Objectives
The work of biologists incorporates much more than the study and conservation of the environment. They also play an important part in wealth-creation activities, often associated with emerging industries which have a great potential for growth, such as plant breeding, aquaculture and environmental restoration. This course will provide you with a broad, practically-based training in biology. The first year of this course is multidisciplinary, grounding you in various aspects of science, communication and technology which are of value throughout the remainder of the course. In your second year, you will choose to undertake one of three specialist streams: Land and Water Restoration, Ecosystems Management or Plant and Animal Biology. The Land and Water Restoration stream is provided in response to the growing need for rehabilitation and environmental officers who work in the mining industry or in association with other agencies concerned with land and water restoration. It will provide you with training in the areas of freshwater biology and the use of aquatic organisms to undertake water quality. The Ecosystem Management stream will help you gain employment in areas related to the "National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia's Biodiversity". It is anticipated that the strategy will create employment opportunities in industries which have a potential to affect biodiversity, and in government agencies which monitor and conserve it. The Plant and Animal Biology stream is designed to cater for those with a general interest in the biology and ecology of plants and/or animals. It will equip you for employment in a broad range of biological fields. You will participate in field trips throughout your course which will provide you with ample opportunity to observe organisms in their natural habitats and provide you with a greater depth of understanding. You will also undertake a work experience program prior to your third year. Past students have worked with mining companies, CSIRO, the Department of Environment and Conservation, the Department of Agriculture and Food, food processing companies and other organisations. In your third year you will be given the opportunity to undertake a research project. This will offer you considerable scope to work in an area that will enhance your career opportunities.
Course description
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Biology)
BSc(Curtin)
Course CRICOS Code: 043254M
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 3 Years
Introduction
This course emphasises environmental biology, with the opportunity for students to take specialist Land and Water Restoration, Ecosystem Management or Plant and Animal Biology streams. It has a strong practical emphasis, with students often being able to undertake work with members of the outside community, thus establishing a strong bridge between the University and potential employers. There is a requirement to participate in field trips for many of the course units. This gives students ample opportunity to observe organisms in their normal habitats, with the greater depth of understanding that this brings.
None. At least one TEE science subject and one TEE mathematics subject are desirable.
Specific Requirements
STAT elements considered are E and either V or Q.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.
Duration and Availability
The course is three years' full-time or equivalent part-time study.
Course Organisation
The first year of the course is multidisciplinary and includes core units of Plant, cell and animal biology, ecology, chemistry, mathematics and science communication. A choice is available in second semester of scientific photography or environmental geoscience. In second year, students choose to undertake of the specialist Land and Water Restoration, Ecosystem Management or Plant and Animal Biology streams which will lead to the acquisition of specific skills. Many third-year students undertake a research project of their choice. This offers considerable scope to work in an area that will enhance career opportunities. Some of the projects are jointly supervised by Curtin staff and industrial biologists. Work experience programs are normally undertakenduring the summer vacation prior to third year with placement in Government agencies and industry.
Career Opportunities
Several Commonwealth and State Government departments provide employment opportunities for biologists. There is also a growing awareness of the usefulness of biologists in private industry. This course provides a valuable background for those wishing to embark on a career with any of these organisations. Those already employed in industry will also find the course useful, although the needs of such people may be better satisfied by honours, postgraduate diploma, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy courses offered by the Department. Opportunities exist for those wishing to embark on careers as general and human biology teachers in high schools and colleges in Western Australia. This course has been designed to provide training for such people. Practising biology teachers with basic qualifications who wish to further their knowledge may find the master degree courses in biology and natural resources particularly useful.
Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials. Some units within this course may have a field component, for which costs may be incurred.
Further Information
For further information, contact staff in the the Department of Environmental Biology.
Combined Degree Information
Environmental Biology may be combined with Applied Geology, Environmental Health, Languages and Asian Cultures, Secondary Education, Social Science.
Course Structure Disclaimer
Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.
Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
1754 v.6 Cell Biology 101 5.0 25.0
1756 v.7 Plant Biology 101 5.0 25.0
303227 v.4 Agribusiness Communications 101 1.5 12.5
310817 v.1 Aquatic Systems 101 5.0 25.0
7726 v.4 Chemistry 187 2.0 12.5
100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
1762 v.4 Animal Biology 102 5.0 25.0
1764 v.8 Ecology 102 5.0 25.0
305639 v.1 Mathematics 135 4.0 25.0
8686 v.5 Chemistry 128 6.0 25.0
100.0
Year 2
310821 v.1 Land and Water Restoration Stream 400.0
OR
310822 v.1 Ecosystem Management Stream 400.0
OR
310823 v.1 Plant and Animal Biology Stream 400.0
400.0
Availability
Year Location Period All* Internal
2009 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y
2009 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y
The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.
*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.
^Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.
#Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.
