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 2000, the State of the World Reports of the Worldwatch Institute (2004, 2005) 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 (currently within 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
environmental advisors/researchers in consultancy and insurance companies
lecturing and research positions in universities.
2. Types of Research Degrees in Environmental Science
