Place yourself at the forefront of innovation with the ANU Bachelor of Biotechnology.
Biotechnology is about applying new technologies to agriculture, food and medicine production, and environmental problems in the context of research, industry and the applied health sciences.
In this cutting-edge degree, you’ll learn the foundations of biology such as molecular and cellular biology, biotechnology and microbiology, as well as contemporary topics such as societal and ethical issues of biotechnology and intellectual property.
Find out more about biotechnology, 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.
This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.
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 throughout the degree and deepen knowledge from a selection of specialisations.
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.
Career Options
ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.
We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.
Employment Opportunities
Bachelor of Biotechnology graduates are sought after by government and industry employers in chemical, plant and agricultural, and medical biotechnology.
You may also find positions in hospitals, food and pharmaceutical industries, or continue on to a career in research.
See where a Bachelor of Biotechnology could take you: our career wheel will help you turn your interests into a career in science.
Bachelor of Biotechnology graduates are sought after by government and industry employers in chemical, plant and agricultural, and medical biotechnology.
You may also find positions in hospitals, food and pharmaceutical industries, or continue on to a career in research.
See where a Bachelor of Biotechnology could take you: our career wheel will help you turn your interests into a career in science.
Learning Outcomes
- understand and evaluate the significance of biotechnological discoveries in educational and professional contexts;
- apply a range of technological skills and laboratory techniques to addressing specific problems in the field of biological research;
- use a range of analytical techniques for the interpretation of biological data to address specific hypotheses;
- convey and relate professional and disciplinary information and ideas to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways;
- demonstrate the application of biotechnology to real life contexts;
- exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.
- Evaluate current understandings of environmental and sustainability sciences, and critically analyse a range of response strategies for sustainable resource management and development.
- Integrate and participate in transdisciplinary knowledge from relevant scientific areas and from policy into approaches designed to address complex contemporary environmental issues, in global, national and local contexts.
- 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.
- Engage with ongoing debates on environmental and sustainability issues, demonstrating an understanding of biophysical and socio-political and Indigenous knowledge.
Further Information
Student Advice
What courses should you take in your first year of study?
- BIOL1003 Evolution, Ecology and Genetics (6 units)
- BIOL1004 Molecular and Cell Biology (6 units)
- CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 (6 units)
- CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 (6 units)
Additional advice:
- For students taking BIOL3023, BIOL3208 or BIOL3209 as part of this major, the research project must be in the field of biotechnology.
- Students seeking to take BIOL3194 should note this course has an enrolment limit. Please refer to the "Other Information" in the course entry in P&C.
How can I satisfy the Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving course requirements?
- Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses can be found using the Programs and Courses search engine.
- In this program, BIOL3188 is identified as a Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving course
- Many majors offered by the College of Science (not required for the Bachelor of Biotechnology) may identify in the "Advice for students" section which courses listed in the major will contribute towards this requirement. This might also be of assistance in identifying courses.
Internship opportunities
Students interested in incorporating an internship into their degree can find out more from the College of Science website.
How can I get a study plan to help me map out my degree?
Want to learn more about the structure of the Bachelor of Biotechnology or wish to map out your degree? Click here to access the study plan.
Vertical Double Degree pathway UGRD-PGRD (not available in FDD)
- This program is part of the Vertical Double Degree pathway structure offered by the College of Science and the College of Health and Medicine. The Vertical Double Degree pathway presents students with the opportunity to complete a 3-year undergraduate single degree offered by the ANU College of Science or the College of Health and Medicine with a cognate 2-year Masters degree in 4 years (full-time) instead of 5 years (full-time). For more information on applicable combinations, benefits and how to apply, eligibility and conditions, please visit https://science.anu.edu.au/vertical-double-degrees or https://health.anu.edu.au/vertical-double-degrees
- Students who are interested in pursuing a Vertical Double Degree pathway with this program, are advised to contact the College of Science Student Services Office at students.cos@anu.edu.au and seek academic advice. Students who are already in an undergraduate degree offered by the College of Science or College of Health & Medicine should seek academic advice before completion of the first 72 units of their undergraduate studies.
- This pathway is not available to students in an undergraduate Flexible Double Degree.
Progression hurdle:
- Students in the Bachelor of Biotechnology who have opted for the Vertical Double Degree pathway must achieve a minimum GPA of 5.0 in the first 96 units attempted to commence the 24 units of Masters courses in their Bachelor degree. Students who do not achieve this GPA will be able to complete and graduate from their Bachelor degree but will not be able to undertake Masters courses.
- If the total number of units attempted exceeds 96 in the same teaching period in which the 96th unit is attempted, all courses attempted will be used in the calculation of the GPA.
Academic or enrolment advice:
If in doubt, please seek further advice from the academic contact for this program (details above), or the College of Science Student Services Team (students.cos@anu.edu.au).
Student Advice
What courses should you take in your first year of study?
- BIOL1003 Evolution, Ecology and Genetics (6 units)
- BIOL1004 Molecular and Cell Biology (6 units)
- CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 (6 units)
- CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 (6 units)
Additional advice:
- For students taking BIOL3023, BIOL3208 or BIOL3209 as part of this major, the research project must be in the field of biotechnology.
- Students seeking to take BIOL3194 should note this course has an enrolment limit. Please refer to the "Other Information" in the course entry in P&C.
How can I satisfy the Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving course requirements?
- Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses can be found using the Programs and Courses search engine.
- In this program, BIOL3188 is identified as a Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving course
- Many majors offered by the College of Science (not required for the Bachelor of Biotechnology) may identify in the "Advice for students" section which courses listed in the major will contribute towards this requirement. This might also be of assistance in identifying courses.
Internship opportunities
Students interested in incorporating an internship into their degree can find out more from the College of Science website.
How can I get a study plan to help me map out my degree?
Want to learn more about the structure of the Bachelor of Biotechnology or wish to map out your degree? Click here to access the study plan.
Vertical Double Degree pathway UGRD-PGRD (not available in FDD)
- This program is part of the Vertical Double Degree pathway structure offered by the College of Science and the College of Health and Medicine. The Vertical Double Degree pathway presents students with the opportunity to complete a 3-year undergraduate single degree offered by the ANU College of Science or the College of Health and Medicine with a cognate 2-year Masters degree in 4 years (full-time) instead of 5 years (full-time). For more information on applicable combinations, benefits and how to apply, eligibility and conditions, please visit https://science.anu.edu.au/vertical-double-degrees or https://health.anu.edu.au/vertical-double-degrees
- Students who are interested in pursuing a Vertical Double Degree pathway with this program, are advised to contact the College of Science Student Services Office at students.cos@anu.edu.au and seek academic advice. Students who are already in an undergraduate degree offered by the College of Science or College of Health & Medicine should seek academic advice before completion of the first 72 units of their undergraduate studies.
- This pathway is not available to students in an undergraduate Flexible Double Degree.
Progression hurdle:
- Students in the Bachelor of Biotechnology who have opted for the Vertical Double Degree pathway must achieve a minimum GPA of 5.0 in the first 96 units attempted to commence the 24 units of Masters courses in their Bachelor degree. Students who do not achieve this GPA will be able to complete and graduate from their Bachelor degree but will not be able to undertake Masters courses.
- If the total number of units attempted exceeds 96 in the same teaching period in which the 96th unit is attempted, all courses attempted will be used in the calculation of the GPA.
Academic or enrolment advice:
If in doubt, please seek further advice from the academic contact for this program (details above), or the College of Science Student Services Team (students.cos@anu.edu.au).
Admission Requirements
- ATAR:
- 80
- International Baccalaureate:
- 30
Prerequisites
ACT: Chemistry (Major)
NSW: Chemistry or equivalent
VIC: Chemistry
QLD: Chemistry
TAS: Chemistry
SA / NT: Chemistry
WA: Chemistry
IB: Chemistry SL or HL
- More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here .
- Students who do not meet the chemistry requirement are advised to seek academic advice by contacting students.cos@anu.edu.au. A Chemistry bridging course is available in February through the ANU Research School of Chemistry - contact rsc.teaching@anu.edu.au for more information.
Adjustment Factors
Adjustment factors are combined with an applicant's secondary education results to determine their Selection Rank. ANU offers adjustment factors based on equity, diversity, and/or performance principles, such as for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.
To be eligible for adjustment factors, you must have:
- achieved a Selection Rank of 70 or more before adjustment factors are applied
- if you have undertaken higher education, completed less than one year full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) of a higher education program
- applied for an eligible ANU bachelor degree program
Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Biotechnology - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $53,700.00
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 Biotechnology 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 subject area BIOL- Biology
A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving
The 96 units must consist of:
54 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:
BIOL1003 Evolution, Ecology and Genetics (6 units)
BIOL1004 Molecular and Cell Biology (6 units)
BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression (6 units)
BIOL2162 Molecular Genetic Techniques (6 units)
BIOL3161 Genomics and its Applications (6 units)
CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 (6 units)
CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 (6 units)
CHEM2211 Chemical Biology I (6 units)
CHEM2208 Chemical Biology II (6 units)
6 units from completion of a Quantitative Skills course from the following list:
BIOL2001 Introduction to Quantitative Biology (6 units)
BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology (6 units)
6 units from completion of a a course from the following list:
BIOL3191 Bioethics and Society (6 units)
BIOL3194 Biological Science in the Work Place (6 units)
A minimum of 18 units from completion of courses from the following lists:
BIOL3106 Biosecurity (6 units)
BIOL3125 Plants and Global Climate Change (6 units)
BIOL3177 Advances in Molecular Plant Science (6 units)
BIOL3188 ANUSynBio Challenge Team Project (6 units)
BIOL3203 Advanced Microscopy in Biosciences (6 units)
A maximum of 12 units from completion of research project/topics courses from the following list, in which the project/topic must be in the field of Biotechnology:
BIOL3023 Special Topics in Biology (6 units)
BIOL3208 Biology Research Project (6 units)
BIOL3209 Biology Research Project (12 units)
A maximum of 12 units from completion of courses not previously taken from the following subject areas:
BIOL – Biology
CHEM – Chemistry
MEDN – Medical Science
NEUR – Neuroscience
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 3000-level courses listed in the study requirements or specialisations
A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving
The 96 units must consist of:
48 units from completion of Environment and Sustainability courses from the following lists which must include:
36 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research (6 units)
ENVS1008 Fundamentals of Environment and Sustainability (6 units)
ENVS2011 Human Ecology (6 units)
ENVS2025 Indigenous Cultural and Natural Resource Management (6 units)
ENVS3028 Environmental Policy (6 units)
ENVS3040 Complex Environmental Problems in Action (6 units)
12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
ENVS2015 GIS and Spatial Analysis (6 units)
ENVS2018 Environmental Science Field School (6 units)
ENVS3007 Participatory Resource Management: Working with Communities and Stakeholders (6 units)
ENVS3902 Environmental Chemistry and Systems (6 units)
12 units from completion of foundational courses from the following list:
BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics (6 units)
CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 (6 units)
ENVS1001 Environment and Society: Geography of Sustainability (6 units)
ENVS1004 Australia's Environment (6 units)
EMSC1006 The Blue Planet: An Introduction to Earth System Science (6 units)
SCOM1001 Science Communication 1: Science and Public Awareness (6 units)
24 units from completion of one of the specialisations listed below:
Biodiversity and Forest: Science, Management and Policy
Sustainability and Future Climate: Science, Management and Policy
Land and Water: Science, Management and Policy
Agricultural Innovation
A maximum of 12 units from completion of 2000- or 3000- level courses from the subject area ENVS- Environmental Science not previously taken
Specialisations
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability Specialisations
Study Options
| Year 1 | BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units | CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units | ||
| BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units | CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units | |||
| Year 2 | BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression 6 units | CHEM2211 Chemical Biology 1 6 units | ||
| BIOL2162 Molecular Gene Technology 6 units | CHEM2208 Chemical Biology 2 6 units | |||
| Year 3 | BIOL3161 Genomics and its Applications 6 units | BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology 6 units | ||
| BIOL3191 Bioethics and Society 6 units | BBIOT or ANU Elective 6 units | |||
| Year 4 | 3000 level BBIOT course 6 units | 3000 level BBIOT course 6 units | ||
| 3000 level BBIOT course 6 units | BBIOT or ANU Elective 6 units |
Back to the Bachelor of Biotechnology page
Algal biofuels,
drought resistant crops and bionic eyes may sound like things of the distant
future, but these are just some of the projects our biotechnologists are
working on today.
Biotechnology is a fast moving field where scientists use living organisms and
their products, to solve real world problems facing modern society. This
exciting field has broad applications in medicine, biology, agriculture, manufacturing,
renewable energy and engineering.
You will learn the foundations of biology, from genes through to ecology, while
examining important questions about ethics and intellectual property.
An ANU Bachelor of Biotechnology gives you the knowledge to develop the fuel
sources, foods and medical treatments of the future, while teaching you to
think ethically about how they will change our society.
This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.
Note:
Advice on this page is indicative only. Where a number of courses has
been identified, it assumes that all of your courses are 6-units.
If you take a course worth 12-units please refer to the unit-load in the
study requirements in the program orders.
This degree can be taken as a single degree or combined with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD). When
the Bachelor of Biotechnology is combined with another undergraduate degree through a
Flexible Double Degree, 48 units of ANU electives units are replaced with
the core requirements of the other degree and the total program duration is
expanded to 192 units (4 years Full-Time) or 240 units (5 years Full-Time)
depending on the duration of the other program.
Single degree
The Bachelor of Biotechnology requires 144 units (24 courses), including:
- A maximum of 10 x 1000-level courses
- A minimum of 5 x 3000-level courses from courses listed in the core requirements of the BBIOT
- 9 x compulsory courses
- A minimum of 2 transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses
- 1 x quantitative skills course
- A maximum of 10 courses from the lists in the BBIOT not previously taken or other ANU electives
Double degree
The total number of overall units in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) depends on the FDD combination eg.
- 4050: 192 units
- 4350, 4569, 4750: 240 units
Of which a minimum of 2 courses must be tagged as transdisciplinary problem-solving. These courses may be taken in either component of the FDD.
The Bachelor of Biotechnology component of an FDD requires 96 units, including:
- A maximum of 6 x 1000-level courses
- A minimum of 5 x 3000-level courses from courses listed in the core requirements of the BBIOT
- 9 x compulsory courses
- A minimum of 2 transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses
- 1 x quantitative skills course
- A maximum of 2 courses from the lists in the BBIOT not previously taken or other ANU electives
About this degree
Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses
In this degree, you will
have to complete 12 units of courses flagged as Transdisciplinary
Problem-Solving (TD). TD courses can be identified using the Programs and
Courses search engine.
You can satisfy this requirement through a course/s listed in the program or through
the ANU electives it all depends on how you structure your degree and your
other enrolment choices.
Enrolment Status
Duration
The Bachelor of Biotechnology typically takes three years to complete on a full-time basis. Students will usually take 24-units (four six-unit courses) each semester and there are two semesters each year. One course is typically worth six-units.
In total, students need to complete 144 units of study towards the Bachelor of Biotechnology. This will be 24 courses if all courses are worth six-units, but may be fewer if one or more courses of 12-units or more are taken.
- If you combine the Bachelor of Biotechnology with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree, you will need to complete a total of 192 units (32 six-unit courses) or 240 units (40 six-unit courses) depending on the combination. This will typically take four years for a 192-unit degree or five years for a 240-unit degree .
Domestic students may choose to enrol in fewer than 24-units in any semester or half-year study period. Students studying 18 or more units in a half year (January – June or July – December) are considered full-time. Students studying less than this are considered part-time.
If you take fewer than 24-units in any half year period, then your degree is likely to take longer than three years to complete.
International students on a student visa are required to enrol in a full-time study load of 24-units in each half year study period (Summer, Semester 1, Autumn or Winter, Semester 2, Spring) unless they have been approved for Reduced Study Load or program leave.
Maximum time for completion
- The maximum period for completion of the single Bachelor of Biotechology degree is ten years from the date of first enrolment in the program. This ten years includes any periods of leave.
- The maximum period for completion of a flexible double degree is ten years for a 192-unit degree or 11 years for a 240-unit degree from the date of first enrolment in the program. The maximum period includes periods of leave.
A transfer of credit (status) from previous studies will
reduce the total amount of time remaining to complete the balance of your degree.
When you are assessed for credit, you will be notified of the new maximum end
date for your degree in your credit offer.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
There are 4 compulsory 1000 level courses you must take in your first year:
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 Biotechnology half of the double degree.
Electives
Remember you can choose up to 10 courses from another
ANU College at the University if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of
Biotechnology program. You can try a range of
courses or take a major or minor in a non-biotechnology subject, such as
philosophy, history or computing. The choice is yours. How do I use my electives? Electives are courses that provide freedom for you to select
subjects that align to your personal interests and career aspirations in a more
individualised way than is possible through general major or degree
requirements. An ANU elective is a course that you can select without
restriction, beyond the global requirements of your program (e.g. limits on
1000-level courses, etc).
Study Options
Bachelor of Biotechnology - single degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Biotechnology.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units | BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units | BBIOT or ANU elective course 6 units | BBIOT or ANU elective course 6 units |
| CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units | BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units | BBIOT or ANU elective course 6 units | BBIOT or ANU elective course 6 units |
Bachelor of Biotechnology - double degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Biotechnology with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts. Please note that for some double degrees (e.g. with Bachelor of Engineering) you may only be able to take one course in semester 1 for your science degree. In these circumstances it is recommended that in your first year you take CHEM1101, CHEM1201 and BIOL1004. You can then take BIOL1003 in your second year of study.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units | BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units |
| CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units | BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units |
Academic Advice
For further information, you can:
- Visit the Research School of Biology webpage https://biology.anu.edu.au/ here, or
- Download the Science first year course guide available here, or
- View the information at our New commencers & first year students page, or
- Email us at students.cos@anu.edu.au, or
- Come and talk to someone - you can make an appointment with an academic advisor here.
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.
Note: Advice on this page is indicative only. Where a number of courses has been identified, it assumes that all of your courses are 6-units. If you take a course worth 12-units please refer to the unit-load in the study requirements in the program orders.
This degree can be taken as a single degree or combined with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD).When the Bachelor of Science is combined with another undergraduate degree through a Flexible Double Degree, 48 units of ANU electives units are replaced with the core requirements of the other degree and the total program duration is expanded to 192 units (4 years Full-Time) or 240 units (5 years Full-Time) depending on the duration of the other program.
Semester 2 commencers
Please note that if you are commencing your studies in Semester 2 there may be restrictions on the courses available for enrolment. If you have concerns, please contact students.cos@anu.edu.au. Advisory sessions will be held the week before semester commences.
Single degree
The Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability 144 units (24 courses), including:
- A maximum of 10 x 1000-level courses
- A minimum of 5 x 3000-level courses from courses listed in the core requirements and specialisations in the BENSU
- 6 x compulsory courses
- A minimum of 2 transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses (embedded in the course requirements)
- 2 x courses chosen from ENVS2015. ENVS2018, ENVS3007, ENVS3902
- 2 x courses from the foundational list
- 1 x specialisation listed in the BENSU
- A maximum of 10 courses from the lists in the BENSU not previously taken or other ANU electives
Double degree
The total number of overall units in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) depends on the FDD combination eg.
- 4050: 192 units
- 4350, 4569, 4750: 240 units
Of which a minimum of 2 courses must be tagged as transdisciplinary problem-solving. These courses may be taken in either component of the FDD.
The Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability component of an FDD requires 96 units, including:
- A maximum of 6 x 1000-level courses
- A minimum of 5 x 3000-level courses from courses listed in the core requirements and specialisations in the BENSU
- 6 x compulsory courses
- A minimum of 2 transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses (embedded in the course requirements)
- 2 x courses chosen from ENVS2015. ENVS2018, ENVS3007, ENVS3902
- 2 x courses from the foundational list
- 1 x specialisation listed in the BENSU
- A maximum of 2 courses from the lists in the BENSU not previously taken or other ANU electives
About this degree
Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses
In this degree, you will
have to complete 12 units of courses flagged as Transdisciplinary
Problem-Solving (TD). TD courses can be identified using the Programs and
Courses search engine.
In the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability, this requirement will be satisfied
through ENVS1008 and ENVS3040.
Enrolment Status
Duration
The Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability typically takes three years to complete on a full-time basis. Students will usually take 24-units (four six-unit courses) each semester and there are two semesters each year. One course is typically worth six-units.
In total, students need to complete 144 units of study towards the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability. This will be 24 courses if all courses are worth six-units, but may be fewer if one or more courses of 12-units or more are taken.
- If you combine the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree, you will need to complete a total of 192 units (32 six-unit courses) or 240 units (40 six-unit courses) depending on the combination. This will typically take four years for a 192-unit degree or five years for a 240-unit degree .
Domestic students may choose to enrol in fewer than 24-units in any semester or half-year study period. Students studying 18 or more units in a half year (January – June or July – December) are considered full-time. Students studying less than this are considered part-time.
If you take fewer than 24-units in any half year period, then your degree is likely to take longer than three years to complete.
International students on a student visa are required to enrol in a
full-time study load of 24-units in each half year study period (Summer,
Semester 1, Autumn or Winter, Semester 2, Spring) unless they have been
approved for Reduced Study Load or program leave.
Maximum time for completion
- The maximum period for completion of the single Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability degree is ten years from the date of first enrolment in the program. This ten years includes any periods of leave.
- The maximum period for completion of a flexible double degree is ten years for a 192-unit degree or 11 years for a 240-unit degree from the date of first enrolment in the program. The maximum period includes periods of leave.
A transfer of credit (status) from previous studies will
reduce the total amount of time remaining to complete the balance of your degree.
When you are assessed for credit, you will be notified of the new maximum end
date for your degree in your credit offer.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
There are 2 compulsory 1000 level courses you must take in your first year:
You will also need to take 2 x courses from the foundational course list. Please note:
- BIOL1003, CHEM1101, ENVS1001, EMSC1006 and SCOM1001 are all offered in Semester 1.
- ENVS1004 is offered in Semester 2.
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.
Electives
Remember you can choose up to 10 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability program.You can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a non-environment subject, such as philosophy, history or computing. The choice is yours.
How do I use my electives?
Electives are courses that provide freedom for you to select subjects that align to your personal interests and career aspirations in a more individualised way than is possible through general major or degree requirements. An ANU elective is a course that you can select without restriction, beyond the global requirements of your program (e.g. limits on 1000-level courses, etc).
We also recommend holding some ANU electives in reserve to keep other opportunities open, such as international exchange, internships, and meeting the transdisciplinary requirements of your degree.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 | ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research 6 units | ENVS1008 Fundamentals of Environment and Sustainability 6 units | 1000 level BENSU foundational course list 6 units | BENSU or ANU elective course 6 units |
| 1000 level BENSU foundational course list 6 units | BENSU or ANU elective course 6 units | BENSU or ANU elective course 6 units | BENSU or ANU elective course 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 | ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research 6 units | ENVS1008 Fundamentals of Environment and Sustainability 6 units | Degree B course 6 units | Degree B course 6 units |
| BENSU or ANU elective course 6 units | ANU elective course 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 the information at our New commencers & first year students page, or
- Email us at students.cos@anu.edu.au, or
- Come and talk to someone - you can make an appointment with an academic advisor here.