- 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 (Physical Geography and Environmental Geosciences) | 2019
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 this major students will be able to:
- 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.
- Critically evaluate information and data to assess scientific methods and frameworks in physical geography and environmental geosciences.
- Develop hypotheses and experiments to test against evidence-based scientific facts, laws, principles and evidence.
- Identify and articulate real world problems derived from physical geography and environmental geosciences.
- 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.
- Locate, synthesise and evaluate data, information, results and literature pertaining to physical geography and environmental geosciences using appropriate methods, measurements, tools and technologies.
- Communicate physical geography and environmental geoscience perspectives and knowledge effectively to a range of audiences using appropriate technologies and communication skills.
- 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.
Course Structure
To qualify for award of the degree, the Bachelor of Science (Physical Geography and Environmental Geosciences), a candidate must successfully complete at least 144 credit points, in accordance with the table below.
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| EESC101 | Planet Earth | 6 | Autumn |
| EESC103 | Earth's Dynamic Surface | 6 | Autumn |
| EESC102 | Earth's Interconnected Spheres | 6 | Spring |
| EESC105 | Introductory Geospatial Analysis | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| Total for major at Year 1: 24 credit points | |||
| Recommended Electives | |||
| MATH151 | General Mathematics 1A | 6 | Autumn, Summer 2019/2020 |
| SCIE103 | Climate Change | 6 | Spring |
| GEOG122 | Human Geography: Living in a Material World | 6 | Spring |
| GEOG123 | Indigenous Geographies: Questioning Country | 6 | Spring |
| Year 2 | |||
| EESC203 | Biogeography and Environmental Change | 6 | Autumn |
| EESC207 | Advanced Geospatial Analysis | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| EESC202 | Shaping Earth's Surface | 6 | Spring |
| EESC209 | G-cubed: Geochemistry, Geochronology, Geophysics | 6 | Spring |
| Total for major at Year 2: 24 credit points | |||
| Recommended Electives | |||
| EESC250 | Field Geology | 6 | Summer 2019/2020 |
| EESC201 | Earth's Inferno | 6 | Autumn |
| GEOG222 | Society and Environment: Resources, Challenges, Futures | 6 | Spring |
| GEOG231 | Maps and Apps for Social Scientists | 6 | Spring |
| Year 3 | |||
| EESC320 | Capstone:Earth and Environmental Sciences | 6 | Spring |
| EESC323 | Fluvial Geomorphology and Sedimentology | 6 | Autumn |
| EESC322 | Coastal Environments: Process and Management | 6 | Spring |
| EESC331 | Changing Global Environments | 6 | Spring |
| Total for major at Year 3: 24 credit points | |||
| Recommended Electives | |||
| EESC321 | Plate Tectonics, Macrotopography and Earth History | 6 | Autumn |
| EESC328 | Dung, Death and Decay: Modern scientific methods in archaeology | 6 | Autumn |
| EESC332 | Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeoenvironments | 6 | Autumn |
| GEOG337 | Policy for Environmental and Heritage Management | 6 | Spring |
| EESC326 | Resources and Environments | 6 | Spring |
| Total for major: 72 credit points | |||
| Plus elective subjects chosen from the Science or General Schedules: 72 credit points. | |||
| Degree Total: 144 credit points | |||
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.
* 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.
Honours
See separate entry for the Bachelor of Science (Honours).
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