Bachelor of Science
with a major in Environmental Science – Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
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.
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 you 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 you to tailor your degree and develop a unique range of interdisciplinary skills. The topics covered seek to blend a range of key scientific skills and knowledge required by current and projected industry needs.
All our bachelor degrees include a guaranteed Work Integrated Learning opportunity, which could be a placement, internship or industry-linked project. In this degree, in Grand Challenges in Science (NPS30003), you’ll work on an individual research project to develop valuable research and development skills in a research environment.
Swinburne also offers an honours (fourth) year for this degree.
Heads-up! If you would like to study our new Space Technology co-major as part of your studies, it's easy to find!
Just choose your major and scroll down the page until you see the heading ‘Other studies’. Click on 'co-major' and choose ‘Space Technology’. All that’s left to do is explore the units, apply and enrol!
Timely VTAC applications close Thursday 30 September.
There's no better way to figure out your VTAC preferences than to go straight to the source: strike up a live chat with a Swinburne current student, or book a one-on-one appointment with a Swinburne expert. Learn more
Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 1 March 2021
- Semester 2 - 2 August 2021
VTAC codes
- 3400234371 (CSP)
- 3400234373 (IFP)
As someone who comes from a small country town, the welcoming environment and smaller class sizes of the Swinburne STEM program had a profoundly positive impact on my overall learning experience. Swinburne gave me the chance to experience a number of different real-world applications and lead me into the field I am in today.
Oliver
Bachelor of Science (Alumnus)
I knew that I wanted to study physics, but I was never sure of the exact direction. Swinburne allowed me to dive deep into astrophysics right from the start and get hands-on experience.
Jacqui
Bachelor of Science (Alumna)
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.
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).
Work Integrated Learning
Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning program provides additional opportunities for you to gain valuable skills and real industry experience in the form of placements, internships or study tours - all while earning credit towards your degree.
Choose a Work Integrated Learning option:
You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 12 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.
The Professional Placement co-major has four 25 credit point units.
Professional 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 |
You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 6 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.
The Professional Placement minor has two 25 credit point units.
Professional Placement in Science
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Science | NPS20003 | 25 |
A Professional Internship is all about gaining valuable real-world skills in your area of study all while earning credit points towards your degree. Plus, it looks great on your CV as it shows you’ve had real industry experience before you’ve even graduated!
You might choose to complete your internship part-time over a semester or in a more intensive block during Summer or Winter terms.
Travel overseas, discover other cultures, enrich your professional experience and enhance your CV all while gaining credit towards your course.
- 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.
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 2021.
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
| 2021 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) |
$23,850 | $7,950 | 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
Find out more about how to apply.
View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.