151904 v.3 Master of Environmental Health

Introduction

Environmental health sciences is a broad, interdisciplinary field with a primary focus on the effects of biological, chemical, and physical environmental agents on man. In practice, activities within this broad field include studies of environmental risk assessment and management (including environmental engineering solutions), epidemiological studies and basic science research to provide mechanistic and toxicological analyses of the effects of environmental agents and to develop techniques with which to study and control these effects. It provides a range of theoretical skills and practical knowledge to professionals with an interest in environmental health or already working in the field. It would also provide an appropriate postgraduate course for graduates from scientific and other relevant disciplines, who work in agencies with responsibility for environmental health, to upgrade knowledge and skills in the environmental health field. The professional MEH program is intended to provide a complete, professional practice-oriented curriculum leading to immediate employment eligibility following graduation. Graduates from the MEH program will have skills in leadership and be able to articulate for the improvement of health conditions.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

A bachelor degree plus some relevant work experience. Consistent with the interdisciplinary nature of the course, a broad range of undergraduate or graduate degrees are acceptable. Among these are environmental science, physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, engineering and geology. Graduates without relevant work experience may be admitted following successful completion of a prescribed bridging program.

Recognition of Prior Learning

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

Duration and Availability

This course is three semesters' full-time or equivalent part-time study. It is conducted principally in external mode with some units available on an internal basis.

Intermediate Awards 1

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate award(s) approved for this course are:

Intermediate Awards II

Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Health.

Course Organisation

Students develop a range of theoretical skills, practical knowledge, and techniques to manage and control the effects of environmental agents and hazards. Building on the curriculum of the postgraduate diploma, students in the masters course also undertake a professional placement and conduct a research project based in a local government authority. Those who complete the Master of Environmental Health may be eligible to work as an environmental health officer in local governments anywhere in Australia. Students may be required to participate in workplace professional practice during third semester of the course.

Professional Recognition

The degree is fully accredited by Environmental Health Australia and the Western Australian Environmental Health Officers Professional Review Board.

Career Opportunities

Employment prospects are excellent with graduates gaining employment in a variety of government positions at local, state, and federal level, as well as in private industry, including the food and resource sectors. At local government level graduates are typically employed as environmental health officers, while at state and federal level they may be employed in various departments across both the health and environment areas.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.

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.

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.