Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Area of Study

Ecology explores the interactions between plants, animals and their habitats. The ecology and environmental management major has a particular focus on understanding ecosystems and ecological processes. Students learn how to apply scientific principles to understand natural systems. This understanding is applied to current questions regarding the past, current and future impacts of human activities on organisms, ecosystems and the environment. Graduates will be well prepared to make appropriate and informed decisions about the management and/or conservation of our environment, its ecosystems and the plants and animals that they support.

Objectives

On completion of the sequence in ecology and environmental management students will:

• have developed an understanding of the role of ecosystems and biodiversity in providing resources for human consumption
• have developed an understanding of the earth's biological and physical resources and the natural cycles which influence and drive these
• be able to apply their understanding of the earth's biological and physical resources to issues of sustainable and integrated natural resources management
• have a knowledge of ecological principles and how they can be used to address current issues in diverse environments including protected areas, production forests, agricultural landscapes, water catchments and, marine environments
• have a knowledge of, and be able to apply, regulations, policies and philosophies relating to a wide range of environmental management issues
• have developed, in the context of the discipline, the graduate attributes of effective communication, quantitative literacy, information and communication literacy, inquiry and critical thinking, and ethical, social and international understanding
• have an understanding of, and be able to apply, tools, for environmental management, including digital mapping programs
• be suitable for employment, both nationally and internationally, in a range of areas requiring knowledge and skills of environmental management.

Level one

• ENV1711 Ecological systems and the environment
• ENV1722 Geophysical systems and the environment

Level two

• ENV2712 Biology and diversity
• ENV2726 Ecosystems and bioresources
• ENV2792 Environmental modelling

Level three

• BIO3052 Animal behaviour
• BIO3132 Biology of Australian vertebrates
• ENV3639 Minerals and energy
• ENV3711 Natural area management
• ENV3722 Forest management
• ENV3737 Tools for environmental management
• ENV3761 Waste management and remediation
• SCI3740 Science in action research project

Minor sequence in ecology and environmental management (24 points)

• ENV1711 and ENV1722
• two of BIO3052, BIO3132, ENV2712, ENV2726, ENV2792, ENV3639, ENV3711, ENV3722, ENV3737, ENV3761, or SCI3740

Major sequence in ecology and environmental management (48 points)

• ENV1711 and ENV1722
• ENV2712 and ENV2726
• ENV3711 and ENV3737
• two of BIO3052, BIO3132, ENV2792, ENV3639, ENV3722, ENV3761, or SCI3740

Double major sequence in ecology and environmental management (72 points)

• ENV1711 and ENV1722
• ENV2726 and ENV2712
• ENV3711 and ENV3737
• the remaining units from level two and level three units listed above, with at least a total of 36 points at level three.

Requirements for honours in ecology and environmental management

• 24 points of relevant level-three units, of which 18 points are normally ENV and/or BIO units listed above.

Additional information

A major in ecology and environmental management will develop field, laboratory and analytical skills required for employment and/or further studies in this area. Field trips are associated with several units in the major and are designed to provide hands-on experiences in data collection and interpretation. This major can be taken as a double major or studied in conjunction with any other Science major. Chemistry, statistics, microbiology and biochemistry are considered useful co-majors. A major in ecology and environmental management can lead to further studies including honours, masters (by research), Master of Environment and Sustainability (by coursework) and PhD (by research).

Honours

In addition to the requirements above, students must meet the entry requirements for the Science honours program relevant to their course of enrolment. See the entry for 0051 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science for full details regarding the course structure for honours in ecology and environmental management.

+ 0050 Bachelor of Science