303770 v.4 Bachelor of Science (Environmental Biology)

BSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 043254M
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 3 Years

Introduction

This course emphasises environmental biology, with the opportunity for students to take specialist Land and Water Restoration, Ecosystem Management or Plant and Animal Biology streams. It has a strong practical emphasis, with students often being able to undertake work with members of the outside community, thus establishing a strong bridge between the University and potential employers. There is a requirement to participate in field trips for many of the course units. This gives students ample opportunity to observe organisms in their normal habitats, with the greater depth of understanding that this brings.

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 and includes core units of Plant, cell and animal biology, ecology, chemistry, mathematics and science communication. A choice is available in second semester of scientific photography or environmental geoscience. In second year, students choose to undertake of the specialist Land and Water Restoration, Ecosystem Management or Plant and Animal Biology streams which will lead to the acquisition of specific skills. Many third-year students undertake a research project of their choice. This offers considerable scope to work in an area that will enhance career opportunities. Some of the projects are jointly supervised by Curtin staff and industrial biologists. Work experience programs are normally undertakenduring the summer vacation prior to third year with placement in Government agencies and industry.

Career Opportunities

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

Further Information

Contact the Department of Environmental Biology, telephone (08) 9266 7368 7041 or visit our website at www.envbio.curtin.edu.au.

Combined Degree Information

Environmental Biology may be combined with Applied Geology, Environmental Health, Languages and Asian Cultures, Secondary Education, Social Science.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

Course Structure			Hrs/Wk	Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
1754	v.6	Cell Biology 101	5.0	25.0
1756	v.7	Plant Biology 101	5.0	25.0
303227	v.4	Agribusiness Communications 101	1.5	12.5
310817	v.1	Aquatic Systems 101	5.0	25.0
7726	v.4	Chemistry 187	2.0	12.5
				100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
1762	v.4	Animal Biology 102	5.0	25.0
1764	v.8	Ecology 102	5.0	25.0
305639	v.1	Mathematics 135	4.0	25.0
8686	v.5	Chemistry 128	6.0	25.0
				100.0
Year 2
310821	v.1	Land and Water Restoration Stream		400.0
		OR
310822	v.1	Ecosystem Management Stream		400.0
		OR
310823	v.1	Plant and Animal Biology Stream		400.0
				400.0

Availability

Year	Location	Period	Internal
2008	Bentley Campus	Semester 1	Y
2008	Bentley Campus	Semester 2	Y
2008	Bentley Campus	Semester 2	Y

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.

*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

#Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.