New Bachelor of Sustainable Environments
The
interaction of people and the environment is regularly page one news.
From the aftermath of natural disasters such as the 2004 tsunami and
Cyclone Larry, to climate change, nuclear energy and recycling, it seems
people are keener than ever to understand the physical world and their
impact on it.
An innovative program being offered by UniSA's School of Natural and Built Environments from 2007 is aimed at people who want to make a difference as members of Australia's next generation of environmental management and protection professionals.
Unlike other programs, UniSA's Bachelor of Sustainable Environments (BSE) focuses on the "human dimension" of the discipline.
"This new program puts environmental science in context," senior lecturer David Bruce said.
The three BSE programs – Geospatial Information Systems, Geographical and Earth Systems, and Environment Protection and Management – share a common first year syllabus to allow students to better decide their preferred career path.
"Sustainability is the common theme and each program has a strong practical and industry focus," Bruce said.
The field of Geospatial Information Systems, which takes in mapping and surveying, already has broad everyday application, from monitoring climate change to getting travel directions online. This program focuses on the enviro-social applications of geospatial sciences and the ability of graduates to encourage community participation in environmental issues.
Geographical and Earth Systems gives students a broad knowledge of geography, geology and earth systems science with a view to careers in natural hazard management, abatement planning or education. In fact, students undertaking an education degree can take courses from this award as part of the their degree.
Environment Protection and Management, while covering environment law and chemistry, also examines environmental conflict and public consultation.
Head of the School of Natural and Built Environments Professor Patrick James said the multidisciplinary BSE will have more than half of the School's teaching resources committed to it.