Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours)
2023 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2023 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) |
| Course Map | This course map is for new students commencing from Semester 1 2023. This course map is for new students commencing from Semester 2 2023. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Warrnambool |
| Online | No |
| Duration | 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent |
| CRICOS course code | 047023E Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Warrnambool |
| Deakin course code | S494 |
| Approval status | This 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 8. |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Fees and charges
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Research and research-related study
Course overview
The Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) allows you to enhance your understanding of a chosen environmental science discipline, while building key research and transferable skills that enhance your employment options and prepare you for further study.
Honours is an optional year of specialised study that allows you to combine the theory and practical skills gained throughout your undergraduate studies. It is an opportunity to showcase your expertise in a discipline you are passionate about, and to develop invaluable research and life skills that will stay with you throughout your entire career.
You’ve worked hard for your undergraduate degree. Why not take the next step with an honours degree that launches your career forward?
With the support and supervision of experienced teachers who are leaders in their respective fields, you will explore research of national and global significance in areas including:
- behaviour, ecology, evolution and ecophysiology
- ecological risk assessment
- environmental management and sustainability
- fisheries and aquaculture
- marine and freshwater biology
- wildlife and conservation biology.
The coursework component of this honours program equips you with the essential knowledge that underpins research – experimental design, quantitative analysis, scientific communication and ethics. The research project component enables you to develop the research skills necessary to investigate your area of interest.
In addition to being an ideal pathway to further study and research training (including masters and PhD programs), the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) broadens your career options and allows you to graduate with specialised knowledge and experience that puts you ahead of the pack.
Career opportunities
Graduate with transferable skills that give you a competitive edge in the job market, including data analysis, critical thinking and digital literacy. Your understanding of your chosen discipline, in addition to your highly advanced research skills, will set you up to succeed in further study and open up employment opportunities in roles such as:
- coastal project officer
- climate change campaigner
- ecologist
- fisheries officer
- laboratory scientist
- park ranger or manager
- marine biologist
- sustainability consultant
- museum curator
- zoo biologist.
EIANZ membership is open to environmental practitioners at all stages of their career – from those still completing their studies to established experts. The EIANZ (Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand) is a leading professional body in Australia and New Zealand supporting environmental practitioners and promoting independent and interdisciplinary discussion on environmental issues. For full membership details, visit https://www.eianz.org/membership-information/about-membership
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Fees and charges
Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year, the units you choose and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. Further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods is available on our Current students fees website.
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Graduates will have advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in environmental science. |
| Communication | Communicate effectively the design and outcomes of research using a range of verbal, graphical and written forms customised for diverse audiences. |
| Digital literacy | Utilise a range of digital technologies and information sources to discover, select, analyse, employ, evaluate, critique, and disseminate outcomes from the research project. |
| Critical thinking | Use critical and analytical thinking to identify problems and the design of solutions using established theories, models, constructs and practice. |
| Problem solving | Apply theoretical constructs, advanced skills and critical analysis to demonstrate well developed judgement adaptability and evaluation of solutions to research problems. |
| Self-management | Develop and apply knowledge and skills in creative ways to demonstrate advanced levels of autonomy, initiative and ethical and professional behaviour in research. |
| Teamwork | Work independently and/or collaboratively within a research team, receiving advice and guidance from supervisor/s that contributes to achieving the outcomes of the Honours project. |
| Global citizenship | Apply scientific knowledge and skills with a high level of autonomy, judgement, responsibility and accountability in collaboration with stakeholders to articulate the place and importance of scientific inquiry in the local and global context. |
Approved by Faculty Board 27 June 2019
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours), students must attain 8 credit points, which must include the following:
- Six (6) core units within your chosen specialisation (6 credit points);
- Two (2) core units that cover coursework in scientific disciplines (2 credit points);
- Completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit).
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core
| STP050 | Academic Integrity (0 credit points) |
| SLE440 | Honours Environmental Science Research 1A |
| SLE441 | Honours Environmental Science Research 1B |
| SLE442 | Honours Environmental Science Research 2 (2 credit points) |
| SLE443 | Honours Environmental Science Research 3 (2 credit points) |
| SLE451 | Science Professionalism |
| SLE452 | Research Design and Data Analysis |
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.
Projects and Supervision - additional information
As part of your application for this course, you will be required to first contact potential supervisors and discuss projects. Once you have met with a supervisor and agreed on a project, you will need to complete an application form and submit this via the Deakin applicant portal.
See potential projects and supervisors for Honours
Further information
Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.
- Contact Student Central
Research and research-related study
The research project provides the practical skills necessary to deliver a strong foundation in research. Thesis preparation will include an introduction to research methodologies appropriate to the discipline including associated methods, processes and practice. You will work with a member of staff who is experienced in research and who can assist you to gain insight into research and independent investigation. Staff use their research experience and industry skills to ensure that the research projects and course delivery methods are current.