Bachelor of Environmental Science and Ecology (Extended Major)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Western Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Environmental Science and Ecology (Extended Major) at The University of Western Australia is designed for students who want to understand how ecosystems function and how the environment can be managed in a sustainable way. It is well suited for students interested in biodiversity, conservation, climate science, and solving real environmental challenges using scientific approaches.

You will study environmental science alongside ecology and biology, developing a strong understanding of how natural systems interact and how they can be protected and restored.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in science through core units such as Plant and Animal Biology (BIOL1131), Environmental Science and Technology (ENVT1104), Science, Society and Data Analysis (SCIE1104), and Communicating Science (SCOM1101). These units introduce key ideas in biology, environmental systems, and scientific communication.

This year focuses on developing essential scientific knowledge and analytical skills needed for advanced environmental study.

Year 2

In the second year, students move into more specialised study with units such as Animal Diversity (ANIM2220), Ecology (ENVT2250), The Climate System (ENVT2220), Soil Science (ENVT2236), Hydrology and Water Resource Management (ENVT2251), and Geographic Information Systems (GEOG2201).

At this stage, you begin exploring ecosystems, climate processes, water systems, and environmental mapping tools used in real-world environmental analysis.

Year 3

In the third year, students focus on advanced environmental science and ecology through units such as Environmental Assessment (ENVT3361), Land Rehabilitation (ENVT3339), Land Capability Assessment (ENVT3338), Ecological Processes (ENVT3363), Environmental Dynamics (ENVT3362), and Australian Vegetation (PLNT3306).

This year is more applied and prepares students for professional environmental roles or further research study.

Focus Areas

Ecology, environmental science, biodiversity, climate systems, soil science, hydrology, conservation, land management, GIS, and ecosystem restoration.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop strong ecological and environmental analysis skills, understanding of ecosystems and climate systems, ability to use tools like GIS, and the capacity to assess and solve environmental problems in real-world contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This program is not formally accredited by a professional body, but it is closely aligned with industry expectations in environmental science and ecology. It prepares students for careers in conservation, environmental consulting, government agencies, and ecological research.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Western Australia is a Group of Eight university and is consistently ranked among Australia’s leading universities. The program is well regarded for its strong field-based learning, ecological focus, and preparation for environmental science careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Environmental Science and Ecology (Extended Major) at The University of Western Australia is strongly focused on hands-on learning, where students regularly apply scientific knowledge to real ecosystems and environmental challenges. From the early stages of the degree, you take part in fieldwork, laboratory sessions, and data analysis that reflect how environmental scientists and ecologists work in practice. As you progress, you move into more advanced ecological studies, environmental assessments, and spatial analysis that prepare you for real-world roles in conservation, consulting, and environmental management.

This practical learning is supported through field studies, laboratory training, and the use of modern environmental science tools and methods:

Fieldwork across Western Australia to study ecosystems, biodiversity, vegetation, soil systems, and environmental change in real natural environments
Laboratory-based learning across ecology, plant and animal science, soil science, and environmental processes
Use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis tools to map and interpret environmental and land data
Hands-on ecological work including species identification, biodiversity surveys, and ecosystem monitoring
Applied environmental tasks such as environmental assessment, land capability evaluation, and rehabilitation planning
Group-based field projects that build teamwork, research planning, and scientific communication skills
Training in environmental data interpretation and modelling for climate, water, and land systems
Access to university science facilities and specialist learning spaces that support environmental and biological science study
Learning experiences aligned with industry practice in ecology, conservation, and environmental consulting

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Ecology (Extended Major) at The University of Western Australia are well prepared for careers focused on ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, and environmental change. The degree develops strong scientific, fieldwork, and analytical skills that are directly used in environmental and ecological roles across government, consulting, and conservation sectors.

Typical roles include environmental ecologist, conservation scientist, environmental consultant, land rehabilitation officer, and biodiversity or ecosystem management specialist.

Alongside these outcomes, UWA provides strong support and industry-linked learning to help students move into employment:

Dedicated career support through UWA Careers and Employability services, including CV development, interview preparation, internship guidance, and job search support
Strong graduate pathways supported by UWA’s Group of Eight reputation, with graduates working across environmental consulting, conservation organisations, mining rehabilitation, and government agencies
Practical field-based learning throughout the degree, including ecosystem studies, biodiversity surveys, soil and vegetation assessment, and environmental monitoring
Strong connections with environmental and research organisations in Western Australia, supporting real-world exposure to ecological and environmental projects
High employability across environmental consulting firms, conservation agencies, land management organisations, and sustainability-focused industries
Development of transferable skills including ecological analysis, environmental modelling, scientific reporting, and problem-solving in natural systems

Further Academic Progression

After completing this degree, students can progress into Honours in Environmental Science and Ecology or pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Environmental Science, Master of Environmental Management, or other specialised environmental and ecological programs. Students interested in research careers can also continue into a PhD in Environmental Science, Ecology, or related fields.