ENVS4001

Environmental Science and Management Honours 4001

20 Units 4000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus Semester 1, Semester 2
Ourimbah Semester 1, Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013

This course introduces the objectives of the Honours program in Environmental Science and Management, which is designed to develop students who possess the skills required for research and other career pathways. This course enhances skills and capacities in sourcing and reviewing literature, critical reasoning and argument, essay writing and verbal communication, and understanding and identifying appropriate application of data collection techniques. Depending upon the project selected, each student will be assigned to one of the research groupings within the discipline. Each research group offers specialised training aimed at developing in students a sound knowledge of the research techniques and methodologies that are utilised in their research area.

In order to participate in this course, students must complete the following compulsory components:
* Work Health and Safety (WHS) module;
* Project risk assessment;
* Lab and/or fieldwork safety induction; and
* Academic Integrity Module (AIM).

Students will receive full information on these compulsory components in the course outline provided by the School.

Objectives At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate:
1. a highly developed capacity to read, understand and evaluate a large body of academic and professional literature;
2. higher order thinking skills involving the identification of research problems, selection of research techniques, evaluation of a variety of data forms, critical analysis and appropriate policy advice;
3. knowledge of specific data collection techniques;
4. the capacity to devise and employ effective and creative strategies in problem solving; and
5. the ability to communicate effectively both in written and oral form using a variety of appropriate styles.
Content Throughout the semester, students will attend a series of seminars/workshops that will introduce them to:
1. the various legislative requirements that must be met before a research project may be initiated (Work Health and Safety (WHS), Animal Ethics and Human Ethics);
2. Project management skills;
3. Experimental design and data analysis;
4. Thesis writing skills; and
5. Seminar presentation skills.

This course outlines the main component of the Honours program, this being an appropriate research project conducted under the close supervision of an academic staff member. Together with the workshop program, this will allow the student to generate a thesis that demonstrates their capacity for effective data collection, processing, analysis and interpretation.
Replacing Course(s) NA
Transition NA
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge A major in an appropriate discipline with a minimum credit grade average.
Modes of Delivery Flexible Delivery / Student Centred Learning
Teaching Methods Individual Supervision
Self Directed Learning
Seminar
Workshop
Assessment Items
Other: (please specify) Literature Review Outline & Initial Research Plan (Oral & Written)
Quiz - On-line WHS, AIM
Reports Project risk assessment report
Contact Hours Seminar: for 6 hour(s) per Term for Full Term
Self Directed Learning: for 10 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Individual Supervision: for 14 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Compulsory Components
Compulsory Course Component WHS module, Project risk assessment, Lab and/or fieldwork safety induction, and AIM.
Requisite by Enrolment This course is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management Honours program.
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for ENVS4001