Bachelor of Environmental Biology
University of Technology Sydney
CRICOS provider number: 00099F TEQSA provider ID: PRV12060
Courses included
This course has been cancelled
About
Climate change is the singular issue of our time – today, the planet is facing its ultimate test. The Bachelor of Environmental Biology prepares students to protect and manage the critical species and ecosystems that hold the key to the future.
Like most degrees of its kind, the UTS Bachelor of Environmental Biology combines theoretical and lab-based learning, but it’s what happens outside the classroom that really sets it apart. An extensive fieldwork program challenges students to test their skills in a variety of aquatic and terrestrial environments, while professional internship offerings can help kickstart their career with placements in leading university, government and industry labs.
As one of Australia’s leading university science faculties, UTS Science is committed to teaching and research that creates a more sustainable world. When students enrol at UTS, they join a university that delivers global impact in STEM education and research and a faculty that produces scientists with the power to transform the profession, the globe and society.
Course features:
Students complete a series of common core subjects that underpin all undergraduate UTS Science degrees. Design, Data and Decisions and Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues are designed to equip students with a toolkit of technical and workplace skills, preparing them to thrive both at and after uni.
Environmental science subjects: Course content combines general science subjects with specialist environmental learning that spans aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, plant physiology, biodiversity conservation, wildlife management and environmental protection, among others. Students also build highly practical skills in areas like urban resilience, geographic information systems and remote sensing, preparing them to take hands-on action towards a more sustainable world.
Free electives: Students can customise the degree to suit their personal or career aspirations. They can enrol in an international exchange, pursue a professional internship, or tailor their studies with a choice of subjects from any UTS faculty.
Science communication: An embedded English language program challenges students to build science communication skills over the life of their degree. By the end of their studies, students will have specialist theoretical and practical skills, as well as the capacity to communicate what they know to a diversity of audiences.
Areas of study
Biodiversity; cell biology and genetics; ecology of freshwater, estuarine and marine systems; environmental chemistry; experimental design and data analysis; GIS and remote sensing; marine geoscience; plant and wildlife ecology and management; structure, behaviour and physiology of plants and animals. Additional subjects are available after first year for in-depth specialisation in selected areas.
Career opportunities
An environmental science degree can lead directly into a scientific career or into a diversity of professional opportunities in the world beyond the lab. From scientific and research roles to policy, education and advocacy positions, you could find yourself working for environmental protection and/or management organisations, universities and research institutes, tourism bodies, government agencies or environmental/sustainability consulting firms, or in schools.
Specific job titles include – but aren’t limited to – scientific officer, research scientist, education officer, environmental officer, parks manager, environmental consultant, policy officer, science communicator or science educator.
Professional recognition
Australian Institute for Biology, Ecological Society of Australia, Australian Society for Plant Physiology, Australasian Society for Ecotoxicology, Australian Marine Sciences Association.
Practical experience
There are many subjects with a major fieldwork component, and opportunities for practical experience also exist through electives which include a substantial research component or internship.
Students studying this course have an opportunity to undertake an internship subject and receive academic credit for their placement off campus (an external business or research institute) or on campus (UTS research institutes or departments), in a capacity relevant to their academic studies.
With this degree, students don’t just sit in a classroom taking notes. Instead, they combine theoretical learning and lab-based pracs with ‘muddy boots’ fieldwork opportunities in locations such as the Blue Mountains, Manly Dam and Royal National Park. Engage with data collection, stream and lake assessments, and environmental survey activities, among others, and study alongside leading academics whose research is shaping the contemporary environmental science field. Hands-on environmental science internships on campus and beyond prepare students to connect with a range of professional placement opportunities*. They also benefit from extensive research and industry connections through co-designed curriculum, guest lectures and seminar series, and industry-relevant projects that bring them face to face with the critical challenges facing the planet today.
Honours
Available as an additional year to meritorious students.
Fees and charges
Refer to UTS current fee information.
Admission criteria
Applicants with recent secondary education
Assumed knowledge: Mathematics Advanced, any 2 units of English, any 2 units of science.
Other applicants
Statement of service: Applicants are advised to complete the employment question on their UAC application and provide statements of service to UAC, as an adjustment of up to five points to their selection rank may be awarded on the basis of relevant employment experience. Applicants must meet the UTS minimum matriculation requirements in order for their employment experience to be assessed, and their documented employment experience must be at least one full-time year or greater.
Optional aptitude assessment: UTS Science believes that some applicants may have an aptitude for scientific study that is not reflected in their HSC results. The aptitude assessment is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their potential, and possibly secure an offer to study at UTS Science. The assessment is designed to assess applicants’ analytical and critical thinking skills. Much like the STAT test, it is not a knowledge-based assessment and there is no need to study for it. Applicants who wish to commence study can register to participate in the UTS Science Aptitude test.
Taking this assessment does not mean applicants are guaranteed to receive an offer from UTS Science.
Student profile
Access information about the background of students in this course.
Further information
View all details of this course on the UTS website.
University of Technology Sydney degrees
The academic content of all programs is subject to routine review.
ATAR profile
ATAR-based offers only (semester 1, 2024)
Use all ATAR profile data as a guide only; it provides a broad overview of the ATARs and selection ranks of previous Year 12 students admitted into that course. ATARs and selection ranks required for entry in 2024 may be different. If you are unsure about including a course among your preferences, contact the relevant institution.
- This ATAR profile table is in line with Commonwealth Government transparency requirements. It is based on offers to recent school leavers (ie completed Year 12 in the last 2 years) who were selected solely or partly on their ATAR. Note that some institutions further differentiate this information on their websites.
- The ATAR values exclude any adjustment factors.
- The selection ranks include the ATAR and any adjustment factors.
Abbreviations
– = data is not available.<5 = less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
N/A = no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
NC = new course
NP = Not provided by institution
NR = No reportable profile
NS = No Semester 1 offers
NN = Unavailable (other)
NO = Entry on other criteria
Student profile
About UTS Science
Study at Australia’s #1 young university
As Australia’s #1 young university* (and number 11 in the world*), UTS is a vibrant and dynamic place to study. Our youth means we sit at the cutting edge of learning and research – and our students do too.
* QS7 Top 50 Under 50, 2017–2021.
Study Options
At UTS Science, choice is the name of the game. With more than 20 degrees to choose from, students can create a study plan that reflects their personal and professional goals.
Read more about UTS Science Programs.
Specialist degrees: These highly focused courses take students on a deep dive into their chosen area of science. Choices include Environmental Biology, Forensic Science, Marine Biology and Climate Change, Mathematical Sciences, Medical Science and Molecular Biotechnology.
Bachelor of Science: With eight majors and extensive elective choices, the Bachelor of Science is for students who want to create a degree that’s uniquely theirs. Major choices (Physics, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Medical Science, Flexible) are split between a Life Sciences stream and a Mathematical and Physical Sciences stream; students can pick and choose subjects to build a customised learning plan.
Bachelor of Advanced Science: Designed for high-achieving students, the Bachelor of Advanced Science delivers specialist learning in Pre-medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Quantum Technologies. Students prepare for further study or for a career at the forefront of contemporary science.
Combined degrees: UTS Science or Mathematics degrees can be combined with another course in areas such as business, international studies, creative intelligence and innovation, engineering or law. A combined degree gives students two qualifications in one and expands their career potential, all in less time than it would take to complete two consecutive courses.
Where learning comes to life
Real-world experience: UTS Science is the home of hands-on learning. Course content combines theory, lab and practical experience, equipping students with the skills of their future professions. They’ll also have the chance to working alongside world-leading researchers and industry practitioners, building connections that count from early in their degrees.
World-leading facilities: UTS Science has undergone a massive upgrade as part of a billion-dollar redevelopment of the UTS City Campus. Students learn in award-winning, purpose-built teaching and research laboratories, including the UTS Science Super Lab and Hive Super Lab (all students), the Crime Scene Simulation Labs (Forensic Science students), the Microstructural Analysis Unit (Physics students) and the Surgical and Anatomical Science Facility (Advanced Science students). They can also access a range of collaborative spaces for group work and social activities.
Read more about our facilities.
Global and internship opportunities: Science is a global profession. At UTS, we encourage our students to develop a global mindset by offering travel and internship opportunities that can take them around the world. They can spend one or two sessions studying overseas (Global Exchange), engage with local and international leadership and global citizenship experiences (BUILD) or get a taste of international internships, either virtually or face to face (Global Short Programs).
Read more about UTS Global and Internship opportunities.
Getting ready to study
Bridging courses: Students can build skills and confidence in preparation for university study with an intensive bridging course(s) in biology, mathematics, physics or chemistry. Read more about UTS Bridging courses.
Scholarships: We’re committed to celebrating achievement and removing barriers to education. That’s why UTS and UTS Science offer a wealth of scholarships for high achievers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and students experiencing disadvantage. Read more about UTS scholarships and UTS Science scholarships.
Course start dates: In most cases, local students can commence their UTS Science studies at the beginning of the year (February/March) or mid-year (July/August). Some courses are also available in summer.
Course updates
Courses are added and cancelled throughout the admissions year and course details are subject to change. Check the UAC course search regularly.
UTS Online Handbook
For further details about UTS courses listed below, including course content and structure, subject and elective choices, attendance patterns and credit point requirements, visit the UTS Online Handbook.
UTS cross-faculty and combined courses
UTS offers many cross-faculty courses and combined courses in the areas of Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Design, Engineering and Information Technology, Health, Law and Science.
UTS also offers a Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation (BCII), a Bachelor of International Studies and a Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment as combined degrees. TD School at UTS also offers a unique future-focused Diploma in Innovation that can be completed in parallel with almost any Bachelor degree and double degree, except BCII. Diploma enrolment is by direct application once at UTS.