Environmental Science

Study in the discipline of Environmental Science is jointly offered by the School of Geosciences and School of Life and Environmental Science. Units of study in this major are mostly available at standard and advanced level.

About the program

In the 21st century the demand on the earth’s resources is placing the world’s future on a non-sustainable course, where there is ongoing degradation of natural resources and diminishing biodiversity, and planetary cycles related to climate are reaching points of irreversible change. James Martin states that it is the 'young people who collectively, will be responsible for the greatest transition in human history. We must teach young people to understand this century and play its complex game'.

The environmental science program will provide students with the understanding and skills they need to find solutions to environmental problems. Students in the environmental science program will develop the knowledge and skills to find solutions to complex environmental problems. In this program students will develop the technical laboratory and field skills to measure, monitor and analyse environmental problems and to integrate this information with spatial data to propose management solutions.

Students will develop a strong multi-disciplinary scientific understanding of regional, national and global environmental issues. Taken in combination with a major in Environmental Studies or another disciplinary major (i.e. Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Microbiology) students will contribute to solving contemporary global issues and sustaining life on earth in this “make or break” century. Students will also have pathways to teach Earth and Environmental Studies and continue to Masters level in Sustainability and Science.

Requirements for completion

A program in Environmental Science requires 60 credit points, consisting of:

(i) 12 credit points of 2000-level core units
(ii) A 48 credit point major in Environmental Science

A major in Environmental Science requires 48 credit points:

(i) 6 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) 6 credit points of 1000-level selective units
(iii) 12 credit points of 2000-level core units
(iv) 18 credit points of 3000-level core units
(v) 6 credit points of 3000-level selective units

First year

CHEM1XX1 and 6 credit points from a selection of GEOS1X01 and ENVI1003.

Second year

Core for major: BIOL2032, ENSC2001.
Core for program: GEOS2X16, SOIL2005.

The second year provides the breadth of knowledge in environmental science with units related to biodiversity, soil, landscapes and water. This is complemented in a unit related to the measurement and monitoring of environmental properties in the field and lab, and development of skills in the associated data analytics.

Third year

ENVI3XXX, GEOS3X19, ENVX3001 and 6 credit points from a selection of GEOS3102, LWSC3007, SOIL3011, AVBS3004.

The third year provides further breadth and depth with units in physical geography and climate. Data analytic skills are further developed with a unit related to the analysis of spatial data – crucial for all environmental management issues. Students will also have the opportunity to choose electives in a specialist area of interest from wildlife, energy, soil or water.

Fourth year

The fourth year is only offered within the combined Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies course.

Advanced coursework
The Bachelor of Advanced Studies advanced coursework option consists of 48 credit points, which must include a minimum of 24 credit points in a single subject area at 4000-level, including a project unit of study worth at least 12 credit points. Space is provided for 12 credit points towards the second major (if not already completed). 24 credit points of advanced study will be included in the table for 2020.

Honours
Requirements for Honours in the area of Environmental Science: completion of 24 credit points of project work and 12 credit points of coursework.

Honours units of study will be available in 2020.

Contact and further information

W http://sydney.edu.au/science/geosciences/index.shtml
E

T +61 2 9351 4796

Address:
School of Geosciences
Room 348, Madsen Building F09
The University of Sydney NSW 2006

Dr Daniel Penny
T +61 2 9351 6464
E

Assoc/Prof Damien Field
T +61 2 8627 1138
E

Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate from Environmental Science will be able to:

Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of:

1. Natural and managed environments at various scales, interdependencies between human societies and these environments
2. Key sustainability challenges for natural and managed environments, and their drivers
3. Complexity, including holistic systems thinking

Demonstrate understanding of the core and applied sciences underpinning environmental systems, including:

1. Disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to identifying, measuring and analysing materials, patterns and processes relevant to contemporary environmental challenges
2. The core sciences in the context of natural and managed environments
3. Different sub-disciplines relevant to natural and managed environments, with a depth of understanding in one
4. The process of environmental decision making, which requires understanding of their own and others' values, knowledge, perspectives and interests
5. The relevant regulatory and policy contexts that enable environmental sciences.

Demonstrate cognitive, technical and communication skills by:

1. Collecting, accurately recording, analysing, interpreting and reporting data
2. Critically evaluating and synthesising data and information from a range of relevant sources and disciplines
3. Selecting and applying appropriate and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation
4. Working both independently and collaboratively
5. Communicating with diverse groups in various contexts using a range of written, oral and visual means

Demonstrate ethical professional, public and personal conduct by having capacity to:

1. Reflect on and direct their own learning and practice in the context of the environment
2. Participate constructively in decision-making consistent with regulatory frameworks and principles of sustainable development.