Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

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  • Objectives
    The course has been designed to produce graduates who, as environmental scientists, are specialists in a major area of applied science and possess well developed skills to liaise with other groups of scientific and environmental specialists to arrive at solutions to environmental problems. It aims: * to promote a project and problem-oriented and transdisciplinary approach to the application of science to environmental issues; * to produce environmental professionals who are specialists in a major area of environmental concern and who are experienced in working in teams which draw on and communicate a variety of expertise; * to develop the role of basic science in the identification, assessment, monitoring and treatment of environmental problems; * to promote an understanding of the public policy contexts and social organisations within which environmental issues arise and are dealt with. Learning outcomes On completion of their degree, students will have developed a comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in their science discipline and a range of transferable professional skills. Subject knowledge Graduates of the course are expected to be able to: * demonstrate specialist skills in a major area of environmental concern; * organise environmental projects using problem-based and transdisciplinary approaches; * employ scientific method to identify, assess, monitor and treat environmental problems; * recognise the public policy contexts and social organisations within which environmental issues arise and are dealt with. Transferable professional skills Graduates of the course are expected to be able to: * employ scientific methodologies such as experimental design, and the critical analysis of data; * communicate and present information clearly and fluently in both written and spoken forms; * interact effectively as part of a team in order to work towards a common outcome; * work and learn independently; * reason critically and logically and make independent judgements; * engage effectively with information and communication technologies; * demonstrate research skills appropriate for further study and employment; and * appreciate the need for continuing professional development.
  • Entry requirements
    The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements. There are no formal prerequisites for the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, but a knowledge of Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics at Year 12 level is desirable.
  • Academic title
    Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
  • Course description
    The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science is unique in Australia because it offers 3 areas of specialisation.

    You can choose to concentrate your studies within one of the following streams:

        * Coasts and Catchments: which trains scientists in coastal and catchment hydrology and ecology.
        * Environmental Forensics: which will give you the skills to identify and trace the source of environmental contamination.
        * Global Water Resources: which examines the interactions, relationships and cycles between water, ecosystems and the environment.

    Whichever stream you choose, you will take an interdisciplinary program that combines biology, earth science and chemistry with state-of-the-art technologies such as computer simulation and prediction and forensic identification.

    Teamwork and communication skills are emphasised in professionally focussed topics designed to promote a smooth transition between university study and professional careers in environmental science.
    What will I study?

    Refer to the program of study.
    What is Environmental Science?

    To protect our environment we need to fully understand how it works, what impact we can have and how we should set our priorities.

    As the name suggests, Environmental Science focuses on the underlying science that underpins environmental monitoring, assessment and improvement. It is distinct from, but complementary to, areas such as environmental management and environmental health and opens up a variety of career opportunities.
    Why study Environmental Science at Flinders?

    * We have a proud tradition of excellence in research and teaching across the environmental sciences and related fields.
       
    * Our environmental science staff are involved in a wide variety of research ranging from groundwater-surface water interactions on the Eyre Peninsula, tree physiology studies, catchment hydrology in the Mt Lofty Ranges and sustainability of wetlands in the lower southeast of SA.  In addition, studies on global climate change in southern Australia and studies on the impacts of the two proposed desalination plants in SA are currently underway.
       
    * We are a key partner in the National Centre for Groundwater Studies, which has its main office on our campus.
       
    * We are a leader in groundwater hydrology education in Australia and our hydrology staff are conducting research in many areas that are critical to the management of our water resources. These include: surface water and groundwater interaction, salinity investigations, the sustainability of groundwater aquifers, coastal hydrology, and irrigation and soil hydrology.
       
    * Much of our work is carried out in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and other state government agencies. We also have formal links with prestigious institutions in Europe and North America.
       
    * The Environmental Science program has existed for over 10 years and has many graduates and contacts in numerous agencies and consulting firms in South Australia and nation-wide.

    Combined degree options
    Combine with
        
    Duration (full-time equivalent)
    Bachelor of Innovation and Enterprise
        4 years
    Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice
        6 years

    Refer to Science and Technology combined degrees for further information.
    Career opportunities

    What can I do with my Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degree?  
    Study a language

    Flinders also offers all students the opportunity to major in a language in conjunction with any undergraduate course. The Diploma in Language is designed to provide students with competence in a chosen language that adds greater portability to their qualifications. You will complete a total of one extra year of study and graduate with both your chosen degree and the Diploma in Language. You can apply for this at time of enrolment.

    The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science requires three years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time) and the honours program an additional year (or the equivalent part-time).

    The course is offered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

    Enrolment in the honours program may be offered to a student who meets certain academic criteria and subject to the school/department being able to supervise the program of study.

    The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science may also be studied in a combined degrees program with the Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (six years of full-time study or the equivalent part-time) or the Bachelor of Laws (five-and-a-half years of full-time study or the equivalent part-time).

    PROGRAM OF STUDY  [January, 2009]

    To qualify for the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, a student must complete 108 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study for one of the three major sequences below:

        * Coasts and Catchments
        * Environmental Forensics
        * Global Water Resources

    Except with the permission of the Faculty Board, students may not enrol in Second Year topics until they have completed the 18 units of First Year topics required for their designated major and may not enrol in Third Year topics until they have completed all First Year requirements.

    Not all topics are necessarily available in a given year.

    FIRST YEAR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CORE

    36 units comprising:

    BIOL1102
        

    Molecular Basis of Life
        

    4.5

    BIOL1101
        

    Evolution of Biological Diversity
        

    4.5

    EASC1101
        

    Earth and Environment 1
        

    4.5

    EASC1102
        

    Marine Sciences 1
        

    4.5

    ENVR1101
        

    Environmental Sciences 1
        

    4.5

    STAT1512
        

    Quantitative Methods for Earth and Environmental Science, or
        

    4.5

    CPES1102
        

    Science and Society
        

    4.5
        

    and either
        

    CHEM1101
        

    Chemistry 1A, and
        

    4.5

    CHEM1102
        

    Chemistry 1B
        

    4.5
        

    or
        

    CHEM1201
        

    Introduction to Chemistry A, and
        

    4.5

    CHEM1202
        

    Introduction to Chemistry B
        

    4.5

    SECOND YEAR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CORE

    CPES2131
        

    Coasts and Oceans
        

    6

    CPES2152
        

    Global Climate Change and Natural Hazards
        

    6

    ENVR2100
        

    Environmental Science 2
        

    3

    STAT2306
        

    Statistics for Earth and Environmental Science
        

    3
        

    and either
        

    CPES2020
        

    Geological Processes^, or
        

    6

    CPES2023
        

    Sedimentary Processes^^
        

    6

    THIRD YEAR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CORE

    ENVR3100
        

    Environmental Science 3
        

    6

    GEOG3013
        

    Geographical Information Systems
        

    6

    ^ = Offered in odd years only  |  ^^ = Offered in even years only.

    In order to meet the requirements of one of the streams, students must follow one of the following programs over their Second and Third Years. Not all topics will be offered every year.

    COASTS AND CATCHMENTS

    30 units selected from the following list:

    BIOL2112
        

    Aquatic Life Histories
        

    3

    BIOL2161
        

    Algal Biology: From Environment to Biotechnology
        

    6

    BIOL2171
        

    Behaviour and Ecology
        

    6

    BIOL2271
        

    Marine and Terrestrial Animal Diversity, or
        

    3

    BIOL2172
        

    Animal Diversity
        

    6

    BIOL2272
        

    Marine Biology and Ecology
        

    3

    BIOL2330
        

    Basic Microbiology
        

    3

    BIOL2341
        

    Animal Disease and Defence
        

    3

    BIOL3101
        

    Marine Ecological Processes
        

    6

    BIOL3102
        

    Marine Vertebrates
        

    6

    BIOL3152
        

    Conservation and Restoration
        

    6

    BIOL3380
        

    Animal Behaviour
        

    3

    BIOL3390
        

    Vertebrate Palaeontology
        

    6

    CPES2019
        

    Earth Sciences Field Camp 1^^, or
        

    (6)

    CPES3023
        

    Earth Sciences Field Camp 2^
        

    (6)

    CPES3131
        

    Surface Water Hydrology
        

    6

    CPES3151
        

    Groundwater and Soil Hydrology
        

    6

    CPES3152
        

    Hydrochemistry
        

    6

    MATH1201
        

    Introductory Mathematics 1A, or
        

    4.5

    MATH1121
        

    Mathematics 1A
        

    4.5

    MATH1202
        

    Introductory Mathematics 1B, or
        

    4.5

    MATH1122
        

    Mathematics 1B
        

    4.5
        

    and a further 6 units selected from below
        

    ENVS2704
        

    Environmental Systems
        

    6

    ENVS3708
        

    Coastal Studies
        

    6

    ENVS3722
        

    Environmental Impact Assessment
        

    6

    GEOG2006
        

    Australian Environmental Change
        

    6

    GEOG3014
        

    Introduction to Remote Sensing
        

    6

    GEOG3017
        

    Advanced GIS
        

    6

    Some topics not available every year.

    ^ = Offered in odd years only  |  ^^ = Offered in even years only.

    ENVIRONMENTAL FORENSICS

    30 units selected from the following list:

    BIOL2122
        

    Comparative Physiology, or
        

    6

    BIOL2424
        

    Physiological Systems
        

    3

    BIOL2341
        

    Animal Disease and Defence, or
        

    3

    BIOL2142
        

    Disease and Immunology
        

    6

    BIOL3390
        

    Vertebrate Palaeontology
        

    6

    CPES2019
        

    Earth Sciences Field Camp 1^^, or
        

    (6)

    CPES3023
        

    Earth Sciences Field Camp 2^
        

    (6)

    CPES3131
        

    Surface Water Hydrology
        

    6

    CPES3151
        

    Groundwater and Soil Hydrology
        

    6

    CPES3152
        

    Hydrochemistry
        

    6

    ENVH2004
        

    Biological Chemistry
        

    3

    ENVH2009
        

    Legal Studies
        

    3

    LEGL3027
        

    Law, Public Health and the Environment
        

    6

    MMED3928
        

    Toxicology for Environmental Health*
        

    3

    MATH1201
        

    Introductory Mathematics 1A, or
        

    4.5

    MATH1121
        

    Mathematics 1A
        

    4.5

    MATH1202
        

    Introductory Mathematics 1B, or
        

    4.5

    MATH1122
        

    Mathematics 1B
        

    4.5
        

    and a further 6 units selected from below
        

    ENVS2704
        

    Environmental Systems
        

    6

    ENVS3708
        

    Coastal Studies
        

    6

    ENVS3722
        

    Environmental Impact Assessment
        

    6

    GEOG2006
        

    Australian Environmental Change
        

    6

    GEOG3014
        

    Introduction to Remote Sensing
        

    6

    GEOG3017
        

    Advanced GIS
        

    6

    Some topics not available every year.

    ^ = Offered in odd years only  |  ^^ = Offered in even years only.

    * Students wishing to undertake this topic must complete the prerequisite topics ENVH2004 and (BIOL2260 or BIOL2424).

    GLOBAL WATER RESOURCES

    Core topics

    MATH1201
        

    Introductory Mathematics 1A, or
        

    4.5

    MATH1121
        

    Mathematics 1A
        

    4.5

    MATH1202
        

    Introductory Mathematics 1B, or
        

    4.5

    MATH1122
        

    Mathematics 1B
        

    4.5
        

    24 units selected from the following list:
        

    BIOL2232
        

    Foundations in Microbiology
        

    6

    CPES2019
        

    Earth Sciences Field Camp 1^^, or
        

    (6)

    CPES3023
        

    Earth Sciences Field Camp 2^
        

    (6)

    CPES3131
        

    Surface Water Hydrology
        

    6

    CPES3151
        

    Groundwater and Soil Hydrology
        

    6

    CPES3152
        

    Hydrochemistry
        

    6

    CPES3172
        

    Earth Fluid Dynamics and Modelling
        

    6

        

    and a further 3 units selected below
        

    BIOL2112
        

    Aquatic Life Histories
        

    3

    BIOL2271
        

    Marine and Terrestrial Animal Diversity
        

    3

    BIOL2272
        

    Marine Biology and Ecology
        

    3

    BIOL2330
        

    Basic Microbiology
        

    3

    GEOG3015
        

    Digital Image Analysis
        

    3

    HONOURS DEGREE

    A student who has completed all the requirements of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, or completed another qualification which the Faculty Board agrees is equivalent, may be accepted for admission to the honours program provided a sufficiently high standard (usually a credit or better) has been achieved in fulfilling the requirements of the bachelors degree. Students who complete the Bachelor of Science with no area of specialisation, or who hold a lesser qualification, may be admitted after completing additional work as prescribed by the Board. Students who withdraw during the honours year will not be permitted to re-enrol as an honours student except with the permission of the Board.

    To qualify for the honours degree a student must complete the following program:

    36 units comprising:

    CPES7005 Honours Research Project in Environmental Science (24 units). Students should enrol in a combination of sub-topics chosen from the following, ensuring that they enrol in 24 units overall.

    CPES7005A
        

    Honours Research Project in Environmental Science (6/24 units)
        

    6

    CPES7005B
        

    Honours Research Project in Environmental Science (9/24 units)
        

    9

    CPES7005C
        

    Honours Research Project in Environmental Science (18/24 units)
        

    18

    CPES7005D
        

    Honours Research Project in Environmental Science (12/24 units)
        

    12

    CPES7005E
        

    Honours Research Project in Environmental Science (15/24 units)
        

    15

    plus two of the following topics:

    CPES7030
        

    Professional Practice in Hydrology
        

    6

    CPES7106
        

    Advanced Topics in Hydrology
        

    6

    CPES7105
        

    Advanced Computational Fluid Modelling
        

    6

    CPES7107
        

    Advanced Ocean and Climate Sciences
        

    6

    Students may also choose 6 units from other honours level topics approved by the Honours Committee of the School of Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences. In special cases 6 units may be a Third Year level topic if the topic deals with subject matter particularly relevant to the student's research project. This option is subject to approval by the above committee.

Other programs related to environmental sciences

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