School of Natural Resource Sciences Teaching Areas

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The School of Natural Resource Sciences emphasises a multi-disciplinary approach to study, with the main teaching areas as follows:

• Applied Geology
• Biodiversity
• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Geoscience

Applied Geology

The Applied Geology co-major is designed to complement the Geoscience major. The skills learned through core units in the major are applied to activities related to the petroleum, mineral, hydrogeological and environmental professions. You will learn the specialist techniques required to understand the genesis of ore deposits, set up mineral exploration programs, produce groundwater models, understand the fluid flow in petroleum reservoirs or manage the effects of human activity on the environment.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity has evolved over the last few years as a discipline concerned with the conservation and sustainable use of the earth's biological diversity. It deals with the components of biological diversity, genes to biomes, and seeks to describe and quantify this diversity, and determine how it is produced and maintained. The Biodiversity co-major is designed to complement both the Ecology and Environmental Science majors. The theme of the co-major is Australian biodiversity. Common threads are the basic biology of the species in Australian ecosystems, the systems they are a part of, and the evolution of these species and ecosystems.

Ecology

Ecology is the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. Ecology helps us to understand the distribution and abundance of organisms. As an applied science it is used to design strategies for the management of populations of organisms (both natural and commercial). The Ecology major at QUT will allow you to gain a broad range of scientific skills including the specialist techniques required for conserving and managing endangered animals, controlling pests, managing exploited populations and evaluating issues associated with the management of our natural resources.

Career Opportunities

Ecologists find rewarding careers in research science for government departments responsible for pest management, national park and wildlife, primary industries, fisheries, forestry and museums. They also find work in private firms engaged in research and consultancy work. Positions include fisheries biologist, wildlife manager, scientific or technical officer, teacher or lecturer and research scientist. Employment in more specialised areas is available, usually requiring study beyond the first degree.

Professional Recognition

Professional recognition is achieved through a scientific society (ie Ecological Society of Australia) and participation in its meetings.

Environmental Science

Environmental Science at QUT is the application of fundamental, core science disciplines to problems encountered in the management and understanding of our environment. Studies will allow you to gain both the strong scientific base and the generic skills to apply your scientific knowledge to a wide range of environmental problems. Rather than learning simply to describe the different environmental systems, you will gain an understanding of the mechanisms that control these systems, and the interaction between the various components. All environmental science units include laboratory and fieldwork with an emphasis on problem-solving through project work. You will be introduced to standardised methods and principles for environmental modelling and monitoring that can be applied across all disciplines.

Career Opportunities

Environmental scientists are needed in a wide variety of government departments and agencies, in consultancy and in manufacturing and mining companies. Graduates are equipped to assess resources, design and implement environmental impact programs, analyse and interpret environmental data and formulate contingency plans in a wide variety of areas including strategic land-use planning, waste disposal, pollution measurement and control, coastal protection, environmental impact of mining, tourism and development, rehabilitation and reforestation of contaminated land sites, groundwater assessment and modelling, waterway and floodplain drainage planning, erosion control in waterways, and marine science.

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand.

Geoscience

Geoscience is the systematic study of the earth and the dynamic interactions of its systems. Geoscience incorporates a study of the materials of the earth, the natural processes acting in and upon the earth, and its history. The Geoscience major at QUT allows you to gain the skills needed to become a professional geologist and emphasises hands-on experience through laboratory work and field studies. It provides a broad range of geological skills as well as training in the specialist techniques required for field mapping and geological interpretation.

Career Opportunities

Geoscientists work in a range of areas including environmental geology, hydrogeology, hazard and pollution control, and coastal zone management. Employment opportunities exist within mining and exploration companies which may involve underground geological mapping, evaluation of ore reserves, production control, or exploration for new mineral deposits; petroleum companies working on offshore drilling rigs; and a variety of government organisations working as field geologists or research scientists. Other graduates work in computing, data modelling, and remote sensing. An honours degree is required by many employers, including the larger mining and exploration companies.

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists, and the Geological Society of Australia.