Online Courses Handbook 2003

303770 v.2 Bachelor of Science (Environmental Biology)

BSc(Curtin)

Introduction
This course provides a broad, practically-based training in biology. Students are able to design their 2nd and 3rd year program in order to specialise in environmental biology, biodiversity studies, restoration of disturbed ecosystems or aquatic science streams. For those wishing to become biology teachers, the course provides an initial qualification prior to undertaking teaching studies. An additional pathway to becoming a biology teacher is to undertake the double degree Bachelor of Science (Environmental Biology), Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education).

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
At least one TEE science subject and one TEE Mathematics subject.

Specific Requirements
STAT elements considered are E and either V or Q.

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
The first year of the course is multidisciplinary, with basic instruction in biological science, chemistry, mathematics and computing. Second and third years involve advanced studies in biodiversity, restoration, aquatic science or environmental biology.Field trips are conducted where appropriate. Each Final year student is able to specialise in a particular area of biology by undertaking a detailed, supervised project. Some of the projects are jointly supervised by Curtin staff and industrial biologists. Work experience programs are also organised and provide periods of at least four weeks' continuous industrial employment for final year undergraduate students.

Career Opportunities
The Biologist in Industry - several Commonwealth and State Government departments provide employment opportunities for biologists. There is also a growing awareness of the usefulness of biologists in private industry. This course provides a valuable background for those wishing to embark on a career with any of these organisations. Those already employed in industry will also find the course useful, although the needs of such people may be better satisfied by honours, postgraduate diploma, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy courses offered by the Department. The Biologist as a Teacher - opportunities exist for those wishing to embark on careers as general and human biology teachers in high schools and colleges in Western Australia. This course has been designed to provide training for such people. Practising biology teachers with basic qualifications who wish to further their knowledge may find the masters degree courses in biology and natural resources particularly useful.

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. Some units within this course may have a field component, for which costs may be incurred.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Year 1 Semester 1

10009 v.2 Chemistry 127 6.0 25.0

1754 v.5 Cell Biology 101 5.0 25.0

1756 v.6 Plant Biology 101 5.0 25.0

1765 v.2 Mathematics 113 4.0 25.0

OR

305639 v.1 Mathematics 135 4.0 25.0

100.0

Year 1 Semester 2

1633 v.4 Scientific Photography 101 3.0 12.5

OR

10102 v.3 Geology 106 - Environmental Geoscience 3.0 12.5

1762 v.4 Animal Biology 102 5.0 25.0

1764 v.6 Environmental Awareness 102 5.0 25.0

301995 v.3 Introduction to Communication Skills 116 2.0 12.5

8686 v.4 Chemistry 128 6.0 25.0

100.0

Year 2

302511 v.2 Environmental Stream 400.0

OR

302039 v.2 Biodiversity Stream 400.0

OR

302043 v.2 Restoration Stream 400.0

OR

302049 v.2 Aquatic Stream 400.0

400.0

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