Global Utilities

La Trobe University
University Handbook 2008

Programs of the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and Ecology (SBSEME)

  • Enquiries: (02) 6024 9885 – Department of Environmental Management and Ecology
  • Fax: (02) 6024 9888
  • Email: deme.aw@latrobe.edu.au

This three-year course is designed to provide training in both environmental management and ecology, and is undertaken against the background of the Murray-Darling River Basin. The degree has a major focus on water related issues within the Murray Darling Basin and emphasises the importance of understanding and implementation of ecological principles in successful management of this vital natural resource. A wide range of environmental and ecological issues is covered, including wastewater treatment and disposal, water and air quality control, population ecology, community ecology, environmental policy and legislation, conservation ecology, water, forest and agricultural resources, wildlife and fisheries management and soil science. For suitably qualified students, further study is available at Honours level. Research scientists from the Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre are involved in the teaching and research program.

Applicants for entry into the bachelor degree must have a study score of 20 in Units 3 and 4 of VCE English or HSC English (Standard, Advanced, or ESL), Band 2 or above or equivalent. Applicants who have successfully completed any of the following studies will be deemed to have an ENTER 2 aggregate points higher for VCE (maximum 4 aggregate points) or a bonus of 1.5 UAI for HSC (maximum 3 points) for each study: biology, chemistry, mathematical methods, specialist mathematics (VTAC), Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Extension 2 (UAC) and physics.

The pass degree consists of units with a value of 120 points at each year level. The Dean of the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering must approve variations from this course structure.

First-year units are all 15 credit points, second-year units are all 20 credit points and third-year units are all 30 credit points.

First year (120 credit points)
Teaching period Unit title Unit code Credit points
TE-SEM-1 Genetics, Human Biology and Evolution BIO1GEN 15
TE-SEM-1 Organisation & Function of Cells & Organisms BIO1OF 15
TE-SEM-2 Animal Diversity, Ecology and Behaviour BIO1AD 15
TE-SEM-2 Plant Science BIO1PS 15
TE-SEM-2 Statistics for Life Sciences STA1LS 15
Either
TE-SEM-1 General Principles of Chemistry CHE1GEN 15
or
TE-SEM-1 Basic Chemistry CHE1BAS 15

Plus two of:

Teaching period Unit title Unit code Credit points
TE-SEM-1 Physics for Life sciences A PHY1LSA 15
TE-SEM-1 Processes that Shape the Earth GEO1PRO 15
TE-SEM-1 Calculus & number systems MAT1CNS 15
TE-SEM-2 Earth Environments and Resources GEO1ERS 15
TE-SEM-2 Applications of Chemistry CHE1APL 15
TE-SEM-2 Physics for Life Sciences B PHY1LSB 15
TE-SEM-2 Calculus and linear algebra MAT1CLA 15

Or other approved first-year units.

Second year (120 credit points)
Teaching period Unit title Unit code Credit points
TE-SEM-1 Biostatistics STA2BIO 20
TE-SEM-2 Origin and Evolution of Australian Biota WEM2OEB 20

Plus two of:

Teaching period Unit title Unit code Credit points
TE-SEM-1 Theoretical and Applied Ecology WEM2TAE 20
TE-SEM-1 Environmental Pollution Control WEM2EPA 20
TE-SEM-2 Ecological Genetics & Evolutionary Ecology WEM2EGE 20
TE-SEM-2 Water and Air Quality WEM2EPB 20

Plus 40 credit points selected from the above or from other approved second-year units.

Third year (120 credit points)

Two of:

Teaching period Unit title Unit code Credit points
TE-SEM-1 Waste Management and Treatment WEM3WMA 30
TE-SEM-1 Sustainable Resource Management WEM3RMA 30
TE-SEM-2 Conservation Biology & Environmental Law WEM3RMB 30
TE-SEM-2 Environmental Assessment WEM3WMB 30

Plus 60 credit points from the above or other approved third-year units.

Honours

Students wishing to enter the Honours program must obtain a minimum average of 60% across all of their third-year units and obtain at least 65% in 60 credit points of units germane to the Honours discipline area, and should consult the Head of Department to determine early requirements and study programs.

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