ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

1. Why do a research degree in Environmental Science?

Fourteen years after the groundbreaking 'Earth Summit' at Rio de Janerio, the global environment has continued to deteriorate. Significant environmental problems remain deeply embedded in the socio-economic framework of nations in all regions. This worrying picture has been painted in the UNEP Global Environment Outlook GEO4, (2007), the State of the World Reports of the Worldwatch Institute (2007, 2008) and other major global assessments. There is an urgent need for deeper knowledge of environmental problems and for well-trained scientists to provide accurate information for decision-making. The Environmental Science Program of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Wollongong was established to provide high quality training to graduates from a range of scientific and technical backgrounds. This will enable them to play an important role in future environmental planning and management.

The Wollongong/Illawarra Region is ideal for environmental research activities because it is: 

	the home of Australia's largest steelworks (BlueScope Steel Limited
	the site of one of the country's busiest harbours (Port Kembla)
	the location of major metal manufacturing industries
	an area of urban expansion, both on the coast and away from the sea-front
	located in a region endowed with many coastal sites of extreme beauty
	close to numerous coastal lakes and lagoons with varying anthropogenic impacts
	bounded by the naturally forested Illawarra escarpment, an area of considerable scenic and conservation value
	close to the catchment area for a significant portion of Sydney's water supply
	centre of a major agriculture producing area for both cattle and vegetables
	close to areas of significant forestry development
	part of a significant tourism area with approximately 2 million tourists generating some $300-400 million annually.

Employment opportunities for Environmental Science research degree graduates:

	research/planning/policy positions in government (local, state agencies such as Environment and Conservation, Primary Industries, Natural Resources and Planning, plus Federal agencies such as the Departments of Environment and Heritage, Primary Industries, Statistics) in Australia and overseas
	research organisations such as Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and GeoScience Australia.
	industry including chemical, mineral processing and manufacturing companies
	environmental advisors/researchers in consultancy and insurance companies
	lecturing and research positions in universities.

2. Types of Research Degrees in Environmental Science

 Master of Environmental Science (By Research) - 2011 Handbook

 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

3. Current research interests in Environmental Science

	Estuarine biogeochemistry (John Morrison, Allan Chivas and Brian Jones)
	Estuarine wetlands (Colin Woodroffe)
	Management of small island environments (John Morrison and Colin woodroffe)
	Science/policy interface for the coastal zone (Colin Woodroffe, Chris Gibson and John Morrison)
	Watershed/catchment management (John Morrison, Brian Jones and Colin Woodroffe)
	Soil/sediment water interface studies (John Morrison)
	Contaminant transport and transformations (John Morrison)
	Land- and ship-based sources of marine pollution (John Morrison)

 School of Earth & Environmental Science Research Page