Study Areas

Environmental Engineering

What is environmental engineering?

Environmental engineers are concerned with protecting the environment by assessing the impact a project has on the air, water, soil and noise levels in its vicinity. This is done by studying the project's design, construction and operation and minimising any adverse effects that it may have on the environment.

Environmental engineers are also involved in removing problems caused by past activity, such as cleaning contaminated industrial land so it can be used for housing. Environmental engineers predict what problems may be caused by accidents such as oil spills and assess what may cause problems for the environment in the long term. They also plan and design equipment and processes for the treatment and safe disposal of waste material and direct the conservation and wise use of natural resources. They are involved in the research and development of alternative energy sources, water reclamation, waste treatment and recycling.

Career opportunities

Opportunities exist in:

resource assessment/planning
water and wastewater treatment
catchment and river hydrology
hydrogeology
soil conservation
waste management
irrigation and drainage
environmental impacts, restoration or modelling.

Graduates may work in government departments, local government, private firms and research agencies. A professional engineer is eligible for full membership of Engineers Australia and may use the post-nominal CPEng MIEAust.

Research opportunities

Research in an important part of the Bachelor of Engineering program and students are expected to participate in research projects in their final year. Students will be encouraged to interact with research staff, postgraduate students and practising professional engineers.