Monash University: University handbooks: Undergraduate handbook: Units indexed by faculty
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Bachelor of Environmental Science

Course code: 2340 + Course abbreviation: BEnvSc + Total credit points required: 192 + 4 years full-time, 8 years part-time

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Clayton)

Course description

The course provides students with a solid foundation in traditional areas of science (chemistry, earth sciences, biological sciences, physics, geography, mathematics) together with a range of units specifically targeting environmental issues (environmental policy and planning issues, environmental risk and impact assessment, sampling and monitoring methods for air, surface water, groundwater, soils, biological communities etc).

Course structure

The course can be taken as either a pass or honours degree. Students must complete the studies as described below, including core units, and a major sequence in at least two of the following science areas:

Note that it is highly recommended that students discuss their choice of units and programs at each stage with the environmental science core area advisers, as listed on the BEnvSc website at www.sci.monash.edu.au/courses/BEnvSc.

Course requirements

Students must complete all of the following:

Stage one

• ENV1011 and ENV1022
• 6 points of biology (BIO1042 recommended)
• CHM1011 or CHM1031
• Either SCI1020 or 6 points of mathematics (STA1010 recommended)
• 6 points of physics (PHS1042 recommended)
• 12 points of units chosen from level-one units offered by the Faculty of Science or other faculties

Students are encouraged to select at least two, and preferably three, core areas in which they may develop their major sequences and to undertake the level-one requirements for each at stage one. Students may complete up to 60 points of level-one units during the course so they may delay completing the mathematics and/or physics requirements to their second year of study, if necessary. It is recommended that students who have not completed VCE Mathematical Methods units 3 and 4 take SCI1020 rather than, or prior to, STA1010. Note that units selected at stages two, three and four need to satisfy requirements for a major sequence in two of the core areas.

Stage two

• ENV2011 and ENV2022
• At least 12 points must be chosen from each of two of the following core areas at level two: atmospheric science, biology, chemistry, geosciences and geography (24 points)
• Up to 12 points of units chosen from level-one or level-two units offered by the Faculty of Science or other faculties

Students should note that if they complete only 12 points towards one or both major sequences at stage two, this will require a further 24 points of studies in that area at level three. If 18 points are taken towards the major sequence at level two, only 18 points of studies need be taken at level three to complete that major sequence.

Stages three and four

Once they have completed at least 132 points of the course, and prior to having completed 168 points, qualified students may apply to undertake an honours degree in environmental science and complete an honours thesis at stage four of the course. To be admitted to the honours course, students are required to have achieved a distinction grade average (70%) in 24 points of studies in relevant level-three units. These 24 points of studies will normally include either at least 18 points of units from the core areas related to the intended honours research project or at least 12 points from those areas in combination with at least one of the level-three ENV units. Any remaining points towards the 24-point entry requirement may be achieved from either another level-three ENV unit or from a unit in one of the other core areas.

Students who have obtained an average of 65% to 69% in that group of units may also be eligible for consideration once they have completed at least 24 points of other level-three units with an average grade of at least 65%. Such students should consult with the coordinator of the BEnvSc course.

Students who need to complete more than 24 points towards their two major sequences at stage four will be ineligible to enrol for the BEnvSc(Hons) course, since this would preclude the completion of the 24-point thesis unit ENV4100.

Stages three and four (pass degree)

• ENV3011 and ENV3022 (12 points)
• Additional points as required to complete a major sequence in at least two of the following areas of study at level three: atmospheric science, biology, chemistry, geosciences and geography (at least 48 points)
• The remaining points can be taken from approved level-three and level-four units (up to 36 points)

Stages three and four (honours degree)

• ENV3011 and ENV3022 (12 points)
• ENV4100 (24 points)
• Additional points as required to complete a major sequence in at least two of the following areas of study: atmospheric science, biology, chemistry, geosciences and geography (at least 48 points)
• The remaining points can be taken from approved level-three and level-four units (up to 12 points)

The grade of honours awarded for students in the BEnvSc(Hons) stream will be determined by the Board of Examiners based on their mark for ENV4100 and the average mark of their best 24 points of level-three or level-four units taken at stages three and four.

The maximum time for completion of the course is 10 years, including intermissions.

Contact details

Course coordinator

Dr Tony Patti

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