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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

313562 v.2 Environmental Biology Major (BSc Science)


Major/Stream Overview

This major/stream is part of a larger course. Information is specific to the major/stream, please refer to the course for more information.


The Environmental Biology Major develops expertise in zoology, botany, ecology, biomonitoring, ecotoxicology, environmental impact assessment, conservation biology, and environmental management. Students will develop skills through practical and real life experiences combined with a strong scientific foundation. Students are encouraged to develop specialist interests through the completion of project work and/or industry-based work experience. Graduates may find employment in the areas of environmental management, conservation biodiversity, zoology, environmental impact assessment, land rehabilitation, and research.



Major/Stream Entry and Completion Details

The Environmental Biology major requires WACE Mathematics 2C/2D and at least one WACE Science Course of Study Level 3A/3B.



Major/Stream Organisation

Major/Stream Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply fundamental biological principles and concepts in theoretical, practical and vocational situations

2. explain and apply the scientific method

3. collect biological data and locate, extract and critically appraise existing scientific knowledge to analyse problems and formulate solutions

4. communicate biological information concisely and accurately using written, visual, and verbal means appropriate to the audience

5. employ new and established technologies to collect and interpret biological data demonstrate competency in statistics computing and other relevant technologies at an appropriate level

6. take responsibility for their personal educational development by applying independent study and time-management skills

7. consider biological issues from a global perspective recognising the importance of national and international standards for collecting and reporting data

8. respect and recognise the responsibilities of professional scientists in society both nationally and internationally value environmental indigenous and other community perspectives

9. work independently and in teams to demonstrate employment-ready skills such as negotiation leadership professional behaviour and ethical practices


Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 2 Semester 1
8306 v.9   Quantitative Biology 201 5.0 25.0
312392 v.2   Botany 200 5.0 25.0
312140 v.1   Zoology 201 5.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
312399 v.1   Ecotoxicology 202 4.0 25.0
312395 v.2   Ecology 200 3.0 25.0
314000 v.1   Gene to Phenotype 200 5.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
312396 v.1   Conservation Biology and Sustainability 201 5.5 25.0
312387 v.1   Environmental Impact Assessment 301 4.0 25.0
314680 v.1   Habitat and Landform Mapping 300 4.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
312401 v.2   Animal and Plant Physiology 300 5.0 25.0
312400 v.1   Biomonitoring 302 5.0 25.0
314536 v.1   Terrestrial and Marine Science Field Project 300 4.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0




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