Environmental Science and Management (Extended Major)

Program Overview

The Extended Major in Environmental Science and Management at UWA equips students with scientific, economic, and regulatory knowledge to address environmental challenges. It focuses on integrating science, economics, and social science to guide decision-making about human intervention in the environment, preparing graduates for careers in environmental science, policy analysis, and postgraduate study. Students benefit from practical industry experience through work placements and access to UWA's Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Management and Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy.

Program Outline

Environmental Science and Management (Extended Major) - University of Western Australia

Degree Overview:

• Objective: To equip students with the scientific, economic, and regulatory knowledge needed to address environmental challenges like climate change, deforestation, and water pollution.
• Description: This extended major focuses on applying scientific, economic, and regulatory knowledge to resolve conflicts related to climate change, carbon trading, greenhouse gas emissions, and habitat destruction.
It provides a pathway to all specializations in the Environmental Science Master's program at UWA, except Marine and Coastal Processes.
• Focus: The program emphasizes the integration of science, economics, and social science to guide decision-making regarding human intervention in the environment.

Outline:

• Level 1:
• Core Units (30 points):
• BIOL1131 Plant and Animal Biology (6 points)
• ECON1120 Environmental Economics 1 (6 points)
• ENVT1104 Environmental Science and Technology (6 points)
• SCIE1104 Science, Society and Data Analysis (6 points)
• SCOM1101 Communicating Science (6 points)
• Bridging Units:
• CHEM1003 Introductory Chemistry (6 points) - Required for students without a Chemistry ATAR or equivalent.
• MATH1720 Mathematics Fundamentals (6 points) - Required for students without a Mathematics Applications ATAR or equivalent.
• SCIE1500 Analytical Methods for Scientists (6 points) - Required for students without a Mathematics Methods ATAR or equivalent, or those who have not completed MATH1721.
• Level 2:
• Core Units (36 points):
• ECON2224 Environmental Economics 2 (6 points)
• ENVT2220 The Climate System (6 points)
• ENVT2236 Soil Science (6 points)
• ENVT2251 Hydrology and Water Resource Management (6 points)
• SCIE2267 Quantitative Methods in Environmental Management (6 points)
• Level 3:
• Core Units (42 points):
• ECON3323 Business and the Environment (6 points)
• ENVT3338 Land Capability Assessment (6 points)
• ENVT3339 Land Rehabilitation (6 points)
• ENVT3361 Environmental Assessment (6 points)
• ENVT3362 Environmental Dynamics (6 points)
• GEOG3301 Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing (6 points)
• GEOG3303 Environmental Policy and Planning (6 points)

Careers:

• Career Pathways: Graduates are prepared for careers in environmental science, policy analysis, and postgraduate study.
• Specific Careers:
• Environmental Consultants
• Environmental Officers
• Conservation Officers
• Mine Rehabilitation Specialists
• Soil Scientists
• Environmental Economists
• Conservation Planners
• Environmental Policy Analysts

Other:

• Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Students can gain practical industry experience through science work placements offered in the units SCIE2205 Science Work Placement Unit and SCIE2206 Science Consultancy Project.
• Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Management (CENRM): UWA's CENRM is a leader in providing knowledge for better natural resource management in Australia.
• UWA Ranking: UWA is ranked 2nd in Australia and 38th in the world for Environmental Science and Engineering (ARWU 2023).
• Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy: UWA's Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy is recognized for its excellence in environmental policy analysis.
• Student Story: The program highlights the story of Basundhara Dutta, a student who is passionate about sustainability and actively involved in promoting environmental initiatives on campus.
• Alumni Story: The program features the story of Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, an alumna who founded the Plastic Free July Foundation and uses her environmental science background to address plastic pollution.