Environmental Science at Murdoch University

Course Description

The environment is a complex, interdependent system of the atmosphere, water and soils, and the plant, animal, and human communities that rely on them.

Effective solutions to environmental challenges are dependent on science. Learn how the environment works, and how we interact with it both on a daily basis and as part of large institutions and organisations. You’ll gain interdisciplinary knowledge in water and earth sciences, ecology, policy, law, and environmental management, and learn how to integrate this knowledge to sustain healthy environments.

You’ll apply your knowledge with hands-on field and laboratory based practical learning that will bring scientific principles to life. Tap into your passion for the environment and you gain real-world skills that will give you an edge in future employment.

5 reasons to study Environmental Science at Murdoch

• Your coursework takes advantage of stunning ‘natural laboratories’ right here on campus, with two conservation category wetlands, a banksia woodland, turtles, quendas, endangered Carnaby’s and other black cockatoos, and more than 200 species of plants.
• You’ll create new environmental knowledge through research study embedded in your degree – for example you could design and investigate an environmental issue to develop management guidelines for your favourite wetland ecosystem.
• Study with active environmental practitioners with internationally respected expertise, including members of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
• Get your foot in the door and create networks with a work placement with one of our many committed partners in industry, government and non-governmental organizations.
• Volunteer with external organisations or get involved in restoration projects and research on campus.

What you’ll learn

Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you’ll learn:

• atmospheric processes and relationships to climate change
• how water, soils and plants interact and shape natural and human landscapes and waterbodies
• how to conduct ecological research to understand and mitigate threats to biodiversity
• effective, science-based techniques in environmental assessment of wetlands
• how legislation and policy underpin conservation and natural resource management.

Mix and match up to two minors with your major; great choices include Applied Statistics, Resource Management, Sustainable Development, and more.

Your future career

Pursue a career in the fields of air and water quality, biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, climate change adaptation and mitigation, ecotourism, education, forestry, fisheries and wildlife, green/alternative energy, mining rehabilitation, natural resource management, parks management, policy formation, sustainability, urban planning or waste management.

Careers could include:

• Atmospheric or Climate Change Scientist
• Environmental Consultant
• Environmental Ecologist
• Natural Resource Manager
• Restoration Ecologist.