Online Courses Handbook 2003

173799 v.3 Bachelor of Science (Environmental Health)

BSc(Curtin)

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.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Year 1 Semester 1

10009 v.2 Chemistry 127 6.0 25.0

1643 v.6 Human Biology 133 4.0 25.0

304630 v.1 Environmental Health Specialisation 101 6.0 25.0

7054 v.5 Physics 113 3.0 12.5

7713 v.7 Health Science Communication 180 2.0 12.5

100.0

Year 1 Semester 2

1644 v.7 Human Biology 134 4.0 25.0

302467 v.2 Introduction to Microbiology 132 3.0 12.5

304645 v.1 Environmental Health Specialisation 102 6.0 25.0

304646 v.1 Environmental Health Information Technology 102 2.0 12.5

8686 v.4 Chemistry 128 6.0 25.0

100.0

Year 2 Semester 1

303091 v.1 Epidemiology 186 3.0 25.0

304647 v.1 Built Environment 283 7.0 25.0

304652 v.1 Food Science Specialisation 201 5.0 25.0

304711 v.2 Environmental Health Microbiology 231 5.0 25.0

100.0

Year 2 Semester 2

304656 v.1 Food Science Specialisation 202 8.0 25.0

304657 v.1 Public Health Law 284 6.0 25.0

304714 v.2 Environmental Health Microbiology 232 5.0 25.0

8420 v.7 Professional Practice (Community) 284 6.0 25.0

100.0

Year 3 Semester 1

304658 v.1 Environmental Health Systems and Toxicology 383 6.0 25.0

304660 v.1 Environmental Health Specialisation 303 6.0 25.0

304662 v.1 Environmental Health Specialisation 301 6.0 25.0

9441 v.6 Professional Practice (Community) 383 7.0 25.0

100.0

Year 3 Semester 2

304659 v.1 Health and Safety 384 6.0 25.0

304661 v.1 Environmental Health Applied Research 384 6.0 25.0

304663 v.2 Food Systems Safety 384 5.0 25.0

9442 v.7 Professional Practice (Community) 384 6.0 25.0

100.0

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