Bachelor of Environmental Science (Environmental Management and Sustainability)

2019 Deakin University Handbook

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Year

2019 course information

Award granted Bachelor of Environmental Science (Environmental Management and Sustainability)
Course Map

2019 course map

If you started your course before 2019, please refer to the plan your study page or contact a Student Adviser

CampusOffered at Burwood (Melbourne)
Cloud CampusNo
Duration3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code075361K Burwood (Melbourne)
Deakin course codeS398
Approval statusThis course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Environmental management is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on finding solutions to the world's most pressing environmental problems. Throughout the degree, you’ll explore ways to manage the interaction between people and the environment, as well as how to satisfy society’s needs for clean water, fresh air and healthy soils through the sustainable use of natural resources.

You’ll learn valuable field skills in environmental science such as animal and plant identification, water quality analysis, use of global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing, and environmental impact assessment. You’ll also explore the roles that science and society play in issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability. Skills will be developed in the classroom and through an extensive field work program where you will visit sites including urban, coastal and national parks, community environment and sustainability centres, sites important for their natural and cultural heritage, business and industry. You’ll also have the opportunity to steer your studies towards your interests and career aspirations by choosing elective units in areas such as wildlife management, coastal and marine management, environmental health and environmental sustainability.

With an emphasis on fieldwork and industry-based learning, you’ll graduate with practical skills that can be directly applied to your future career. You’ll be qualified to work in areas such as environmental management, pollution control, land rehabilitation, wildlife management and conservation, water resources management, environmental and sustainability science.

Once you’ve gained five years' experience working in the environmental industry, you’ll be eligible to become a Certified Environmental Practitioner through the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand.

Units in the course may include assessment hurdle requirements.

Indicative student workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Career opportunities

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Environmental Management and Sustainability) degree you may choose to pursue opportunities in a wide variety of careers such as environmental planning, environmental policy, sustainability, environmental protection, climate change adaptation and mitigation, industry-based environmental management, waste management, environmental education, catchment management, water resource management,  land rehabilitation, pollution control, environmental science, conservation, and coastal and park management.

Participation requirements

Placement can occur at any time, including during the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.


Course expenses

In addition to student contribution fees, students should be aware that they may be required to meet their own expenses in connection with food and accommodation while on fieldwork.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, your fee category and the year you started. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

Demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of the environmental sciences (natural and social sciences) and a depth of knowledge in environmental management and sustainability.  Integrate and apply knowledge and skills, safely, ethically and objectively, within a range of diverse contexts – professional, community, lab and field settings.

Communication

Communicate information, conclusions and arguments clearly and coherently to specialist and non-specialist audiences for a range of purposes and in a variety of modes.

Digital literacy

Identify and use appropriate digital technologies to locate and evaluate information and communicate with a range of stakeholders in environmental management and sustainability.

Critical thinking

Critically analyse and evaluate information from an interdisciplinary range of sources in order to define and provide solutions to real-world environmental problems integrating the principles of the triple-bottom line.

Problem solving

Apply traditional and emerging information, technologies and methods to collect, record, collate, investigate and solve real world and ill-defined problems in environmental management and sustainability.

Self-management

Demonstrate an ability to work and learn independently and take responsibility for personal actions by:undertaking self-directed learning;working responsibly, safely and ethically in evolving contexts within the field of environmental management and sustainability.

Teamwork

Demonstrate responsibility and accountability when undertaking different roles to work effectively, ethically and safely in diverse team contexts.

Global citizenship

Articulate the diverse array of professional, academic and community contexts in which environmental management and sustainability graduates may work.Explain ethical practices and recognise the social, political, economic and environmental contexts relevant to professional conduct within which environmental management and sustainability are practiced globally.

Approved by Faculty Board 7 June 2018

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Environmental Management and Sustainability), students must attain 24 credit points. Most units (think of units as ‘subjects’) are equal to 1 credit point. So that means in order to gain 24 credit points, you’ll need to study 24 units (AKA ‘subjects’) over your entire degree. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.

The course comprises a total of 24 credit points, which must include the following:

  • 15 core units
  • 9 elective units
  • Completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • Completion of SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • Completion of STP010 Introduction to Work Placements (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • No more than 10 credit points at level 1
  • At least 14 credit points over levels 2 and 3

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.

Course structure

Core

Level 1 - Trimester 1

STP050Academic Integrity (0 credit points)

SLE010Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)

SLE103Ecology and the Environment

SLE101Techniques in Environmental Science

plus two elective units 

Level 1 - Trimester 2

SLE102Physical Geography

SLE121Environmental Sustainability

STP010Introduction to Work Placements (0 credit points)

plus two elective units


Level 2 - Trimester 1

SLE201Society and Environment

SLE231Hydrology and Water Resources Management

SLE218Indigenous Engagement: Natural Resource Management

plus one elective unit

Level 2 - Trimester 2

SLE207Environmental Planning and Impact Assessment

SLE226Environmental Team Based Research

plus two elective units


Level 3 - Trimester 1

SLE301Professional Practice #

SLE303Managing Environmental Projects

SLE305Integrating Marine, Coastal and Catchment Management

plus one elective unit

Level 3 - Trimester 2

SLE308Policy Instruments for Sustainability

SLE332Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Scientists

plus

SLE342Risks to Healthy Environments or

SLE320Resource Efficiency and Waste Management (Tri-3)

plus one elective unit

# Must have successfully completed STP010 Introduction to Work Placements (0 credit point unit)

Course structure

Electives

Select from the range of elective units offered across many courses, including, in some cases, the option to choose elective units from a completely different field (subject to meeting unit requirements).

It is important to note that some elective units may include compulsory placement, study tours, work-based training or collaborative research training arrangements.

Work experience

The course includes a compulsory professional practice unit that requires you to undertake at least 80 hours of work experience in a course-related host organisation. deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil.

Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.


Other course information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Other learning experiences

To broaden your experience of the world, you will have an opportunity to participate in overseas placements and study tours as an elective option in your course.