School Leavers and Non-School Leavers can apply direct for this degree.
For more information about studying the Bachelor of Climate Science and Adaptation
Program handbook
Description
The impacts of climate variability and climate change are affecting our lives like never before. There is an urgent need to better understand, quantify, and adapt to climate-related risks. The Bachelor of Climate Science and Adaptation (BCSA) is a science-based degree program with an emphasis on courses dealing with climate science, earth processes, climate impacts, climate/environmental risk management, and sustainability under existing and future climate conditions. Students will engage in contemporary and emerging issues in climate science from their first day at university, and the program culminates in the integration of the theory/science behind climate variability and change, quantification/modelling of climate impacts, and management of existing and future climate risks. Students will experience relevant field-based scenarios and connect with managers and policy makers from industry, government and the not-for-profit sectors. This will prepare students to progress into a career that spans all sectors affected by the current and future impacts of climate variability and change.
Program learning outcomes
On successful completion of the program students will have:
- Knowledge: Broad and coherent knowledge of climate change and earth processes and interdependencies between human societies and environments.
- Knowledge: Understanding of the role of scientific knowledge and other knowledges including Indigenous, expert and lay knowledges in climate change, sustainable transitions and decision-making.
- Understanding: Ability to acquire, synthesize and apply knowledge from the earth and environmental sciences, and more broadly to develop creative solutions to manage current and future climate challenges at varied scales.
- Understanding: Understanding of their own and others' values, knowledge, ethical positions and interests.
- Skills: Well-developed disciplinary, cognitive and technical skills through choosing and applying appropriate earth and environmental science practices to address complex environmental challenges both independently and collaboratively.
- Skills: Essential professional skills including the ability to appropriately and effectively communicate ideas, scientific research results and sustainable implementation options with diverse audiences through oral, written and visual means.
- Ethical practice: Capacity for ethical professional, public and personal conduct through (a) reflecting on their own learning and practice, and (b) promoting the transformation of human societies towards environmental sustainability.
Details
| Information correct as at | May 19, 2024 10:38 pm | |||||
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| Program code | 40245 | |||||
| AQF level | Level 7 Bachelor Degree | |||||
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| Selection Rank |
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| Assumed knowledge | Mathematics Standard or equivalent | |||||
| Recommended studies | HSC Biology or equivalent, and/or HSC Chemistry or equivalent, and/or HSC Earth and Environmental Science or equivalent, and/or HSC Physics or equivalent would be a strong advantage in this program. | |||||
| Term type | Semesters | |||||
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| Relevant University rules and policies |
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| CRICOS Code | 102644D |
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Admission information
Admission requirements
Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants meeting the minimum selection rank, or satisfying the requirements for an approved admission scheme.
The University of Newcastle accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission. These include, but are not limited to, Australian or overseas senior secondary qualifications (such as the HSC), prior tertiary studies, prior TAFE/VET studies, and completed enabling programs.
For further information on the pathways that are available to you, please refer to:
Enrolling in mathematics - Maths placement test
Your degree includes either compulsory or optional courses in maths. To maximise your likelihood of academic success, it is recommended that you select the course which matches your existing knowledge and understanding of maths concepts.
Answer a few questions now to find out what mathematics you should enrol in.
English Language Requirements
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.
- IELTS Overall Minimum: 6
- IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 6
Credit transfer
If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.
Academic requirements for program completion
Total units required
240 units
Program duration
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 8 years maximum.
International students studying this program on campus are required to enrol full time to comply with their student visa requirements and complete their study in the standard minimum program duration. International students requiring enrolment advice should review the program plan corresponding to the semester and year of commencement and can contact their Program Advisor at ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au
Program requirements
Students are required to complete a total of, but no more than, 240 units, comprised of the following:
- 170 units of core courses
- 10 unit mathematics course chosen from the course list
- 10 unit 3000 level course chosen from the course list
- 50 units of electives (including at least 20 units at 3000 level and no more than 20 units at 1000 level)
Please note: Students must only complete courses that form part of the program. Electives include any unrestricted courses offered within the university. In addition the program must include:
- No more than 100 units at 1000 level
- At least 40 units at 2000 level
- At least 60 units at 3000 level
Program planner
Current students program planner
Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.
Prospective student degree planner
If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.
These pathways have been created to provide guidance for Bachelor of Climate Science and Adaptation students wishing to specialise in a study area with their elective courses.
Additional documents
- 2023 Transition Arrangements 109.7 KB
Transition arrangements
2023 Revision
From 2023 there are changes to the program structure. For students who commenced the program prior to 2023, please refer to the 2023 Transition Arrangements in the Additional Documents section for more information.
Program structure
Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.
Advanced course filters
Courses that are currently unavailable are hidden by default. You can show them by adjusting the advanced course filters above, or clicking the 'show all' links below each section.
Core
Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| ENVS1001 | Environmental Science Concepts and Methods |
| 10 units |
| GEOG1020 | Introduction to Human Geography |
| 10 units |
| GEOS1040 | Earth: Our Dynamic Planet |
| 10 units |
| GEOS1050 | Earth: Natural Hazards |
| 10 units |
| SCIE1001 | Professional Scientific Thinking |
| 10 units |
| SCIE1002 | Multidisciplinary Laboratories |
| 10 units |
| STAT1070 | Statistics for the Sciences |
| 10 units |
| ENVS2008 | The Sustainable Society |
| 10 units |
| GEOS2050 | Catchments and Climate |
| 10 units |
| GEOS2161 | Spatial Science |
| 10 units |
| PHYS2300 | Climate and Energy |
| 10 units |
| SCIE2001 | Professional Employment Skills |
| 10 units |
| SCIE2002 | Interdisciplinary Challenges |
| 10 units |
| SCIE2223 | Weather and Waves |
| 10 units |
| ENVS3008 | Work Integrated Learning in the Environmental and Development Sectors |
| 10 units |
| GEOS3250 | Advanced Spatial Science |
| 10 units |
| GEOS3340 | Climate Change and Resource Management |
| 10 units |
Mathematics Course List
Complete 10 units from the following course list. Which course you should complete will depend on your previous mathematical background, please refer to each course handbook for more information. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| MATH1001 | Preparatory Studies in Mathematics |
| 10 units |
| MATH1002 | Foundational Studies in Mathematics |
| 10 units |
| MATH1110 | Mathematics for Engineering, Science and Technology 1 |
| 10 units |
3000 Level Course List
Complete 10 units from the following course list. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| ENVS3006 | Surviving the Anthropocene: Sustainability in the 21st Century |
| 10 units |
| ENVS3007 | Environmental Remediation | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| ENVS3009 | Advanced Water Science and Resource Management |
| 10 units |
| GEOS3280 | Global Change and the Rise of Modern Environments | Not currently offered | 10 units |
Electives
| Electives 50 unit requirement | |
|---|---|
Complete 50 units of electives to fulfil the requirements of the program. Electives can be used to extend and complement your core studies with more courses in the same field of study, or from areas that might be of interest to you. Electives can be chosen from all courses available at the University that do not have any other conditions (such as a course requisite) applied to them. | 50 units |
Suggested electives
A full list of courses that are available to study as an elective can be found in the course handbook.
Additional information
Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.
International students
All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.
Additional support
AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.
Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.
Bachelor of Climate Science and Adaptation
UAC Code , Program Code 40245
CRICOS Code , Program Code 40245
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