Bachelor of Environmental Science

• A unique program that combines a breadth and depth of learning in the scientific disciplines necessary to study the natural environment
• A distinguishing feature of the program is that it encompasses many science disciplines, for example, biological sciences, chemistry, earth sciences, geography and applied mathematics
• Graduates will have a sound understanding of the interdisciplinary skills required in environmental science
• This program responds to the need for scientific professionals with the ability to assess and manage environmental issues in private industries and government
• Offers well developed specialist skills in impact monitoring, environmental assessment, modeling and prediction, environmental management, environmental decision making, soils and landscape classification, field-based measurement and analysis, advanced laboratory skills, approaches to environmental restoration and environmental technology assessment
• Well-established program that emphasises practical employment skills such as competence in scientific inquiry and research, communication, critical thinking and analysis, problem solving, use of information technology for communication and scientific techniques, data handling, presentation skills and team work
• Opens up a wide range of career opportunities in ecology, mineral exploration, mining and rehabilitation, waste disposal and landfill development, air quality monitoring and management, urban and regional development, water quality monitoring and management, and environmental and resource management
• By completing a major and a minor sequence graduates are qualified for a wide range of careers as professional scientists in addition to those as environmental scientists, eg pharmaceutical chemist, volcanologist, research scientist.

Course structure

Over four years of the degree you complete:

• A common first year with required units being biology, chemistry, earth sciences, environmental science, mathematics and physics
• Major in at least one discipline, such as atmospheric science, geography and environmental science, biological sciences, chemistry, geosciences
• Six core units with an environmental focus taken over the first three years of the degree
• One unit in chemistry, physics, and mathematics or statistics
• One unit in environmental biology is recommended
• Remaining units which may be taken from science or another faculty, or more units from your chosen major areas of study
• The program either as a pass or honours degree, both of which take four years. If you have fulfilled the necessary criteria, you may choose to do an honours degree, which involves completion of a research project. Alternatively, if undertaking the pass degree you have the advantage of broadening your studies including taking additional units from science or another faculty

Sample course

Majors:

• Chemistry
• Geosciences

Note: This example includes forth year honours

Please note: This is an example only- unit and semester offerings may vary. Please click for a more detailed course outline (pdf 28kb) (doc 43kb).

More information

• For more on the Bachelor of Environmental Science and science areas of study see the Monash University Undergraduate Handbook 2008
• Contact us