Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science
Biology, Chemistry & Environmental Science
When it comes to studying in the areas of science and the environment, ECU's world‑class research in environmental science (ERA, 2010) and recognised excellence in teaching (The Good Universities Guide, 2012) leaves other universities green with envy.
You'll find a range of practical degrees that can lead to distinctly different careers in fields such as conservation, marine and freshwater biology, environmental management, conservation and wildlife biology, chemistry, surf science and more.
Science Opportunities Taking Our Students Places
Bachelor of Science graduate Dirk Holman is one of a number of students who has had the opportunity to travel the country as a result of studying Science at ECU.
Dirk specialised in Surf Science and has recently completed his Honours thesis on the Great White shark, allowing him to get up close and personal with what is arguably many people's greatest fear.
Surf Science and Coastal Environmental Science are two exciting Science majors that are offered at ECU's South West campus in Bunbury.
Real-World Experience
Our students are immersed in a stimulating and highly supportive teaching and learning environment. All courses are structured to have a strong practical component and most include a requirement for students to undertake work experience in a relevant organisation.Industry professionals regularly give lectures, and students are exposed to "real-world" experiences in the classroom, laboratories and on field trips. Our students also get the chance to conduct research that will benefit the community and environment.
The Science Experience
Year 9 and 10 students from around Western Australia are able to experience first-hand what it is like to study in one of ECU's state‑of‑the‑art laboratories.
Escorted around campus by current budding ECU scientists and ECU staff, students participating in "The ECU Joondalup Science Experience" can also wade into the campus lake to collect wildlife, wear lab coats to conduct chemistry experiments and get close to live reptiles.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Our Science students and researchers have access to excellent facilities and equipment in the University's state‑of‑the‑art, award‑winning, $28 million Science and Health building.
The building includes a range of environmentally‑friendly features to reduce energy consumption, by maximising the use of rainwater, solar energy and natural light. The principles of sustainability are also reflected in its design.
Teaching & learning excellence
We are committed to teaching and learning excellence and boasts a five star rating for Teaching Quality and Graduate Satisfaction in the 2011 Good Universities Guide.
In the areas of teaching quality, generic skills and overall satisfaction for Science and Environmental Studies areas, the guide's ratings place ECU in the top 5 nationally.
"ECU gives you science skills you can use in the real world."
"I was initially attracted to chemistry because of the resources boom, but as I started studying at ECU, I began to see a whole range of exciting career pathways opening up. The environment is really relaxed and the staff are very supportive, while learning real-life skills like communication and time management made the transition from university to work even easier. I enjoyed the experience so much that I've come back to ECU to study honours and be a tutor and demonstrator."
Hayley White
Bachelor of Science graduate
Hundreds of high school students visit ECU for LABRATS
Year 10 students from around Western Australia are able to experience first-hand what it is like to study in one of our state‑of‑the‑art laboratories.
Escorted around campus by current budding ECU scientists, students participating in the 'LabRats' program can experience a mock oil spill clean up, take and test samples for the campus lake and even conduct DNA testing.
This annual event has been running for a decade and allows hundreds of local students each year to experience some of the many exciting topics they are able to study at ECU.
"Chemistry is challenging but ECU brings it to life."
"Chemistry at ECU is a challenge in the best possible way. It allows you to stretch yourself intellectually, and provides a wealth of industry-relevant skills. The equipment is of professional standards so by the time you've graduated, you're ready to apply yourself in industry labs. My studies resulted in me winning a scholarship for the Department of Industry and Resources. It was a testament to hard work and great support."
Matthew Winters
Applied Chemistry graduate