Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours)

Overview

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 (Honours) degree 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 with 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 majors:

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

An Honours research report 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 Head of Students.

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements and English requirements are available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) will be able to:

1. Describe and synthesise advanced knowledge from several disciplines about the multifaceted and interrelated nature of environmental science.
2. Apply advanced knowledge of the complex interplay of relevant processes to addressing environmental problems.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of research principles and methods associated with environmental science through an applied research project.
4. Adapt and integrate technical and cognitive skills in reviewing, analysing and synthesising information to independently assess the basis of complex environmental problems.
5. Exercise critical thinking and judgement in understanding the basis of an environmental problem.
6. Communicate knowledge and ideas clearly and coherently to a variety of audiences through seminars, meetings with professional practitioners and preparation of the major research report.
7. Demonstrate initiative and judgement to adapt knowledge and skills to independently plan and execute a piece of research in a specific area of environmental science

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 strand.

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 strand/discipline related 300-level subjects] for entry into the fourth year of the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) 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 (Honours) with the approval of the Environmental Science Coordinator.

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

Honours

The degree of Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) is 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.

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Professional Recognition/Accreditation

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
Email: smah-students@uow.edu.au