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Environmental Science
MajorYear: 2024
Environmental Science
Contact information
Coordinator
Associate Professor Michael McCarthy (Botany)
Office for Environmental Programs
Ground Floor, Walter Boas Building (building 163)
Enquiries
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
Email: 13MELB@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Environmental Science is offered as a major field of study in the Master of Environment degree.
The Environmental Science major will attract students seeking an interdisciplinary scientific perspective, for work largely in scientific and environmental careers. Graduates should be well placed to offer leadership through a solid understanding of environmental modelling, monitoring and assessment techniques, and application of technology.
This major will provide an appreciation for the role of modelling in environmental science; an overview of the range of environmental models in use; the skills required to model environmental systems and processes; an introduction to the construction and mathematical analysis of environmental models; and a high level of ability to analyse and evaluate environmental issues.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who complete the Master of Environment will have:
- Knowledge to undertake professional practice in environment or sustainability, including:
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- Specialised knowledge in an environmental discipline or field of practice, including knowledge of recent developments in this field
- Knowledge of the cross-disciplinary nature of environmental issues and professional practice to promote sustainable futures
- Knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to specialist field of environmental inquiry
- Skills for collaborative and creative problem solving in environmental practice, including:
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- Ability to critically analyse and synthesise environmental knowledge
- Ability to envision environmental change and propose pathways to realise this change
- Ability to communicate complex environmental knowledge and research effectively to a range of audiences
- Ability to work effectively in cross-disciplinary teams
- Technical skills for professional practice and research in field of specialisation
- Demonstrated capacity to:
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- Exercise well developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner in an environmental discipline or professional field
- Plan and execute a substantial project in an area of environmental research or practice
Upon completion of the Environmental Science major, students will be able to:
- Describe major current global environmental challenges facing scientists and policy-makers;
- Discuss the relevance of a range of scientific disciplines to environmental management including meteorology, ecology, toxicology, hydrology, geology and epidemiology;
- Analyse the role of various evidentiary approaches to supporting science-based arguments including empirical observation and analysis, modelling and use of expert opinion; and
Judge the merit of scientific arguments made in documents related to environmental policy
Last updated: 30 January 2024