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Bachelor of Environmental Science

AustrAliA CHiNA iNdiA itAly MAlAysiA soutH AfriCA

Science

“I chose environmental science because I wanted a career path that could make a difference.” What is Environmental Science? Environmental science is a discipline that deals with the rapidly changing environmental issues facing the world today. We believe that successfully shaping the future of our environment requires more than just passion. That is why the Monash University Bachelor of Environmental Science offers a deep understanding of the traditional sciences, but also gives students a multi-disciplinary perspective of current environmental challenges, such as climate change, freshwater, marine and land management, resource use and sustainability.

Potential careers in Environmental Science■■ Environmental Policy Developer

■■ Sustainability, Environments or Conservation Projects Officer

■■ Contaminated Sites Professional

■■ Park Ranger

■■ Environmental Planner

■■ Research Scientist specialising in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geology or Geography

Atherton table lands. Photo steven Chown

Course structureDuring their first year students gain a broad grounding in scientific disciplines which gives them an excellent foundation on which to build. Students can choose their major and minor sequences from areas like atmospheric science, ecology and conservation biology, chemistry, geosciences, zoology, plant science or geographical science and marine or freshwater biology.

In addition, students study six multi-disciplinary core units across levels 1-3 that provide specific skills and knowledge required to develop innovative solutions for today’s environmental issues. This structure ensures students gain an appreciation of multi-disciplinary skills, working within regulatory and policy frameworks and using scientific inquiry and tools to practice environmental science.

First-year structure.

ENV1011 PHS1042 CHM1011 Elective

ENV1022 BIO1042 SCI1020 Elective

Core units in the Bachelor of Environmental Science*

ENV1011 – Planet earth and its environment: The cosmic connection

This unit provides an understanding of the beginning and evolution of the Universe, Solar System and Earth. It provides a broad understanding of planetary geology and the structure, chemistry and environment of the Earth and other planets during geological time.

ENV1022 – Australian physical environments: Evolution, status and management

This unit explains Australia’s present patterns of landform, soil, biota and climate through an understanding of past events and environments. The focus on change is carried over into future environmental management issues. This unit uses case studies to highlight the multi-disciplinary nature of environmental science.

ENV2022 – Environmental analysis 1: Sampling and monitoring

This unit provides a hands on introduction to quantitative methods in environmental monitoring and sampling for air quality monitoring, soils and sediments, surface and groundwater and biota. It provides a broad overview of monitoring methodologies and quality assurance in industry, research science and community organisations.

ATS2548 – Environmental policy and management

Environmental policy and management introduces students to how environmental policy is formulated by government and other agencies, and the conceptual and evidence-based arguments that underlie current approaches. At the heart of the unit is a concern with the goal of environmental sustainability, and state-of-the-art environmental management practices aimed at achieving it. In line with the participatory nature of sustainability, the unit takes a creative and participatory approach to learning.

ENV3022 – Environmental Technologies

Using a first hand approach through site visits, existing and emerging green technologies that assist in assessing, minimising and remediating the environmental impacts of people on the environment are considered. The technologies covered will span atmospheric pollution, hydrologic disturbance and contamination (surface and groundwater) and soil contamination.

ATS3546 – Environmental assessment and decision making

The unit will examine the nature of the widely-adopted procedure of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), exploring relevant legislative frameworks and understandings of best practice. It will also examine other assessment tools such as social impact assessment, strategic environmental assessments, cost-benefit analysis, and product life cycle assessment.

*Students are also required to undertake first year units in Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Physics.

Student profile Rebecca is currently studying a Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honours. She is completing a major sequence in ecology and conservation biology and and a minor sequence in environmental geography.

Environmental Science has enabled Rebecca to gain insights into every area of science that Monash has to offer including geology, chemistry, physics and atmospheric sciences. She has found environmental science was a great choice because real world and applied knowledge is important to her and theory and research are consistently linked to real world practice. Rebecca is planning on doing her honours project on invasive mammal populations in semi-urban environments.

“I chose environmental science because I wanted a career path that could make a difference. Environmental science has provided me with insights into areas of science that are making real, innovative changes both in Australia and globally. This course has offered me invaluable real world experiences through countless field trips and research projects, as well as demonstrating how scientific theory can be applied to make changes in the environment, technology, society, politics and the economy. It’s for these reasons that I know I made the right choice!” – Rebecca Valkan

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Disclaimer: Monash University reserves the right to alter information, procedures, fees and regulations contained in this document. Please check the Monash University website for updates (www.monash.edu). All information reflects prescriptions, policy and practice in force at time of publication. Published July 2013.

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