Environmental engineering. Be part of the solution.
At UON we train engineers capable of solving the biggest global challenges. As an environmental engineer you may help rehabilitate land damaged by mining or work on the clean-up of an oil spill that threatens local ecosystems. You could even help prevent inundations on one of the world's fast growing cities.
What is environmental engineering? Environmental engineers apply their knowledge of chemistry, geomechanics, hydrology and land surface processes to find solutions for complex environmental problems, such as water pollution and soil erosion. They're responsible for developing sustainable engineering practices that have a profound impact on our health and quality of life. They work with other specialists to optimise the use of resources and minimise long-term impacts on the environment.
Why combine engineering with science? Complete these two bachelor degrees in just five years - deepen your technical skills with a major in advanced chemistry or biology. Chemistry and biology are both fundamental to engineering and a deeper knowledge of these sciences can help you solve more complex engineering problems. This advanced theoretical background will also open up opportunities in research and development.
Why study with us?
- Real-world insights: Connect with industry through projects, guest lecturers, and mentoring.
- Be workplace ready: Graduates rated us no.1 in NSW for workplace ready skills. In 2016, 93% of graduates were employed within 4 months.
- Travel the world with international recognition through Engineers Australia. You can even start while you're studying with international exchanges and scholarships available.
- We're No.1 in Australia for overall quality of the educational experience.
- Fast-Track Masters - advance your career and gain a Master of Professional Engineering in just 1 year on top of your Bachelor of Engineering degree.
What will you study?
Build critical technical and engineering skills through courses in:
- calculus of science and engineering
- environmental chemistry
- engineering computations and probability
- environmental legislation and planning
- geomechanics
- fluid mechanics
- hydrobiological modelling
- hydrology
- land surface process and management
- spatial data systems and remote sensing
- water engineering
Connect with industry through guest lectures and interdisciplinary projects solving real world problems. Gain invaluable practical experience through your industry placement.
Become job-ready through our professional practice courses. You'll learn to tackle 'wicked problems' and develop essential workplace skills in finance, project management, sustainability, communication and entrepreneurism.
Develop your science skills in:
- instrumental chemical analysis
- molecular organic synthesis
- energy and structure
- medicinal and biological chemistry
- biochemistry
- molecular biology
- microbiology
- ecotoxicology
Careers
Environmental engineers play an important role in industry and government. They may find work with consultancies, contracting firms, universities, research and development organisations, technology transfer companies or large manufacturers. Average starting salaries for engineers are great - more than $80,000 per annum.
Environmental engineering is flexible and diverse. You may prefer hands-on fieldwork, design and development, or a leadership role managing people and projects. Typical positions include:
- water reclamation project designer
- environmental remediation technician
- environmental impact consultant
- toxic materials control engineer
- sustainable fisheries consultant
Remarkably, engineering is the most commonly held degree among the highest performing Fortune 500 CEOs - the CEOs of companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon and Tesla Motors are all engineers.
The combined degree advantage: Your advanced science skills in chemistry or biology will help you enter specialist roles in research and development. Employers will value the depth and diversity of your skills and you'll be well placed to take up leadership roles in engineering.
