If you want to ensure the different species and organisms that inhabit our environment are protected for years to come, then Biodiversity and Conservation is for you. Biodiversity and Conservation students examine the impact of developments upon Australian biota and ecosystems, the management of natural systems and wildlife, and factors affecting the distribution and abundance of species.

Studying Biology you will learn about living organisms, their life cycles and adaptations. You will use the latest tools and techniques with exposure to the discipline of biological science’s strong research focus, both in and out of the laboratory. At the University we have specialists in Animal Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Plant Biology.

Career examples

• Animal Biologist
• Biochemist
• Biologist
• Plant Scientist

Degrees

1. Bachelor of Science (major in Biological Sciences)
2. Bachelor of Biomedical Science (major in Biological Sciences)
3. Bachelor of Biotechnology

Other degrees to consider

Biotechnology harnesses the natural biochemical and genetic processes of living organisms for our own use. The products of biotechnology are all around us and impact on our daily lives more and more as we learn to make living cells perform useful and specific tasks in a predictable and controlled way. Biotechnology is used to modify human health and the human environment and is currently used in genetic engineering; health and pharmaceuticals; plant and animal agriculture; food production; fuels; and waste management. Your study will see you learn about human and animal diseases, climate change, fuel alternatives and food security.

Career examples

• Biochemist
• Forensic Biologist
• Geneticist
• Reproductive Medicine / IVF Specialist

Degrees

1. Bachelor of Biotechnology

Other degrees to consider

Almost everything you touch in the modern world will have a chemist’s input. Chemistry students study the manipulation of atoms and molecules for real-world applications and it plays a key role in virtually all sciences. Through studying chemistry, students help solve problems and shape the world we live in. Chemistry graduates are involved with developing new drugs, new computing devices and better energy storage materials. Specialisations are available in Chemistry of Advanced Materials, and Medicinal and Organic Chemistry.

Career examples

• Environmental Chemist
• Forensic Chemist
• Geochemist
• Pharmaceutical Scientist

Degrees

1. Bachelor of Science (major in Chemistry)
2. Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (major in Chemistry)

Other degrees to consider

Climate scientists address the impact of and response to climate change. As a transdisciplinary problem, expertise and knowledge from many different fields are being applied to solve the climate challenges we are facing. By studying Climate Science, you will use critical and lateral thinking to examine data, find creative ideas for mitigating impact, and explore how human perspectives can influence the progress made combating this crisis.

Other degrees to consider

Australia has some of the most unique and diverse coastlines and marine ecosystems in the world. When you study Coastal and Marine Science, you will learn about the interaction between humans and marine ecosystems within the approximately 16.1 million square kilometres of coastal shallows and ocean floor for which Australia is responsible. This specialisation produces graduates prepared for a range of challenges including the conservation of resources, control of pollution and management of species in these areas.

Other degrees to consider

Development Studies is a transdisciplinary branch of science that explores issues involving urban and regional development, poverty, water security, systemic inequalities and environmental sustainability. Students explore the political and social factors that either enhance or limit development, and work on creating solutions that focus on improving living conditions for those who need it most.

Other degrees to consider

Studying earth sciences at the University of Newcastle, you will learn about the physical processes that shape planet Earth, and how these processes lead to natural hazards that impact society.

Earth sciences play a pivotal role in tackling global issues such as climate change, natural hazards, environmental conservation, and resource management. Studying earth science provides critical knowledge to understand and mitigate natural hazards, supports informed decision-making, and underpins efforts toward sustainable human development.

You will learn from leading science researchers who will guide you through a tailored program, specifically designed to give you the skills that employers are seeking. This multidisciplinary field equips students with a diverse set of skills, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific inquiry. Through hands-on fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and cutting-edge technology, students engage with real-world challenges, honing their abilities to analyse, interpret and communicate complex scientific information. Find scientific solutions to complex problems and gain the confidence that employers are looking for.

The topics covered provide the necessary grounding for continuing studies in earth, environmental, water, climate, coastal, marine, and spatial sciences.

Topics you will cover include:

• Earth’s natural processes including rock, water, and ocean/atmospheric cycles
• The origins, evolution and materials of Earth’s landscapes and environments
• Sediment, soils and biosphere
• Water cycles, drainage and groundwater
• Hazards (e.g., earthquakes, tsunamis, contamination, droughts and bushfires)
• The impacts of human activities on natural hazards, including the effects of climate change
• Observing Earth processes and impacts of hazards in time and space

Learn more about our programs and staff below.

Other degrees to consider

The Earth Sciences major is for those that are looking to build new concepts working in a variety of environments. Examine the processes of our earth, soil, water, as well as our spatial science and structural geology. You will learn from leading science researchers who will guide you through a tailored program, specifically designed to give you the skills that employers are seeking. You’ll be able to follow your passions, and customise your study with a wide range of disciplinary choices, incorporating many areas of study. Find scientific solutions to complex problems and gain the confidence that employers are looking for.

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Dr Brady Flinchum

Lecturer

School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Brady Flinchum is a dedicated researcher who employs near-surface geophysical methods to characterize the critical zone (CZ), which spans from treetops to bedrock and supports terrestrial life.

• Brady.Flinchum@newcastle.edu.au

Dr Michael Kinsela

Lecturer - Coastal and Ocean Geoscience

School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Mike is a coastal and marine geologist who investigates how coasts evolved through past climate variations and how human-induced climate change is impacting coasts now and into the future. He uncovers secrets from the seafloor that recorded coastal dynamics during past sea level changes and climate conditions.

• Michael.Kinsela@newcastle.edu.au

Dr Chris Owers

Lecturer - Spatial Information Science

School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Chris is a Spatial Scientist, and a specialist in using Remote Sensing to generate critical information about environmental change. Chris’ research covers a number of spatial scales of analysis (e.g. continent-scale, landscape-scale, site-scale) with expertise using a variety of remote sensing technologies.

• Chris.Owers@newcastle.edu.au
• 0249217803

Dr Jason Palozzi

Lecturer

School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Jason is a geologist who investigates how mining waste in Australia could be used as a source of critical minerals for clean energy and modern technology. His work treats this waste as a pre-processed resource, helping reduce environmental impacts and support the move toward net-zero emissions.

• Jason.Palozzi@newcastle.edu.au

Dr Sara Polanco

Lecturer

School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Sara is an Earth scientist who investigates how and why terrestrial and coastal systems change over time. She integrates geographic information science, numerical modelling, and fieldwork to mitigate environmental change.

• Sara.Polanco@newcastle.edu.au

Assoc Prof Hannah Power

Associate Professor

School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Hannah is a coastal geomorphologist who investigates how the processes, like waves, tides, and currents, change and create hazards in our coastal environments. Hannah works across a range of environments from sandy beaches, to rocky shores, to estuaries and has a strong fieldwork focus in her work.

• Hannah.Power@newcastle.edu.au
• 0249215606

Dr Gabriel Rau

Senior Lecturer

School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Gabriel is an earth scientist, whose work aims to develop and apply methods for the quantification of subsurface processes and properties, leading to improved fundamental process understanding. This includes water flows across the surface/subsoil boundary and the impact.

• Gabriel.Rau@newcastle.edu.au
• 0249217743

Assoc Prof Danielle Verdon-Kidd

Associate Professor

School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Danielle is a climate scientist who investigates how climate change and extreme events—such as heatwaves, tropical cyclones, droughts, and floods—shape our landscapes and impact communities. Her work spans tropical, floodplain, and dryland environments, using natural archives like speleothems and tree rings to reconstruct past climate variability and improve understanding of future risks.

• Danielle.Verdon@newcastle.edu.au
• 0249215749

Study with us

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Studying Environmental Management will empower you with the knowledge required to play a role in solving environmental problems. You will develop specialised management skills and the ability to determine environmental impact assessments against legislation and policy.

Details of hte program are below, and you can learn about the expertise of our staff here.

Other degrees to consider

Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) is the study of the physical, biological, and chemical makeup of food and its impacts on the human body. It includes natural changes that occur in foods, the concepts underlying food processing, quality management and development, food choices and health impacts. FSHN degrees draw from many disciplines such as biology, chemistry, consumer science, and biochemistry to help you learn about the science of food from production to the consumer. Your study covers a wide range of topics, which prepare you for leading roles as a food and nutrition professional and give you a competitive edge in the job market. FSHN graduates can work in different areas in the food industry, do Honours or higher research degrees in food science.

Career examples

• Flavourist
• Food Chemist
• Food Technologist
• Research Scientist

Other degrees to consider

Geography and Environmental Studies is a diverse discipline that explains the relationships between people and places in the world we live in. When you study Physical Geography, you will investigate earth and water, coastal environments, globalisation and climate change. As a human geographer, you will explore issues involving development, poverty, inequality and environmental sustainability. Together this discipline leads to new ideas and solutions to some of our most complex societal issues. For the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science (Advanced) you can choose your major for Geography.

Career examples

• Development Compliance Officer
• Demographer
• Environmental Geographer
• Transport Geographer

Other degrees to consider

There is no future on our planet without water. Water security, hydrology (the study of the movement, distribution and quality of water) and water resource management are at the heart of the preservation of life on Earth. Our College leads a multidisciplinary approach to address these issues, with our Earth scientists, Environmental Sciences and Geographers working individually and collectively to find solutions to protecting our water sources.

Other degrees to consider

Sustainability studies focuses on how to balance using and conserving natural resources. You will learn about how humans use and manage natural resources and environments, and assess the impact of implementing sustainable practices upon communities as well as natural environments.

Career examples

• Biodiversity Conservation Officer
• Environmental Officer
• Sustainability Educator
• National Park Ranger

Other degrees to consider