Bachelor of Science
with a major in Environmental Science
The Bachelor of Science provides students with a broad science overview with the ability to specialise in a field of their choice through a range of science majors. The course aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge and key theoretical insights required to work in a range of professional scientific environments. A distinctive feature of the course is the practical application of knowledge through project based units of study.
Drawing on the expertise of leading teachers, researchers and a variety of industry experts, the course allows students to tailor their degree and develop a unique range of interdisciplinary skills. Offering a flexible range of unit combinations, the course allows students to select a professionally focused program of study. The topics covered seek to blend a range of key scientific skills and knowledge required by current and projected industry needs. Swinburne also offers an honours (fourth) year for this degree.
Selected major: Environmental Science
Learn about the relationship between local, global, social and ecological issues and the responsibility of the different groups involved in sustainability. Gain scientific skills, such as chemistry, biology and microbiology, to address environmental sustainability in the future.
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Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 2 March 2020
- Semester 2 - 3 August 2020
VTAC codes
- 3400234371 (CSP)
- 3400234373 (IFP)
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology
World-ranked for science
SWINBURNE RANKED IN THE WORLD'S TOP 200
Swinburne has been ranked in the top 200 institutions in the world for science by the 2016 Academic Ranking of World Universities by Broad Subject Fields. This is the first time Swinburne has featured in this subject ranking.
This ranking positions Swinburne in the top 10 universities in Australia, and the top three universities in Victoria.
During my course I have especially enjoyed my lecturers. They've been engaging and knowledgeable. I've also loved partaking in the many club activities on offer at Swinburne - particularly those from the Physics club.
Tyler
Bachelor of Science
Course details
- Course structure, work integrated learning and professional recognition.
Course structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Science requires students to complete units of study to the value of 300 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
View course rules and special requirements
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Concepts of Biology | BIO10001 | 12.5 |
| Either Chemistry1 - Assumed Knowledge VCE 3 and 4 Chemistry | CHE10001 | 12.5 |
| or Introduction to Chemistry | CHE10004 | 12.5 |
| Either Preliminary Mathematics - For students without Maths Methods | MTH00007 | 12.5 |
| or Foundations of Statistics - Requires VCE 3 and 4 Maths Methods or equivalent | STA10003 | 12.5 |
| or Calculus and Applications - For with a VCE Mathematical Methods 3 & 4 study score of 20 or higher (or equivalent) and interested in elevating maths | MTH10012 | 12.5 |
| Either Linear Algebra - For students studying a major or minor in Applied Mathematics or Physics | MTH10013 | 12.5 |
| or Essential Mathematics - For students who have obtained at least 20 in VCE Units 3 and 4 any Mathematics not including Mathematical Methods (or equivalent) | MTH10010 | 12.5 |
| or Calculus and Applications - For students who have completed MTH00007 Preliminary Mathematics or STA10003 Foundations of Statistics with an interest in pursuing higher level mathematics studies | MTH10012 | 12.5 |
| Introduction to e-Science | NPS10001 | 12.5 |
| Either Energy and Motion - Required for further studies in the Physics Major or Minor | PHY10001 | 12.5 |
| or Introduction to Physics | PHY10002 | 12.5 |
| Communication for Scientists * | NPS20005 | 12.5 |
| Grand Challenges in Science * | NPS30003 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
Selected major: Environmental Science
Learn about the relationship between local, global, social and ecological issues and the responsibility of the different groups involved in sustainability. Gain scientific skills, such as chemistry, biology and microbiology, to address environmental sustainability in the future.
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Chemistry | CHE10005 | 12.5 |
| The Microbial World | BIO20002 | 12.5 |
| Food Science | PEH20002 | 12.5 |
| Built and Sustainable Communities | PEH20004 | 12.5 |
| Water Science | PEH20006 | 12.5 |
| Microbes in the Environment * | BIO30005 | 12.5 |
| Environmental Biology * | ENV30001 | 12.5 |
| Environmental Management * | ENV30003 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
Other studies
8 units (100 credit points)
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 100 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).
- Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
- Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year
- One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
- See the course planner for an example degree structure
Course learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- articulate the methods of science, explain why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry and explain the role and relevance of science in society
- exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge by demonstrating well-developed knowledge in at least one science disciplinary area
- critically analyse and solve scientific problems by evaluating information from a range of sources, designing and planning an investigation, selecting and applying practical and theoretical techniques for that investigation and collecting, recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from scientific data
- effectively communicate science by presenting information or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes using a variety of modes
- adopt ownership of their own learning and scientific work by being independent and self-directed learners, working effectively and safely in an individual or team context, demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory framework relevant to the disciplinary area and practising ethical conduct.
Work Integrated Learning
Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning program provides opportunities to gain invaluable skills and confidence in knowing that you have what it takes to land a job in your field by graduation. You can also earn credit towards your degree. Choose from six- or 12-month professional placements, professional internships, industry-linked projects, industry study tours and accreditation placements. Find out more.
Choose a professional placement option:
12 months Six monthsProfessional Placement in Science
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Science | NPS20003 | 25 |
| Work Experience in Industry B | WEI20002 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement B - Science | NPS20004 | 25 |
Professional Placement in Science
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Science | NPS20003 | 25 |
Professional recognition
Depending on the choice of major, or minor studies, graduates of the Bachelor of Science may be eligible to apply for membership of the following professional societies:
AusBiotech
Australian and New Zealand Industrial and Applied Mathematics
Australian Computer Society (ACS)
Australian Institute of Physics
Australian Mathematical Society
Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)
Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM)
Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC)
Environmental Health Australia
Environmental Institute of Australia
Genetics Society of AustralAsia (GSA)
National Business Leaders Forum for Sustainable Development
Professionals Australia
Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI)
Sustainability Practitioners Association (SPA)
Fees
- Fees for 2020.
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
| 2020 rate* | Estimated total cost of the course | Estimated cost of the course per year if studying full-time* | Amenities fee per year if studying full-time* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) |
$28,581 | $9,527 | See how your SSAF is calculated |
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of the student contribution amount.
Find out more about fees.
Scholarships
At Swinburne scholarships are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students.
How to enter this course
- Entry requirements, pathways, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
How to apply
Applications for Semester 1 for courses listed on the VTAC Guide are generally made through VTAC. Under certain circumstances, some students (e.g. Non-Year 12) may apply directly to Swinburne. Find out more about how to apply.
Applications for all other intakes should be made directly to Swinburne.
View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.