Bachelor of Science (Environment)

Course summary

Environmental science is the study of the interaction between living and non-living elements of the environment, and how humans impact on these elements. Environmental scientists use a multi-disciplinary knowledge base to assess, research, and manage a wide range of environmental issues.

The Bachelor of Science major in Environment is a multi-disciplinary degree that draws together concepts from geosciences, biological sciences, chemistry, and physics. This degree develops wide-ranging capabilities involving fieldwork, mapping, computing and laboratory skills. The superb local marine and coastal habitats, amidst fresh-water and terrestrial ecosystems, means Wollongong is ideally located for unique field experiences to enhance studies of the environment.

This course is ideal if you would like to complete a science-based environmental degree with career paths in environmental assessment, monitoring and management, or to consider trending jobs related to environmental sustainability, renewable energy, transitions from rural to urban landscapes, and urban green spaces.

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this course will be able to demonstrate:

Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of the principles and concepts associated with a specific discipline area of science. Demonstrate technical and cognitive skills in locating, discriminating and explaining information in relation to an area of science. Exercise critical thinking and problem-solving. Demonstrate how knowledge and skills in an area of science can be applied in scientific or scholarly works. Communicate clearly and coherently knowledge and ideas to others.

Course Structure

To qualify for an award of the degree, the Bachelor of Science (Environment), a candidate must successfully complete at least 144 credit points, as outlined below.

Students who have not completed HSC Mathematics at Band 4 or higher (or equivalent) are required to complete a mathematics subject (MATH151 or equivalent) normally in the first year. Students interested in transferring to the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) (four-year degree) should note that they will need to complete MATH151 as additional load.

Students Completing a Double Degree

For students completing the Environment major as part of a double degree, please go to the approved program of study for the Environment Major in a Double Degree.

Year 1

Autumn

Select ONE of the following subjects:

Note: Students who have achieved a mark of 65% or more in NSW HSC Chemistry or equivalent must select CHEM101 and CHEM102. All other students must select CHEM104 and CHEM105.

Spring

Select ONE of the following subjects:

Year 2

Autumn

Select ONE subject from the following list:

Spring

Year 3

Core

Plus 36 credit points of subjects from the following list:

Or other subjects approved by the Coordinator.

Why choose this course

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills in Australia is becoming a fast-growing area creating new and increased job prospects. Professional, Scientific and Technical Services is projected to increase by 10.2% from 2018 to 2023 reflecting ongoing strength in demand for the services of qualified and highly educated workers. Source: Employment Projections

Working in science requires real-world practical skills and contemporary knowledge. At UOW we're committed to 'inquiry-based learning' that teaches you to constantly seek out knowledge, analyse it and apply it in your chosen profession. We integrate technology into all our learning and teaching to ensure that you graduate equipped to excel in a constantly changing and technologically advanced world.

You will participate in practical classes in our new purpose-built Sciences Teaching Facility or out in the field, ensuring that you have the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of tomorrow's employers. Our courses are taught by professionals who are world-leading researchers, with established research links to government and non-government organisations. The skills and knowledge you acquire can be applied to real-world challenges today and in the future.

Career opportunities

• Agricultural Adviser
• Biochemist
• Biomedical Researcher
• Cartographer (Mapping)
• Chemist
• Coastal or Estuarine Management Officer
• Conservation Biologist
• Doctor (with the additional study)
• Drug Regulation Officer
• Ecologist
• Environmental Consultant
• Food Chemist
• Forensic Scientist
• Geologist
• Health worker
• Laboratory Assistant
• Marine or Fisheries Biologist
• Materials Scientist
• Medical Biotechnologist
• Medical Researcher
• Oceanographer
• Science Teacher
• Scientific Researcher
• Veterinary Researcher

Admission

A range of admission options are available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures and the UOW College Admissions policy.

For any specific advice or questions regarding an application, please contact the Future Students Team.

Credit for Prior Learning

If you can demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for our subjects through prior learning, such as previous tertiary or TAFE qualifications, you may be eligible for credit towards your degree. Where relevant to the UOW degree, specified credit may be given for specific subject(s); where not relevant to the degree, unspecified credit may be awarded.

English Requirements for international students

The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:

IELTS Academic

• Overall Score: 6.5
• Reading: 6.0
• Writing: 6.0
• Listening: 6.0
• Speaking: 6.0

TOEFL (Internet-based)

• Overall Score: 86
• Reading: 18
• Writing: 18
• Listening: 17
• Speaking: 17

UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Credit (weighted average mark of 65 overall and minimum 50 in Academic Reading and Writing)

Other qualifications may also be considered. Full details can be found on our English Language Requirements website.

UOW is young, dynamic, and innovative, and has become a benchmark for Australia’s new generation of universities. The quality of our teaching and research features prominently in national and international rankings, and we’re proud to be among the top one percent of universities in the world.

Harnessing our expertise and strength to create a positive impact in our local and global communities is at the forefront of everything we do and shapes our University’s purpose for the years to come.