Bachelor of Environments (B-ENVS) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

Intended learning outcomes

At the completion of the Bachelor of Environments students will be able to:

• demonstrate a broad knowledge of the sciences, social sciences and design in an environmental context, with a higher level of understanding in one of these areas;
• understand the social, historical and professional context of their area of study;
• be well-versed in the technical language and concepts relevant to their area of study;
• access and appreciate national and international debates in their area of study;
• demonstrate an independent approach to knowledge that uses rigorous methods of inquiry and appropriate theories and methodologies that are applied with intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values;
• apply critical and analytical skills and methods to the identification and resolution of problems;
• have a capacity to apply practical skills and technology to problem-solving;
• demonstrate innovation and creativity;
• are able to engage confidently in self-directed study and research;
• demonstrate strong teamwork and interpersonal skills;
• act as informed participants within the community of scholars, as citizens and in the work force;
• communicate effectively in written, oral and graphical form;
• qualify for employment in a wide range of occupations;
• have a continuing commitment to learning;
• be proficient in the use of appropriate modern technologies for the acquisition, processing and interpretation of data.

Generic skills

Students in the Bachelor of Environments should develop the following skills:

• independent approach to knowledge that uses rigorous methods of inquiry and appropriate theories and methodologies that are applied with intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values;
• critical and analytical skills and methods to the identification and resolution of problems;
• practical skills and technology to identify new opportunities and to solve problems;
• demonstrate innovation and creativity;
• engage confidently in self-directed study and research;
• demonstrate strong teamwork and interpersonal skills;
• communicate effectively in written, oral and graphical form;
• use appropriate modern technologies for the acquisition, processing and interpretation of data.

Graduate attributes

The Bachelor of Environments' balance between cross-disciplinary learning and disciplinary specialisation provides an ideal setting in which to develop the University of Melbourne's graduate attributes. Graduates will develop in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline through the 112.5-point major sequence. Students will be exposed to a contrasting 'way of knowing' through the breadth component. Finally, they will have the opportunity to take 37.5 points of electives from within the Bachelor of Environments to broaden their knowledge of complementary disciplines.

Exposure to a range of disciplines within and outside the Bachelor of Environments will ensure students are able to critically examine different types of knowledge. Students will have diverse learning experiences in settings ranging from the lecture theatre and tutorial rooms to the design studio, scientific and computer laboratories in order to expand and adapt their cognitive and analytical skills. Bachelor of Environments graduates will be characterised by their creative, flexible and multi-disciplinary approach to the sustainable design and management of the environment. Students will be required to learn a range of written, oral and graphical communication techniques in their Bachelor of Environments studies. They will develop practical laboratory and computer skills and apply these to problem-solving.

Bachelor of Environments subjects encourage students to work independently and in groups; to become adept at finding information for themselves through research and experimental activities; and to use a wide range of technological applications. Throughout the Bachelor of Environments, a strong sense of professional ethics, intellectual integrity and social responsibility will be instilled in students. Students will develop an awareness of environmental impacts and management at local and global scales, and an understanding of their professional responsibilities to shape and manage environments in a sustainable way.

They will be well-positioned to become active global citizens and ambassadors for sustainable environmental values in all their endeavours.