This course gives students a thorough understanding of the way living organisms function in terrestrial and aquatic environments, acquisition of skills to study them and the ability to detect and assess detrimental effects on the environment such as climate change, pollution and human resource use. Students learn these skills and concepts through a dynamic combination of theory, field and laboratory experiences. Excursions undertaken in the seniors years are particularly valued for the opportunities they provide to consolidate knowledge, apply new skills and learning through experience.

Applicants must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification, Australian Qualifications Framework Diploma, or equivalent Australian or overseas qualification at the required level. The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL: paper based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64; or CAE: 176-184.