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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

Earth science is the study of the Earth and its neighbours in space. It is made up four basic areas: geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy. We live in a time where graduates who have learned how to approach the challenges faced by the Earth and its inhabitants are in high demand. Your degree may focus on issues such as climate change, alternate energy sources, over-population and natural disasters, just some of the issues Earth scientists are dealing with.

Career examples

• Climatologist
• Geologist
• Oceanographer
• Spatial Scientist

Degrees

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

Physics is fundamental to understanding the world around us, within us, and beyond us. As the most basic and foundational science, physics stretches our imaginations with concepts like relativity and string theory, leading to groundbreaking discoveries such as computers and lasers that transform our lives. It encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles and forms the basis of many other sciences, including chemistry, oceanography, seismology, and astronomy. With a bachelor’s degree in physics, these fields are easily accessible.

The significance of physics extends beyond the "hard sciences." Physicists increasingly apply their expertise to molecular biology, biochemistry, and medicine, where their unique skills are highly sought after. Medical physicists, in particular, are in high demand due to their specialised knowledge.

Physics also underpins many modern technologies. Innovations like cell phones, the Internet, and MRI machines are rooted in physics-based developments that have revolutionised our world.

A physics education equips individuals to work in diverse and exciting environments, from industrial and government labs to college campuses and even the astronaut corps. Many theoretical and experimental physicists transition into engineering roles, and numerous engineers hold physics degrees.

Additionally, physics graduates often pursue careers outside the laboratory, working in journalism, governmental departments, and various other fields where their problem-solving abilities and analytical skills are invaluable assets. Physics is not only fascinating and relevant but also prepares you for rewarding careers in a wide range of industries.

Career examples

• Engineer
• Programmer
• Analyst (mining, healthcare, council, finance)
• Financial consultant
• Data visualiser
• Systems engineer
• Medical physicist
• Teacher
• Policy maker
• Nuclear engineer
• Research scientist
• Lecturer/Professor
• Patent attorney
• Meteorologist

Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour. The knowledge you gain in a psychology degree will open your mind, make you more competitive in the job market, and make a positive impact on the lives of others. It will help you understand why people behave the way that they do and will help improve the planet by understanding the link between consumption, identity and fostering environmentally sustainable behaviours. You will participate in and help drive cutting-edge research; everything from autonomous vehicles, to the impact of trauma, to understanding how the brain works. Research and career opportunities are as broad as your imagination.

Career examples

• Clinical psychologist
• Market researcher
• Neuroscientist
• Human resources consultant

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