Civil and environmental engineering is concerned with assessing and managing the effects of human activity on the natural and built environments and doing it in a sustainable manner. This ensures the provision of adequate infrastructure and natural resources for current generations, without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.

Environmental engineers may be involved in environmental impact assessment, water resources management, pollution control, waste management or the planning and design of engineering facilities to minimise their impact on the environment.

The core component of the Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Environmental) is civil engineering analysis and design, along with detailed studies in environmental science and engineering. It has a particular emphasis on water resources management and pollution control. Computer-based methods are used extensively throughout the degree.

The first two years of the degree build a mathematical, scientific and engineering design foundation for the third and fourth years where studies include professional engineering courses, specialisations, communication and management courses and project work. The degree also includes studies in environmental economics and environmental law.

Students are required to complete 12 weeks of approved practical experience.

With the skills to not only plan, manage and assess the effects of major engineering projects on the natural and built environment, graduates should also be able to solve the associated environmental problems. In addition to environmental engineers, graduates may also find employment in a wide range of areas and organisations including multinational companies, government departments, small and large manufacturers, private consulting engineering practices and the defence, energy and IT industries.

Some of the more common careers include:

Water resources engineers work with the natural hydrological cycle to supply water and to collect wastewater from cities and towns for treatment prior to its return to the environment. Water resources engineering also looks at flow in natural river channels.

Coastal engineers design and implement solutions on the coast that provide for society's needs and desire to live and work by the ocean. They design harbours, jetties, wharves and sea-walls, as well as schemes to protect and maintain beaches, both for recreation and as a way of protecting population centres against some of nature's most energetic forces.

Geotechnical engineers are involved in the design and construction of foundations, dams, earth retaining structures, embankments, tunnels, pavements and landfills. They are also involved in the engineering assessment of the ground, landslides and remediation of contaminated ground.

Transportation and highways engineers specialise in analysing population and growth statistics, and traffic patterns and volume, to project future requirements; consult with specialists and government officials to design efficient and safe traffic systems, including public transport; and study roadway and embankment design, the geometry of highway interchanges and the maintenance of facilities such as culverts and overpasses.

The objective of the undergraduate Civil and Environmental Engineering degree is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in the University Calendar.

Graduates qualify for professional membership of Engineers Australia.

Students are required to complete 12 weeks of approved practical experience outside normal class time. Practical experience can be undertaken in Australia or overseas.