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Study online through Open Universities Australia. Explore all degrees, subjects and short courses now.

If you enjoy pursuing your curiosity and understanding the world around you, consider yourself an innovator, and are passionate about shaping the world from our living laboratory, our Bachelor of Science provides a gateway to an exciting world of rewarding careers.Environmental problems are also social problems. Explore people-environment interactions through the Geography and Environment major to develop specialist expertise across the physical, spatial and social sciences and the integrated knowledge needed to solve environmental challenges locally and globally. Geography is uniquely placed within the BSc to offer insights into the complex social-ecological systems that need to be navigated to achieve these solutions, including understanding regulatory frameworks, ethics in science, and the critical evaluation and synthesis of information.BSc students with a major in Geography and Environment have career prospects in land management, policy and planning, sustainability planning, environmental regulation and assessment, in both the public and private sector. You will develop skills for 21st century jobs that require flexibility, innovative thinking and lifelong learning. You will expand your knowledge of environments and peoples, and the ways they interact from the local to the global.

Gain the skills and knowledge needed to tackle social and environmental challenges such as COVID, including being able to collect physical and social information on landscapes. 

Bachelor of Science (Geography and Environment)

The Bachelor of Science at Southern Cross University is a flexible degree allowing you to incorporate a wide range of subjects with career-focused science specialisations. Choose a specialisation (the specialisation appears on your graduating testamur):Earth and Environmental Systems Develops skills and understanding of environmental science and management. Units cover ecology, ecosystem regeneration, biochemistry, modelling and resource management (including water, catchments and waste/resources in the circular economy).The Bachelor of Science is characterised by practical field experience in all years, making use of our easy access to a variety of subtropical terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems.

Start with earth science fundamentals, then dig deeper into ecology, ecosystem regeneration, biogeochemistry, modelling and resource management. Think about conservation and protection. Strive for a career in parks, environment, or research.

Bachelor of Science (Earth and Environmental Systems)

This course is designed for professionals who wish to add to their qualifications and experience by extending their knowledge in environmental science. It is designed for professionals who require the skills and knowledge to integrate environmental planning, conservation and monitoring into the broader decision-making of their organisations. The course covers the areas of environmental impact assessment, planning and monitoring set in the context of our major ecosystems, and emphasises the global, regional and local nature of environmental issues. Students also learn about environmental management systems, environmental auditing, risk assessment and sustainability.

Would you like to lead an organisation towards better decisions for the environment? This course will show you how. Consider the greater context of ecosystems as you make choices based on impact and risk using management systems and auditing. 

Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science

The Master of Environmental Science provides students with skills and experience in environmental science, focusing on project management, OHS, sustainability, monitoring and reporting. The course includes study of environmental management systems, auditing and sustainability reporting, and places students within the industry to provide work experience in the management of environmental projects. It focuses on skills for the environmental, engineering, and sustainability professions. The course is also flexible in providing on-campus and off-campus study options.

Bolster your passion for environmental science with a 6-month placement. Investigate complex ideas and theories in government and non-government workplaces. Communicate with real professionals and make connections that will last your career. 

Master of Environmental Science

Modern environment and natural resource management requires the integration of social, environmental and economic research. It also requires a capacity to handle complexity and uncertainty and the application of different methods of analysis and different approaches to governance and community engagement. This coursework masters degree addresses these needs by providing important core studies and flexibility in choice of elective studies that will enhance their skills and knowledge in the broad discipline of environment and sustainability. Adaptation to climate change and sustainability science are emphasised in global and regional contexts in this specialisation.

Protect and preserve the environment and use natural resources wisely. You’ll explore social, environmental, and economic aspects. Build skills to deal with complex and uncertain situations. Focus on climate. Improve your research skills.

Master of Science (Environment and Sustainability)

The Graduate Diploma in Clean Energy offers advanced knowledge in the rapidly expanding field of clean energy technologies and management. This program is designed for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of clean energy systems, optimise resource utilisation, and develop the skills necessary to manage complex projects in the clean energy sector. Through a combination of specialised coursework and practical applications, you will gain expertise in resource and energy optimisation, geothermal, hydro, ocean, and hybrid systems, as well as risk management strategies tailored to the clean energy industry.

Build on your professional expertise with advanced knowledge in clean energy technology and management. You’ll gain skills in clean energy systems and optimising resource use. Develop the confidence to lead complex projects within the sector.

Graduate Diploma in Clean Energy

The Graduate Certificate in Clean Energy provides you with comprehensive knowledge of the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of clean energy. This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition to sustainable energy systems. Through a combination of theoretical coursework and online activities, you will gain a deep understanding of energy storage systems, clean energy production technologies, the clean energy environment, and risk assessment in the clean energy landscape.

Join the transformation of the global energy landscape. Your career as a clean energy professional starts here. You’ll gain foundational knowledge and technical skills to excel in the industry. Cover solar, wind, hydro, energy storage and more.

Graduate Certificate in Clean Energy

The postgraduate programs in Geographic Information Science produce high-quality graduates with both technical and research skills in advanced areas of geographic information science. Graduates are competent in basic and advanced computing skills especially in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software; various GIS and remote sensing operations; and implementation and management of GIS projects. The program also covers applications of GIS and remote sensing technologies to various areas; resource analysis through remote sensing and airphoto interpretation; expert systems and decision support systems; and research, both applied and theoretical, in the field of spatial information systems.This program is available to be taken externally, on a part-time basis.

Learn computing skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, remote sensing operations and how to manage projects that need geographical tech. Analyse the use of remote sensing, air photo interpretation and more. 

Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science

The Bachelor of Science at Southern Cross University is a flexible degree allowing you to incorporate a wide range of subjects with career-focused science specialisations. Choose a specialisation (the specialisation appears on your graduating testamur):Marine Systems Builds on introductory earth systems knowledge with units at our National Marine Science Centre Islands Marine Park. These units cover oceanography, marine ecology, fish and aquaculture, reefs, fisheries and marine parks management.The Bachelor of Science is characterised by practical field experience in all years, making use of our easy access to a variety of subtropical terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems.

Start with earth science fundamentals, then deep dive into oceanography, marine ecology, fish and aquaculture, reefs, fisheries and marine parks management. Work towards a career in marine science and management, conservation, or restoration.

Bachelor of Science (Marine Systems)

Interested in science but not sure which discipline is for you? This course will prepare you with a solid grounding in scientific knowledge and skills. It also enables you to explore the many opportunities that science provides, the wonders of the natural environment and more.You&#39;ll learn the language and nature of science and mathematics, and will be able to follow your interests in specific areas of science.The course includes specialisations in the following disciplines: Earth and Environmental Systems, Forestry Systems or Marine Systems. Successful completion of the Diploma will guarantee you entry and up to eight units of credit towards linked specialisations in the Southern Cross Bachelor of Science.Graduates may also find work in para-professional roles, including positions as field assistants, laboratory assistants and environmental monitoring officers.This course is offered through SCU College, where we recognise our students may have different approaches to learning. We connect you to peers and nurture your success with additional workshops to develop your academic and study skills.Please note: Online students must undertake compulsory on campus Residentials for some units.

An online science course with specialisations in forestry, marine, or Earth and environmental systems. You’ll explore chemistry, physics, biology and geology. Think about the role science plays solving big issues like climate change and pollution. 

Diploma of Science

Communicating Sustainability

Introduction to Environment & Climate Emergency

Business and Society

Sustainable Resource Management

Introduction to Sustainable Development

Sustainability, Ecology and Communities

Leadership in Sustainability

Sustainable Urban Communities

Marine Protected Area Management

Natural Resource Economics

Study the physical principles used in the design and management of buildings to create environmentally suitable and sustainable conditions.Explore how heat, light, and sound can create comfortable environments within buildings. Gain an understanding of solar radiation and thermal comfort, ventilation, energy efficiency, and lighting and acoustics.Build your knowledge of environmental issues in the design and construction of buildings and explore topics such as energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions.UniSA Online’s 10-week short courses give you the flexibility to up-skill in a certain area, stay current with developments in your field, diversify your knowledge, or even explore a new direction in your career – without having to commit to the time and cost of a full university degree. Delivered 100% online, you’ll be able to study where and when it suits you. Access online academic and student support seven days a week, fit study around work and life commitments, view learning resources 24/7, and log in to the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.This is a second-year course from UniSA Online’s Bachelor of Construction Management and Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours).Should your course have an exam it will be scheduled for Australian Central Standard Time or Australian Central Daylight Time, depending on the time of the year.

Construction Environmental Science

You will critically explore conservation issues from a psychological perspective, and apply psychological principles of advertising and behaviour change to facilitate behaviour change in support of conservation of threatened species and environments.You will will develop an advanced understanding of the conservation and biodiversity crisis in the 21st century; and theories and psychological principles of behavioural change and ethical issues associated with the application of these principles. You will apply their understanding of wicked problems in conservation to develop new ways of thinking to address these problems by the use of science and communication through new media to portray conservation issues accurately and effectively in order to facilitate community action and behaviour change to support conservation of threatened species and environments. They will develop the ability to tailor messages to suit expert and lay audiencesUniSA Online’s 10-week short courses give you the flexibility to upskill in a certain area, stay current with developments in your field, diversify your knowledge, or even explore a new direction in your career – without having to commit to the time and cost of a full university degree. This is a third-year course from UniSA Online’s Psychology degree. When studying this course as a &quot;single subject&quot;, prior knowledge from BEHL 2017 or equivalent will support your success.Delivered 100% online, you’ll be able to study where and when it suits you. Access online academic and student support seven days a week, fit study around work and life commitments, view learning resources 24/7, and log in to the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.Should your course have an exam it will be scheduled for Australian Central Standard Time or Australian Central Daylight Time, depending on the time of the year.

Conservation Psychology

Understanding our natural world and the basic systems that regulate our lives will be critical to engaging with issues like climate change and natural disasters, which affect our current living conditions and will continue to do so in the future.The aim of this subject is to introduce you to physical landscapes and the processes that shape them. You will examine the many processes that shape landscapes, learn how to read and interpret landscapes, understand how different materials and processes influence landscapes and learn about the way landforms and processes can be incorporated into environmental understanding.Questions posed throughout the subject are: what are the key components of a landscape and what are the processes that act and interact to shape landscapes over a range of temporal and spatial scales.

Earth Surface Systems

Fire has shaped the evolution of the world we see around us and is fundamental to life. Yet wildfire can also be devastating to human and ecological communities. Today, more and more of us are living in fire prone areas, and wildfires are behaving in new, less predictable ways.  So how do we live with fire - as individuals, and as communities? How do we plan for fire, and how do we respond when fires happen? How do we ensure that we are using fire in a sustainable way? What are the trade-offs involved in fire management? And what might we learn from indigenous Australians, who have used fire skilfully on this continent for over 40,000 years?  Living with Fire is for anyone interested in these complex but practical and fascinating questions about fire in our lives today. You will learn what causes fire and why wildfires behave the way they do. As well as the science of fire, you will learn about the human dimensions of fire and the complex trade-offs involved in fire management between the needs of culture and society, and ecology and biodiversity. You will learn how to evaluate your own level of fire risk and what you can do to plan for fire as an individual. You will also become more empowered to participate in conversations about how we plan for and respond to fire in our local communities.

Living with Fire

Biodiversity is a critical component of sustainable living and is central to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. At a local scale, biodiversity is important for healthy and sustainable living, and due to the complexity of biodiversity issues in urban areas, requires well informed and strategic management. Focusing on the biodiversity present in urban areas, especially your own backyard, you will learn about the importance of biodiversity to human and ecosystem health and how biodiversity supports sustainable living. You will develop skills and knowledge in identification, quantification and management of both vertebrate and invertebrate biodiversity, and learn how to modify your environment to facilitate greater biodiversity. You do not have to be a scientist to take this subject, all you need is curiosity for the natural world and the desire to support the native biodiversity of your area.

Learn about the different bird, reptile, mammal and insect species that live in your local environment, so that you can take action to protect them. Explore the habitat changes you can make in your own backyard to support more biodiversity.

Backyard Biodiversity

In this subject, we are going to explore the science underlying what you do in your garden, why your plants respond to your gardening, and how plants grow and reproduce. What we hope that you will gain, is a much clearer understanding of the fundamentals:<ul><li>how to identify plants - what the critical features are that enable you to recognise some of the more common plant families</li><li>how plants grow - the relationship between the internal structure of plants and their use of water and light to grow</li><li>what plants need from the soil – what are the properties of soil and its inhabitants that contribute to healthy growth of plants?</li><li>how plants know when to grow – what are the signals that tell the plants when to germinate, when to flower, when to burst leaf buds and when to shed their leaves?</li><li>how plants know ‘how’ to grow – what are the underlying controls that shape plants? How do plants respond to pruning, to espaliering, to cutting back and deadheading? and lastly</li><li>how do we multiply plants – how does vegetative propagation work? How does grafting work? What are the differences between heirloom varieties and F1 seed? Why do some apple varieties need cross-pollination but others don’t, and why don’t fruit trees breed true from seed? And perhaps even more importantly, we hope that you will gain an appreciation of the role of science in testing gardening lore, to dispel myths, and to learn more about the plants that make our lives possible and more enjoyable.</li></ul>Science of Gardening is for anyone seeking to cultivate not only plants but also a greener future, by integrating sustainable practices into their gardening.

An exploration of plants in your garden. You’ll learn about soils, plant growth, and propagation. Find out how to identify plants. Do some plant myth busting and apply the scientific method.

Science of Gardening

Have you ever wanted to know how our planet came to be? From archaeology to agriculture, geography to biology, an understanding of our planet adds an invaluable dimension to your knowledge across many scientific disciplines. This subject offers you a broad introduction to important questions about how our planet works, what it is made up of, and why. With opportunities to delve into Earth’s life history, you will learn about the geological forces that have shaped life on earth, and the planet, as we know it today. You will build a foundation in the key principles of geology, learning about its influence on life, water, soil and environmental issues in a rapidly changing world. Exploring the solid earth through geological time and space, you will examine Earth’s gross structure, plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes, the materials that make up Earth’s crust and the processes by which these materials are formed.

Get a grounding in geology and geography with this broad introduction to the inner workings of our planet. Suitable for anyone looking to understand more about Earth, this subject provides a good basis for further study in the natural sciences. 

Our Blue Planet

This subject introduces students to the science disciplines underpinning the study of marine and Antarctic environments and the application of science to solve problems in marine and Antarctic disciplines. It provides the foundational skills and knowledge for students in the Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science for specialised study in years 2 and 3.Topics that are covered include:• an understanding of Gondwana and geology of Antarctica, sub-Antarctic islands and the surrounding ocean;• ice and climate studies;• the physical and chemical nature of the Southern Ocean;• the terrestrial and marine environment of the Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and cool temperate areas, including plants, animals, birds and fish;• the impact of humans on marine and Antarctic environments, including the study of global climate change.The students will benefit from lectures delivered by experts in their field, including guest lecturers, and further develop their understanding through in-class debates and hands-on fieldwork and laboratory practicals (available online).

A deeper scientific exploration of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Dive into the science of ice, climate, and oceanography. Take a look at the geology of Antarctica and the plants, animals, birds and fish that inhabit the region.

Introduction to Marine and Antarctic Science B

Without the geologic environment – the rocks, soil, air and water – that surrounds us, there would be no life on Earth. Environmental and geological processes shape human life, while human activity impacts the environment in significant ways. This subject introduces you to current topics and controversies in environmental geology. You will explore geological hazards, and a range of issues related to human impacts on the environment, including land use and resource management. Learning about volcanic hazards, earthquakes, tsunami, flooding, ground water resources, mineral resources and mining, soil resources and aspects of earth’s climate, you will be ready to apply your knowledge to community and industry-based problems. A research project and a forum where you present your findings offers you the opportunity to investigate an environmental geology problem of your choice, in a location that suits you. Fine tune your critical thinking, analytical and scientific communication skills.

Delve deeper into science to explore human interaction with the Earth’s rocks, soil, air and water. You’ll investigate human impacts on the environment, like mining and climate change. Conduct a research project on a real environmental geology problem.

Environmental Geology

Seventy percent of the planet is covered by ocean. This subject introduces students to Planet Ocean through four modules, covering key topics on marine life and the ecology of temperate and high latitude marine ecosystems (Module 1); the ocean system as interactions between physical, chemical, geological and ecological features (Module 2); the role of the oceans in climate change and how climate change affects ocean life and ocean processes (Module 3); and finishes up by considering the responsibilities of humans in the stewardship of the oceans; how human activity impacts the oceans and the challenges and approaches to ocean stewardship (Module 4). We cover the origins of life in the oceans, iconic and ‘weird’ marine life, ‘a day in the life’ of an oceanographer, and a number of topics highly relevant to modern society including technologies for ocean science, responding to climate change, threatened species, and sustainable management of marine resources including fisheries.

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