Maintaining the balance between our environment and human development is challenging. The future needs you to work on sustainable solutions to issues including increasing biodiversity loss, urbanisation and climate change.
The ANU Bachelor of Environment & Sustainability is a contemporary degree, covering environmental science, policy and social sciences, allowing you to address the complex challenges of sustainability by giving you a broad environmental education.
You’ll learn to link perspectives from the natural and social sciences with their applications in your chosen major and minor.
Find out more about the Bachelor of Environment & Sustainability, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.
Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.
With a myriad of majors and minors, craft a science degree that is uniquely yours with the ANU Bachelor of Science.
You’ll have the opportunity to experiment in our state-of-the-art laboratories while being mentored by leading scientists. You’ll have the flexibility to go on fieldtrips, take your studies overseas, or try an internship.
Whether your passion lies in marine science or mathematics, physics or psychology, you’ll be able to explore your interests and follow your passions with our most flexible science degree.
Find out more about our science study areas, degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.
Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.
Career Options
Graduates from ANU have been rated as Australia's most employable graduates and among the most sought after by employers worldwide.
The latest Global Employability University Ranking, published by the Times Higher Education, rated ANU as Australia's top university for getting a job for the fourth year in a row.
Employment Opportunities
You can choose from a range of careers as diverse as the environment itself.
Many of our graduates are employed in policy making within government, water resources management, environmental management, urban planning and sustainability, international development and climate change adaption consulting.
See where a Bachelor of Environment & Sustainability could take you: our career wheel will help you turn your interests into a career in science.
You can choose from a range of careers as diverse as the environment itself.
Many of our graduates are employed in policy making within government, water resources management, environmental management, urban planning and sustainability, international development and climate change adaption consulting.
See where a Bachelor of Environment & Sustainability could take you: our career wheel will help you turn your interests into a career in science.
Learning Outcomes
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Evaluate current understandings of environmental science, natural resource management and sustainability, and of a range of response strategies for sustainable resource management and development.
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Integrate knowledge from relevant scientific areas and from policy approaches across disciplines into approaches designed to address complex contemporary environment and sustainability issues, in global, national and local contexts.
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Apply a range of written, oral and visual communication skills to effectively convey and discuss information about environmental science, sustainable development and resource management decisions and relevant policies across discipline
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Engage with ongoing debates on environmental science, resource management and sustainability issues, recognising the importance of biophysical and socio-political and cultural contexts.
Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of Science, graduates will be able to:
- develop, apply, integrate and generate scientific knowledge in educational and professional contexts;
- use a range of skills and methods to identify, analyse and respond to problems and issues;
- convey and relate professional and disciplinary information and ideas to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways;
- work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives;
- exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.
Further Information
As an exception, courses listed in the Australian Indigenous Studies minor but not listed in the Science course list will contribute towards the 96 unit Science requirement for students completing the minor.
As an exception, courses listed in the Australian Indigenous Studies minor but not listed in the Science course list will contribute towards the 96 unit Science requirement for students completing the minor.
Admission Requirements
At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.
In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.
- ATAR:
- 80
- QLD Band:
- 10
- International Baccalaureate:
- 29
Domestic applicants
→ School leavers will be assessed on:
• the minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) requirement or equivalent for this program,
• the co-curricular or service requirement, and
• any program specific requirements that are listed below.
→ Non school leavers:
a) will be assessed on:
• the minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) requirement or equivalent for this program,
b) Non school leavers who:
• complete a recognised Australian (or equivalent) post-secondary qualification, or
• complete one standard full-time year (1.0 FTE) of an Australian (or equivalent) degree qualification, or
• complete an approved tertiary preparation course/program without undertaking any further study,
will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. Non school leavers must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.
International applicants
Applicants who complete a recognised secondary/senior secondary/post-secondary/tertiary sequence of study will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. A list of commonly observed international qualifications and corresponding admission requirements can be found here. Applicants must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.
Diversity factors & English language proficiency
As Australia's national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe. If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.
Prerequisites
There are no formal program prerequisites and many first-year science courses assume little specific knowledge. The exceptions are:
- For many of the biology majors, chemistry is a requirement, therefore it is recommended that students have at least an ACT minor (but preferably a major) in chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in the biological streams of biochemistry and cell biology, microbiology and immunology, molecular genetics, animal and human physiology, and some parts of botany and neuroscience. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
- CHEM1101: ACT major in Chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent, is required. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in chemistry. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
- MATH1003: Assumed knowledge: ACT Mathematical Methods (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent
- MATH1005: ACT Mathematical Methods (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent
- MATH1013: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics Major - Minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent. Students with a good pass in ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent will be considered
- MATH1115: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics double major or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent. Students with excellent marks in either ACT Specialist Mathematics major-minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent may be permitted to enrol
- PHYS1101: There is a corequisite of MATH1013/1115. See the entries above. There is no formal physics prerequisite but preparation is assumed and recommended. Recommended preparation is - NSW: a high standard in 2 unit physics or a multistrand science; ACT: a high standard in physics (major).
Adjustment Factors
ANU offers rank adjustments for a number of adjustment factors, including for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. Rank adjustments are applied to Bachelor degree applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 points (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustments, maximum 10 equity-based adjustments and maximum 5 Elite Athlete adjustments) will be awarded. Please note that Adjustment Factors vary and do not apply to a select few programs, please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Science - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $45,864.00
Scholarships
ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.
Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.
For further information see the Scholarships website.
Program Requirements
The Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability flexible double degree component requires the completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
A minimum of 30 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses from the Science course list
A minimum of 96 units must come from completion of courses from the Science course list
The 96 units must consist of:
48 units from completion of one of the following majors:
Environmental Science
Quantitative Environmental Modelling
Resource and Environmental Management
Sustainability Studies
Either:
24 units from completion of one of the following minors:
Australian Indigenous Studies
Biodiversity Conservation and Management
Climate Science and Policy
Environmental Policy
Forest Science and Policy
Geography
Human Ecology
Soil and Land Management
Sustainable Development
Water Science and Policy
24 units from completion of courses from the Science course list
Or:
48 units from completion of a second major from the following list:
Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology
Earth Science
Environmental Science
Quantitative Environmental Modelling
Resource and Environmental Management
Geography
Marine Science
Sustainability Studies
A maximum of 12 units from completion of 1000-level courses may contribute towards meeting the requirements of two Science majors with common 1000-level course requirements.
In such cases, an equal number of units must come from the completion of additional courses from the Science course list.
The Bachelor of Science flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
A minimum of 30 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses from the Science course list
A minimum of 96 units must come from completion of courses from the Science course list
The 96 units must include:
48 units from completion of one of the following Science majors:
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Biochemistry
Biological Anthropology
Cell & Molecular Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Earth Science
Environmental Science
Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology
Geography
Human Biology
Human Evolutionary Biology
Marine Science
Mathematical Economics
Mathematical Finance
Mathematical Modelling
Mathematics
Resource and Environmental Management
Physics
Psychology
Quantitative Biology
Quantitative Environmental Modelling
Science Communication
Statistics
Sustainability Studies
Water Science
Either:
24 units from the completion of one of the following Science minors / specialisations:
Abnormal Psychology Minor
Advanced Chemistry Specialisation
Advanced Mathematics Specialisation
Advanced Physics Specialisation
Advanced Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics Specialisation
Applied Statistics Minor
Astronomy and Astrophysics Specialisation
Biology Minor
Biochemistry Specialisation
Biodiversity Conservation and Management
Biological Anthropology Minor
Biological Neuropsychology Minor
Biomedical Science Specialisation
Chemistry Minor
Climate Science and Policy Minor
Cognitive Psychology Minor
Computer Science Minor
Developmental Psychology Minor
Earth and Marine Science Minor
Earth Physics Specialisation Minor
Environmental Geology Specialisation
Environmental Policy Minor
Evolution and Ecology Specialisation
Forest Science and Policy Minor
Genetics Specialisation
Geochemistry and Petrology Specialisation
Geography Minor
Geophysics and Geology Specialisation
Human Ecology Minor
Mathematical Physics Specialisation
Mathematics Minor
Microbiology and Immunology Specialisation
Neuroscience and Physiology Specialisation
Optics Specialisation
Philosophy and Science Minor
Physics Minor
Plant Science Specialisation
Professional Science Engagement Specialisation
Psychology Specialisation
Science Communication Minor
Social Psychology Minor
Soil and Land Management Minor
Sustainable Development Minor
Water Science and Policy Minor
24 units from completion of courses from the Science course list
Or:
48 units from completion of a second Science majors, listed above
A maximum of 12 units from completion of 1000-level courses may contribute towards meeting the requirements of two Science majors with common 1000-level course requirements.
In such cases, an equal number of units must come from the completion of additional courses from the Science course list.
Majors
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability Majors
Bachelor of Science Majors
Minors
Bachelor of Science Minors
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability Minors
Specialisations
Bachelor of Science Specialisations
Back to the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability page
Are you concerned about the state of the environment and want to be part of the solution?
With a strong emphasis on getting outside and learning in the field, the ANU Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability will give you a broad environmental education, teaching you to link the natural and social sciences with their applications in environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.
If you enjoy the great outdoors and are passionate about keeping them pristine for future generations, this degree will teach you to be an effective environmental scientist and natural resource manager, helping you to meet the sustainability challenges and opportunities facing us this century.
Single degree
- This degree requires 144 units
- A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
- A minimum of 30 units 3000 level Science courses
- One Science major (48 units) from a pre-selected list
- One Science minor, or a second Science major (24 units/ 48 units) from a pre-selected list
- Other courses from the Science course list or another ANU College (maximum non-science allowed 48 units)
Double degree
- This degree requires 96 units Science courses
- A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level Science courses
- A minimum of 30 units 3000 level Science courses
- One Science major (48 units) from a pre-selected list
- One Science minor, or a second Science major (24 units/ 48 units) from a pre-selected list
- Other courses from the Science course list
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability single degree program you will study a total of 144 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 courses across your whole degree.
You'll need to take one Science major (8 courses) and one Science minor (or specialisation) (4 courses) from a pre-selected list for this degree, and four Science electives (4 courses). You can also choose to complete 2 Science majors (16 courses) from the list instead. You'll also get to choose eight electives from courses right across ANU (science or non-science courses). You can use these electives to try a range of courses or to take a major or minor in a non-Science subject, such as history or marketing.
Double degree
In a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability double degree program you will study a total of 96 units of Science course. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 16 courses across your whole degree. However, for each semester you are likely to take 2 courses from your Science degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.
You'll need to take one Science major (8 courses) and one Science minor (or specialisation) (4 courses) from a pre-selected list for this degree, and four Science electives (4 courses). You can also choose to complete 2 Science majors (16 courses) from the list instead.
Study Options
The maximum period for completion of the degree program is 10 years from the date of first enrolment in the program. The 10 years includes periods of leave.
Enrolment Status
It is possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester but it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be enrolled full-time in 24 units each semester.
When you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as SCNC1234.
- A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one major or minor.
- You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
- You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
- You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science major from the list.
- You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science minor or a second potential Science major from the list.
You may take 1000-level courses later in your program.
But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units)
towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Environment and Sustainability half of the double degree.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
A course can only ever be counted toward one major or minor.
Exception: A maximum of 12 units of 1000 level courses can count toward two majors that share common first year requirements.
You can find a list of Majors and Minors for this program on Program and Courses, under the ‘Study’ tab on the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability webpage.
If you aren’t sure what you want to study for your whole degree, that’s fine. You don’t need to commit to majors or minors until after your first year. Using electives can help to keep your options open.
To choose courses for majors and minors, view the Science majors and minors available on the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability webpage that interest you and enrol in the first year courses (1000 level).
Electives
Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability program.
Study Options
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability – single degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | 1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | 1000 level course Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units |
| 1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units |
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability - double degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | 1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | 1000 level course Science minor from list 6 units | Degree B course 6 units | Degree B course 6 units |
| 1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | 1000 level course Science minor from list 6 units | Degree B course 6 units | Degree B course 6 units |
Academic Advice
For further information, you can:
Visit the Fenner School of Environment & Society webpage here, or
Download the Science first year course guide available here, or
View our program presentation videos located on our New commencers & first year students page, or
Email us at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au, or
Come and talk to someone face-to-face. You can make an appointment with an academic advisor here or by calling Science Central on 6125 2809
Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?
Contact Science Enquiries at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
Back to the Bachelor of Science page
Do you have boundless
interests you can't pin down? Are you curious about parasites and planets and
everything in between?
Explore the endless possibilities of astronomy and astrophysics, biological anthropology, biology, chemistry, climate science, computer science, earth science, environmental policy, evolution and ecology, genetics, geography, immunology, marine science, mathematics and statistics, natural resource management and sustainability, physics, plant science, psychology and neuroscience, and science communication (just to name a few).
Whatever you choose to study, you will gain transferrable skills in critical thinking, analysis, investigation and evidenced-based decision making.
With the ANU Bachelor of Science you have the flexibility to explore all your interests, tailoring a program for the direction you choose to take science.
Single degree
- This degree requires 144 units
- A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
- A minimum of 30 units 3000 level Science courses
- One Science major (48 units)
- One Science minor, specialisation or a second Science major ( /48 units)
- Other courses from Science course list or another ANU College (maximum non-science allowed 48 units)
Double degree
- The Bachelor of Science in a double degree requires 96 units Science courses
- A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses
- A minimum of 30 units 3000 level Science courses
- One Science major (48 units)
- One Science minor, specialisation or a second Science major (24units/48 units)
- Other courses from the Science course list
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Science single degree program you will study a total of 144 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 courses across your whole degree.
You'll need to take one Science major (8 courses) and one Science minor (or specialisation) (4 courses), and four Science electives (4 courses). If you'd like to, you can use your Science electives to extend your Science minor into a second Science major. You'll also get to choose eight electives from courses right across ANU (science or non-science courses). You can use these electives to try a range of courses or to take a major or minor in a non-Science subject, such as history or marketing.
Double degree
In a Bachelor of Science double degree program you will study a total of 96 units of Science course. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 16 courses across your whole degree. However, for each semester you are likely to take 2 courses from your Science degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.
You'll need to take
one Science major (8 courses) and one Science minor (or specialisation) (4
courses), and four Science electives (4 courses). If you'd like to, you
can use your Science electives to extend your Science minor into a second Science
major.
The maximum period for completion of the degree program is 10 years from the date of first enrolment in the program. The 10 years includes periods of leave.
Where there is mention of Science courses, majors, minors and specialisations this refers to courses, majors, minors and specialisations that are offered by the College of Health and Medicine and College of Science as well as some that are offered by the College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Business and Economics and College of Arts and Social Sciences as listed below.
Courses offered by College of Health and Medicine and College of Science include any courses commencing with the following codes:
ASTR BIOL CHEM EMSC ENVS MATH NEUR PHYS PSYC SCNC SCOM VCUGCourses offered by other ANU Colleges can be found on the Science Course List.
Enrolment Status
While it's possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester, which is called studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be full-time.
When you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as SCNC1234.
- A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one major or minor.
- You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
- You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
- You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science major
- You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science minor or a second potential Science major
- You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Science half of the double degree.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
A course can only ever be counted toward one major or minor.
Exception: A maximum of 12 units of 1000 level courses can count toward two majors that share common first year requirements.
There are over sixty Science majors, minors and specialisations available for you to study, from Astronomy and Astrophysics to Water Science. You can find all the possibilities on our Program and Courses website.
If you aren’t sure what you want to study for your whole degree, that’s fine. You don’t need to commit to majors or minors until after your first year. Using electives can help to keep your options open.
There are two main ways to choose courses for majors and minors:
- Choose from the list of Science majors and minors and see what first year courses you need to enrol in.
- Choose from the list of first-year Science courses and see what majors and minors they count towards.
Electives
While you only need to enrol in courses for one Science major and one Science minor, you can use your electives to enrol in 1000-level courses for other Science majors or minors. That way you keep your options open. Once you've selected courses for a Science major, and a Science minor or second Science major, you should choose electives to make up the balance of your courses.
Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College at the University if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Science program.
Study Options
Bachelor of Science - single degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Science with one Science Major and one Science minor.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | 1000 level course Science Major 6 units | 1000 level Science elective or minor course 6 units | Science or non-science elective 6 units | Science or non-science elective 6 units |
| 1000 level course Science Major 6 units | 1000 level Science elective or minor course 6 units | Science or non-science elective 6 units | Science or non-science elective 6 units |
Bachelor of Science - double degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Science (degree A) with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Science (degree B).Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | 1000 level course Science Major 6 units | 1000 level Science elective or minor course 6 units | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |
| 1000 level course Science Major 6 units | 1000 level Science elective or minor course 6 units | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |
Academic Advice
For further information on prerequisites and Science disciplines you can:
- Download the Science first year course guide available here, or
- View our program presentation videos located on our New commencers & first year students page, or
- Email us at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au, or
- Come and talk to someone face-to-face. You can make an appointment with an academic advisor here or by calling Science Central on 6125 2809.
Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?
Contact phb.science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
