Bachelor of Environmental Science
Bachelor of Environmental Science Advanced

Course Description

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Environmental Science is the study of the interaction of the living and non-living elements of the environment and how humans impact on these elements. Environmental scientists assess, research and manage resources, together with a wide range of environmental issues.

The Bachelor of Environmental Science integrates material from a wide variety of disciplines relevant to the environment and its management - these include engineering, management, law, science and technology studies and philosophy. You will be equipped to understand the ethical, social, economic and political aspects of environmental issues as well as to be able to work alongside engineers, lawyers and other professionals.

In the first and second years of the degree you will learn the basic "building blocks" of science in the form of introductory biology, chemistry, geography, geology and physics, as well as incorporating the "language" of science through introductory mathematics and statistics.

In the third and fourth years, you will specialise in one of the following four strands:  

• Earth Sciences
• Environmental Chemistry
• Land Resources
• Life Sciences

An honours research project with an external organisation is a major component of the fourth year.

Those who do not qualify for direct entry to the degree may gain admission via the Bachelor of Science, subject to satisfactory performance in the first year and approval of the Course Co-ordinator and the Sub Dean.

Bachelor of Environmental Science Advanced

The Bachelor of Environmental Science Advanced Program is designed specifically for high-achieving students interested in a challenging degree leading to a career in scientific research.

Students who are eligible for this degree fulfil all the same requirements as Bachelor of Environmental Science candidates, but are also eligible for additional benefits and challenges.

All are invited to participate in various enrichment activities throughout the program and, after the first year, to develop a close association with an appropriate member of one of the Faculty's research teams.

Advanced students have the opportunity to undertake individual research subjects. Students are normally required to achieve at least a Distinction average in subjects completed in a calendar year.

In the final year, all students undertake a substantial piece of supervised research in their major discipline, together with other required seminar and/or course work. Graduates may then be eligible for direct enrolment into a research doctorate in their chosen field or into other postgraduate degrees.

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements, English requirements and credit transfer information are available from the Course Finder:
Bachelor of Environmental Science
Bachelor of Environmental Science Advanced

Course structure

Students who have not completed HSC Mathematics at Band 4 or higher (or equivalent) are required to complete a mathematics subject (MATH151 or equivalent) normally in the first year.

Students may only count 60 credit points of 100-level subjects towards the degree.

Students must complete a minimum of 32 credit points of 300-level subjects.

Students must have a grade of Pass (not Pass Supplementary) or higher in at least 24 credit points of 300-level core subjects which form part of a Science major.

Bachelor of Environmental Science (746)

This is a prescribed program of study comprising core and optional subjects, as set out below.

Progression Requirements

Satisfactory performance must be achieved (normally a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70% or greater in ENVI391/491 plus 2 major/discipline related 300-level subjects) for entry into the fourth year of the Bachelor of Environmental Science degree. Students with a WAM below 70% in the relevant 300-level subjects may only progress into the fourth year of the Bachelor of Environmental Science with the approval of the Environmental Science Coordinator.

Students who do not gain entry into the fourth year of the Bachelor of Environmental Science degree will normally be required to transfer into the Bachelor of Science (Environment) degree.

Bachelor of Environmental Science Advanced (746_2)

Students who are eligible for this degree fulfil all the same requirements as Bachelor of Environmental Science candidates, but are also eligible for additional benefits and challenges.

Progression Requirements

To maintain a place in an Advanced degree, students are normally required to achieve a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 75% in the 200 and 300 level subjects completed. The performance of each student will be reviewed initially by the Faculty after the completion of 72 credit points. Students not meeting the minimum progression requirements will be required to transfer into the Bachelor of Environmental Science or Bachelor of Science degree.

Honours

The degrees of Bachelor of Environmental Science Honours and Bachelor of Environmental Science Advanced Honours are awarded for performance in third and fourth year subjects, based on a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) formula in accordance with Method 3 in the General Course Rules Section 8.

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible for full membership of the Environment Institute of Australia & New Zealand and other relevant professional bodies depending on their disciplinary orientation.

OTHER Information

Further information is available at: 
UOW Course Finder (Bachelor of Environmental Science)
UOW Course Finder (Bachelor of Environmental Science Advanced)
Email: smah-students@uow.edu.au