Bachelor of Environmental Science CA42

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Environmental Science is a multidisciplinary degree that provides graduates with theoretical and practical skills for employment in fields related to ecologically sustainable development (including both the human and natural environment).

The program develops practical skills to solve environmental problems and provides an appreciation of the roles of environmental planning, environmental law and advocacy and lays the foundations for graduates to effectively communicate with environmental stakeholders.

The program is designed to ensure students combine the insights of the chemical/biological sciences with those of the humanities/social sciences and other disciplines. Courses from degree-level disciplines including business, mathematics and engineering may be available as electives.

Level 1 provides a foundation in environmental studies as well as developing generic skills in the sciences and social sciences/humanities. Level 1 courses emphasise the multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies.

Level 2 and Level 3 courses provide progressive specialisation. Considerable scope is allowed in the choice of electives such that students can develop a particular emphasis in science, humanities/social science, occupational health and safety, or in other fields. Alternatively, students may opt for a broad-based degree with a range of advanced level courses.

Bridging courses are available for students who do not have a strong background in biology or chemistry, or who have been away from study for an extended period.

Entry to Honours and postgraduate courses are available in some discipline areas, subject to meeting entry requirements. Intending honours students should seek information from the staff in the relevant discipline area before they complete their final year enrolment.

Program Structure

To satisfy the requirements of the award, students must complete 24 courses or 144 units of credit as outlined below.

• 8 - 10 courses at Level 1 (48 - 60 uc)
• 14 - 16 courses from Advanced Level options (84 - 96 uc) with at least 10 courses (60uc) from the list of Recommended Environmental Electives, including 6 courses (36 uc) at advanced level in a particular plan.
• 8 core courses, 6 at Level 1 and 2 at advanced.

Environmental Electives

Plan 1

Plan 2

Note: * Students enrolling in these Geography courses will need access to a computer with Internet and email capabilities including Internet capabilities and a CD Rom. These requirements will vary among the Geography courses. CQU student computer labs provide these types of PC’s at CQU campuses, while the Queensland Learning Network can also provide access for distance education students in most parts of the state.

Plan 3

Plan 4

Other Relevant Electives

Other Electives

Students may select up to 6 other relevant courses from other Faculty degree programs subject to approval.

For example, some students may wish to consider a sequence of courses such as:

Note: Students intending to undertake honours or postgraduate studies should include at least one statistics and/or methodology course in their program. For other students such courses are desirable but not essential. Courses should be selected in consultation with staff and include:

Note: In their first year full-time students should select two electives in addition to the six compulsory level 1 courses, while new, part-time students typically select Environmental Science A & B plus one additional course in Autumn and Winter term.