173799 v.3 Bachelor of Science (Environmental Health)

Introduction

This course combines the scientific, technical and humanitarian expertise ensuring graduates obtain the skills to be competent professionals in the field of environmental health. In addition, staff have strong state government and industry links ensuring graduates have extensive exposure to the working life of environmental health officers. Environmental health is concerned with those factors in the environment which exert a harmful effect on health and quality of life. Public concern regarding the quality of the environment has led to a demand for professionally trained personnel to plan and implement prevention and control programs and administer statutory provisions.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

None. Applicable Mathematics, Chemistry or Physical Science desirable.

Specific Requirements

Evidence of the successful completion of an approved course in first aid is required before an award is granted. STAT elements considered are E and Q. Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening/Clearance Section of this publication.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

The course is three years full-time or equivalent part-time study.

Course Organisation

Field placements in professional practice are arranged with State and Local Government. Compulsory field trips are made during the three years of the program to locations outside the metropolitan area. Many of the units studied contain elements of laboratory and practical field work as well as lecture and tutorial sessions and involve practitioners from government agencies and industry. The majority of the units are conducted within the school.

Career Opportunities

There is a continuing high demand for graduates, with the majority entering State Government Departments, Local Government Authorities and industry as an Environmental Health Officer. Many graduates find work interstate or overseas. This is the only course in Western Australia recognised for appointment as an Environmental Health Officer by the Australian Institute of Environmental Health and accepted by the Executive Director, Health Department of Western Australia. This is also the only course in Western Australia registered as an Associate Body to the International Federation of Environmental Health.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Availability

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.