
Owning school
Applied Sciences
Disclaimer
Although RMIT endeavours to ensure the accuracy of this information, there is no guarantee it will remain accurate all year. Applicants are advised to confirm program details with the appropriate school before making an application.