2018 Undergraduate Courses
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

    However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar) (Physical Geography and Environmental Geosciences) | 2018

In this course you will combine fieldwork, practical experience and research to develop an understanding of how the dynamics of physical processes acting on the surface of the Earth create landscapes. You will also investigate the impacts and consequences of human existence on the landscape. You will learn how to apply techniques to study patterns and processes in the environment, including their spatial pattern and evolution over time. This will equip you with the required knowledge of current issues related to Physical Geography and Environmental Geosciences and allow you to use the acquired skills to propose strategies and solutions to these problems.

Major Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the Physical Geography and Environmental Geosciences major study, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of the trends, processes and impacts that shape the Earth and its environment including local, national, global, cultural, Indigenous and spatial perspectives.
  2. Critically evaluate information and data to assess scientific methods and frameworks in physical geography and environmental geosciences.
  3. Develop hypotheses and experiments to test against evidence-based scientific facts, laws, principles and evidence.
  4. Identify and articulate real world problems derived from physical geography and environmental geosciences.
  5. Apply knowledge and appropriate techniques, including those associated with fieldwork, to evaluate possible solutions to real world problems and defend choice of solution against alternatives.
  6. Locate, synthesise and evaluate data, information, results and literature pertaining to physical geography and environmental geosciences using appropriate methods, measurements, tools and technologies.
  7. Communicate physical geography and environmental geoscience perspectives and knowledge effectively to a range of audiences using appropriate technologies and communication skills. 
  8. Demonstrate ethical, professional, public and personal conduct and capacity to reflect on and direct own learning and practice and participate constructively in decision-making within the context of physical geography and environmental geosciences.
  9. Independently plan and execute a research project in regard to Physical Geography. 

Course Structure

To qualify for award of the degree, the Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours) (Physical Geography and Environmental Geosciences), a candidate must successfully complete at least 192 credit points in accordance with the table below.

Subject CodeSubject NameCredit PointsSession(s)
Year 1
EESC101Planet Earth6Autumn
EESC103Earth's Dynamic Surface6Autumn
EESC102Earth's Interconnected Spheres6Spring
EESC105Introductory Geospatial Analysis6Autumn, Spring
Total for major at Year 124
Recommended Electives
MATH151General Mathematics 1A*6Autumn
SCIE103Climate Change6Spring
GEOG122Human Geography: Living in a Material World6Spring
Year 2
EESC203Biogeography and Environmental Change6Autumn
EESC207Advanced Geospatial Analysis6Autumn, Spring
EESC202Shaping Earth's Surface6Spring
EESC209G-cubed: Geochemistry, Geochronology, Geophysics6Spring
Total for major at Year 224
Recommended Electives:
EESC201Earth's Inferno6Autumn
GEOG222Society and Environment: Resources, Challenges, Futures6Spring
EESC250Field Geology6Summer 2018/2018
Year 3
EESC320Capstone:Earth and Environmental Sciences6Annual. Autumn, Spring. First offered in 2018
EESC323Fluvial Geomorphology and River Management6Autumn. First offered in 2018
EESC322Coastal Environments: Process and Management 6Spring. First offered in 2018
EESC331Changing Global Environments6Autumn. First offered in 2018
Total for major at Year 324
Recommended Electives
EESC321Plate Tectonics, Macrotopography and Earth History6Autumn. First offered in 2018
EESC328Dung, Death and Decay: modern scientific methods in archaeology 6Autumn. First offered in 2018
EESC332Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeoenvironments6Autumn. First offered in 2018
GEOG332Environmental and Heritage Management8Spring
EESC326Resources and Environments6Spring. First offered in 2018
Year 4
Select either the full-time (48cp) or 48cp of the equivalent part-time subject (2 x 24cp) option below.
EESC401Earth and Environmental Sciences Honours Full-time48 
EESC407Earth and Environmental Sciences Honours (Part-Time)24 
Total for major at Year 448
Total for major120
Plus elective subjects chosen from the Science or General Schedules72
Degree Total192

* Students who have not completed HSC Mathematics at Band 4 or higher (or equivalent) are required to complete a mathematics subject (MATH151 or equivalent) preferably in the first year.

Please click the subject codes in the above table for information on sessions of offer for each subject at different locations. For information regarding timetables, tutorials, and classes please the visit the Timetables and Classes page.

Entry Requirements and Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the Course Finder.

Other Information

For further information please email: smah-students@uow.edu.au

Last reviewed: 18 October, 2018