Undergraduate - Course2340 - Bachelor of Environmental Science

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

The course can be awarded as either a pass or honours degree.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes. For more information refer to http://opvclt.monash.edu.au/curriculum-by-design/aligning-course-outcomes-with-aqf-bologna.html.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate broad knowledge and technical skills in at least one area of science, and a basic understanding of the multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary nature of science relevant to the environment
• develop, apply, integrate and generate scientific knowledge in professional contexts to analyse challenges and to develop effective solution
• collect, organise, analyse and interpret data meaningfully, using mathematical and statistical tools as appropriate to the discipline of specialisation
• apply discipline knowledge and critical thinking to analyse challenges and to contribute effectively to designing scientific and technical environmental monitoring and sampling programs, to conduct environmental studies, and to develop environmental policy
• convey ideas and results effectively to diverse audiences and in a variety of formats
• work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives
• exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen

In addition students graduating with honours will be expected to be able to:

• present scientific work in a potentially publishable way

Course progression requirements

To be admitted to the honours program students must have completed 144 points of units including all of the stage one to three requirements, with at least a distinction grade average (70 per cent) in 24 points of level three units in the relevant science discipline. These 24 points of units will normally include at least 18 points of units in the area of study in which honours will be undertaken.

This course consists of core units and a major and minor sequence in different areas of science. The major and minor sequences must be taken from the specified areas of science listed under the 'Requirements' section below.

The requirements to complete a major and/or minor sequence in an area of science are described in the 'Science areas of study and sequences - Clayton' section of this handbook available via http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2013handbooks/undergrad/sci.html.

Students must complete the following:

(a.) at stages 1-3:

• six core environmental science units (36 points)
• a level-one mathematics or statistics unit (6 points)
• at least one level-one chemistry unit (6 points)
• at least one level-one biology unit (6 points)
• one level-one physics unit (6 points)
• a major and a minor sequence in different science areas of study.

The major and minor sequences must be selected from two of the following five areas:

• atmospheric science
• biological sciences (i.e. one of ecology and conservation biology, genetics, marine and freshwater biology, plant sciences or zoology)
• chemistry
• geographical science
• geosciences.

For more information refer to the science areas of study listed in the section 'Science areas of study and sequences' in this handbook available via http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2013handbooks/undergrad/sci-aos-clayton.html.

Note: It is highly recommended that students discuss their choice of units and program at each stage with the environmental science course coordinator and area advisers.

(b.) at stage four the program of study will be determined by the course progression requirements and/or the student's interests and will comprise one of the following:

• 48 points of level-four science units in one of the areas listed above, in accordance with the requirements of course 0051 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science
• 48 points of units as required to complete two major sequences, or a double major and minor sequence (in different areas of study from two of the five areas of study listed above) plus any additional elective units to take the total credit points to 192.

Note: Students must complete no more than ten level-one units overall.

Recommended program of study

Stage one

• CHM1011 Chemistry I or CHM1051 Chemistry I advanced
• ENV1011 Planet earth and its environment: The cosmic connection
• ENV1022 Australian physical environments: Evolution, status and management
• either SCI1020 Introduction to statistical reasoning, or 6 points of mathematics (recommended STA1010 Statistical methods for science)*
• 6 points of biology (recommended BIO1042 Environmental biology)
• 6 points of physics (recommended PHS1042 Physics, energy and the environment)
• 12 points of units chosen from level one units offered by the Faculty of Science or other faculties

Note: If necessary, students may use ENV1011 and ENV1022 as a level one sequence for a major or minor sequence in geographical science or geosciences.

Students are encouraged to select at least two, and preferably three, areas in which they may develop their major and minor sequences and to undertake the level one requirements for each at stage one.

Students may complete up to 60 points of level one units and if necessary may delay completing the level one physics unit to their second year of study.

* The level one mathematics/statistics unit taken will depend on the mathematics background and interests. SCI1020 (Introduction to statistical reasoning) is for students without a strong mathematics background, while STA1010 (Statistical methods for science) requires the student to have studied VCE Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 (or approved equivalent).

Stage two

• ATS2548 Environmental policy and management
• ENV2022 Environmental analysis 1: Sampling and monitoring
• at least 12 points of units offered in each of two of the following areas at level two: atmospheric science, biological sciences, chemistry, geographical science and geosciences
• up to 12 points of units chosen from level one or level two units offered by the Faculty of Science or other faculties

Stage three

• ATS3546 Environmental assessment and decision making
• ENV3022 Environmental technology
• additional points as required to complete a major and a minor sequence (in different areas of study) from units offered in the following areas at level three: atmospheric science, biological sciences, chemistry, geographical science and geosciences (at least 48 points)
• the remaining points can be taken from units offered by the Faculty of Science or other faculties (up to 12 points)

Stage four

Pass degree

Additional points as required to complete two major sequences, or a double major and a minor sequence (in different areas of study) from units offered in the following areas: atmospheric science, biological sciences, chemistry, geographical science and geosciences.

The remaining points can be taken from relevant units to complete an individual program developed between the student and the course coordinator. This program will involve units in the science areas relevant to environmental science, environmental engineering, law or business, and will take into account the interests of the student.

Honours degree

Students must complete 48 points of level four science honours units in one of the following areas of study in accordance with the requirements for 0051 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science:

• atmospheric science
• chemistry
• ecology and conservation biology
• geographical science
• geosciences
• genetics
• marine and freshwater biology
• plant sciences
• zoology.

Students are eligible to apply to graduate with a Bachelor of Science after successfully completing all of the requirements for stages one to three.

Bachelor of Environmental Science
The honours degree of Bachelor of Environmental Science

Where more than one award is listed the actual award(s) conferred may depend on units/majors/streams/specialisations studied, the level of academic merit achieved, or other factors relevant to the individual student's program of study.