307321 v.1 Bachelor of Science (Land and Water Resource Science)

BSc(Hons)(Curtin)

Introduction
With the increasing intensity of land use on the Australian continent there is a growing need for the application of science based land management practices. Combined skills from the ecological and earth sciences need to be applied for efficient land use and management. This course provides an integrated approach to management of the Australian landscape, where agriculture, minerals, water resources, development, land conservation and related activities often compete with aridity, salinisation and the effects of climate change. It combines knowledge of earth and ecological sciences with soils, water sciences, landscape evolution and land conservation.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
TEE Mathematics desirable.

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. This course is not currently available by external study.

Course Organisation
The first year of the program consists of biological and geological studies supported by mathematics, chemistry, information technology and communication skills. For the second and third years of the program earth and life science topics are supported by studies of soils and landscape evolution and degradation as well as land conservation. On completion of the third year, students can graduate with the Bachelor of Science (Land and Water Resource Science) and may be selected to study an additional honours year.

Professional Recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, and the Geological Society of Australia. The degree has been submitted for accreditation by the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Graduates may also eligible for Associate Membership of the Australian Institute of Biology and the Environment Institute of Australia.

Career Opportunities
A range of science based graduates work as land managers in specialist areas. However, this course combines ecological skills and earth science skills in one program. Its broadly trained graduates will be particularly suited to employment by conservation and land management agencies, town and shire councils and companies involved in resource development projects.

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 area of study.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Year 1 Semester 1

1756 v.7 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

7031 v.5 * Geology 101 6.0 25.0

7230 v.5 Chemistry 117 6.0 25.0

100.0

Year 1 Semester 2

1764 v.7 Environmental Awareness 102 5.0 25.0

301995 v.4 Introduction to Communication Skills 116 2.0 12.5

307505 v.1 Geology 114 - Data Analysis 2.0 12.5

7032 v.5 * Geology 102 6.0 25.0

7231 v.5 Chemistry 118 6.0 25.0

100.0

Year 2 Semester 1

10097 v.3 Geology 105 - Mineral Resources 2.0 12.5

303226 v.2 Horticulture Plant and Soil Resources 101 6.0 25.0

307324 v.1 Geology 237 - Structural Geology 3.0 12.5

4536 v.5 Geographic Information Systems 181 5.0 25.0

9767 v.7 Geology 205 - Sedimentology 3.0 12.5

9771 v.7 Geology 201 - Mineralogy 3.0 12.5

100.0

Year 2 Semester 2

11913 v.2 Geology 214 - Geochemistry 3.0 12.5

307323 v.1 Landscape Evolution and Degradation 202 3.0 25.0

8015 v.7 Geology 202 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 5.0 25.0

8975 v.8 * Algology and Mycology 202 17.0 25.0

9791 v.7 Geology 208 - Remote Sensing 3.0 12.5

100.0

Year 3 Semester 1

11912 v.2 Geology 213 - Palaeontology and Stratigraphy 3.0 12.5

1731 v.7 Plant Protection 201 5.0 25.0

302056 v.2 Landcare Revegetation 301 5.0 25.0

9770 v.8 * Geology 291 - Geological Field Mapping 4.0 25.0

9779 v.6 Geology 309 - Fossil Fuels 3.0 12.5

100.0

Year 3 Semester 2

11914 v.2 Geophysics 246 3.0 12.5

11919 v.2 Geology 314 - Regolith Exploration 3.0 12.5

11128 v.4 Aquatic Systems Management 302 5.0 25.0

OR

307326 v.1 Geology 322 - Ore Deposits 3.0 12.5

307546 v.1 Environmental Impact Assessment 312 4.0 25.0

3496 v.6 Geology 312 - Environmental Geology 5.0 25.0

OR

9776 v.8 Geology 292 - Geological Field Mapping 4.75 25.0

100.0

* Field trips form an essential part of these units and participation is compulsory.

Availability

Availability Information has not been provided by the respective School or Area. Prospective/current students should contact the School or Area listed above for further information.