Water Science academic program is an integration of water dynamics, surface processes, climate and resource utilisation and management, with a focus on inland river, floodplain and groundwater systems. Plants, animals, and humans all require fresh water to survive, and many living species make water ecosystems their home. As a student in this academic program, you’ll learn about topics that are foundational to efforts to conserve our most precious resource: freshwater, which accounts for less than two per cent of the Earth’s water supply.

During your studies you will:

• Understand why access to clean water is a fundamental question of social justice;

• Learn to identify and solve threats to water resources to improve the availability, security and reliability of human water supplies while ensuring ecosystem and human health;

• Develop skills, including computer analysis, to assess, monitor and sustainably manage land and water resources.

You’ll also gain a deep appreciation for how we are connected to each other and the Earth through water. You’ll study geologic, hydrologic, and atmospheric processes and learn how people are influenced by and have an impact on water quality.

Areas of Study as an Emphasis

• Water Chemistry Emphasis

Focus specifically on water quality in the environment. In this emphasis you’ll take the core water science course plus chemistry courses that give you the field and laboratory techniques used to study the details of water quality, a critical factor in environmental health. Graduates have gone on to work in field and laboratory jobs protecting water quality. 

• Water Resources Emphasis

Focus on human interaction with water in the environment and managing water resources. You’ll take courses in earth resources, geographic information systems, biology and resource policy in preparation for graduate school and careers as water resource specialists. Water resource problems pose some of the most challenging issues in the future of society and Northland water science graduates are doing their part to protect water resources for future generations. Graduates have gone on to work in field and laboratory jobs managing water resources. 

Career Path

Graduates may find work as quantitative hydrologist, water scientists, water modeller, Irrigation technician, precision agriculture technician, watershed management technicians or choose to work as Science Teachers (with further study) or Science Journalists. Moreover, graduates may work for consulting firms, resources/mining industries, national parks, universities, defence organisations, CSIRO, State and Federal Government departments, and other organisations contributing to sustainable utilisation and management of our water resources.