Environmental Science

COURSES OFFERED

Doctor of Philosophy
Honours Master of Environmental Science
Master of Environmental Science - Research
Master of Environmental Science

CURRENT RESEARCH AREAS

Current research covers a number of environmental areas, including the following:

Integrated estuarine and watershed management studies
Effects of pollution on aquatic organisms
Waste management technology and strategies
Seagrass and fish biology
Environmental chemistry, especially the development of new methods for the analysis and treatment of industrial wastes and trace toxins
Responses of plant and animal populations to bushfires
Plant succession and recolonisation of disturbed land
Conservation genetics of native plants and animals
Marine ecology and genetics
Atmospheric reaction mechanisms
Studies of heavy metals levels in the Illawarra region and investigations of the mechanism of toxic action
Coastal marine pollution
Soil genesis and management
Coastal and fluvial geomorphology
Environmental prehistory
Environmental impact
Remote sensing applications
Biogeography
Economic and environmental geology
Sedimentology of terrestrial and shallow marine sequences
Coastal and marine resource policy

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

Students complete a major thesis and undertake a research project arranged in consultation with the appropriate member of staff and approved by the Head of Environmental Science before enrolment. PhD theses must make a major original contribution to scientific knowledge in the chosen area of research.

Entry requirements

Honours bachelor degree in a relevant discipline at Class II, Division 2 or higher (or equivalent).

Candidates for this degree enrol in ENVI999.

HONOURS MASTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE**

(This is a full fee-paying program)

This degree is aimed primarily at international students and combines research and coursework to provide a two-year (or part-time equivalent) degree for Science and Engineering graduates or others with a limited undergraduate background in the environmental science area.

The course structure facilitates the tailoring of coursework to suit the individual requirements of candidates with differing undergraduate qualifications and employment experience.

Entry Requirements

Bachelor degree in Environmental Science, Science, Applied Science, Agriculture, Forestry, Veterinary Science or Engineering, or equivalent tertiary qualifications and/or professional experience. Students must consult with the Coordinator of the Environmental Science Unit for approval of overall entry.

The subjects offered for postgraduate study leading toward the Honours Master of Environmental Science by coursework and research degree are:

*Other relevant subjects can be included in the selection available to students but must have approval of the Head. This includes relevant 900-level subjects from the Faculties of Arts, Commerce, Engineering and Science.
** This degree is currently under review for 2003. Please refer to the Faculty for further information.

MASTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - RESEARCH

This Program involves a major project in one of the many research areas of environmental science available in the Faculty. The research project will provide information for improved understanding of how ecosystems work, for solving environmental problems of immediate concern and to assist policy makers in developing new strategies and legislation for environmental management. This degree provides the opportunity for students to contribute to this work by undertaking a major research project in one of the areas of environmental science within the Faculty. One year full time or part time equivalent.

Entry requirements

A Bachelor Honours degree in environmental science, science or engineering at a level of at least Class 2, Division 2, or a Master of Environmental Science or Master of Science (by coursework with credit average), or equivalent qualifications or appropriate publications and work experience.

Entry must be approved by the Head of Environmental Science and, if thesis work is being supervised by staff from an Academic Unit, the Head of that Unit.

Structure

The course consists of 72 credit points to be completed in a minimum time of one year and a maximum time of 2 years (4 sessions), as follows

1. a 48 credit point research project (ENVI940 Environmental Science Research Thesis)
2. a maximum of 24 credit points of subjects, chosen from the Environmental Science postgraduate schedule (see previous entry for Master of Environmental Science by research and coursework) in consultation with the Head of Environmental Science.

Special Note: Students entering with an Honours degree at the level of at least Bachelor Honours Class 2, Division 2, or a Master of Environmental Science degree (or equivalent) will normally be awarded advanced standing for the 24 credit points of coursework, except for candidates with no background in environmental science who will be required to complete ENVI920 Scientific Basis of Environmental Management (8 cps).

MASTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

This program is designed for applicants who wish to extend their knowledge of science relating to the environment by studying areas not covered in their undergraduate science or engineering degree (including environmental policy, planning and management).

Entry Requirements

Bachelor degree in Environmental Science, Science, Applied Science, Agriculture, Forestry, Veterinary Science or Engineering (or equivalent qualifications and/or professional experience). Students must consult with the Co-ordinator of the Environmental Science Unit for approval of overall program.

Other relevant subjects can be included in the selection available to students but must have the approval of the Coordinator of Environmental Science. This includes relevant 900 level subjects from the Faculties of Arts, Commerce, Engineering and Science.