Bachelor of Environmental Health Science

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Environmental Health Science
Award abbreviation: BEnvHlthSc
QTAC code: 013091
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-18 / Rank-63
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: SC318
CRICOS code: 073278K. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Obtain scientific training to improve the health and wellbeing of people and the environment at a local, national and international level.

This interdisciplinary program prepares you for careers in both the environmental management and public health sectors. It focuses on developing an understanding of the physical environment and its links with human health through courses in basic and applied sciences. You gain an understanding of public health and sustainable development principles, human/environment interactions, environment and public health planning, and approaches used to identify, assess and manage risks from environmental hazards.

Career opportunities

Environmental health specialist positions within government (eg. Environmental Health Officer) or the corporate sector. There are also other career opportunities within sectors such as environmental management, especially in the area of risk management.

Professional recognition

Graduates may become members of Environmental Health Australia; Public Health Association of Australia; Australian Health Promotion Association.

Program accreditation

This program is fully accredited with Environmental Health Australia.

Enquiries

• Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering for program advice

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete no more than 10 introductory (100 level) courses, including the core courses.
• Complete a minimum of 14 advanced (200 and 300 level) courses.

• Complete compulsory work-integrated learning of 240 hours. This is undertaken in PUB332 Environmental Health Practicum.

Program notes

• Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
• Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
• As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
• When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.

Program structure

Core courses (2)

COR109 Communication and Thought
Plus select 1 core course from:
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Introductory courses (7)

LFS100 Cell Biology
LFS112 Human Physiology
PUB102 Environment and Health
PUB112 Public Health Foundations
SCI102 Biodiversity and Ecology
SCI105 Chemistry
SCI110 Science Research Methods

Advanced courses (11)

ENP211 Planning and Environmental Law
ENP365 Participation and Conflict Resolution
ENS351 Integrated Environmental Management
LFS261 Microbiology
LFS262 Medical Microbiology
LGL301 Professional Practice: Legal Frameworks and Issues
PUB205 Food Safety: Laws, Regulations and Quality Assurance
PUB252 Health Promotion Needs Assessment and Planning
PUB262 Environmental Health Risk Management
PUB332 Environmental Health Practicum
PUB361 Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Elective courses (3)

Select three (3) elective courses of which two (2) must be at advanced level (200 or 300 coded) from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Study Plan

The Bachelor of Enviromental Health Science Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.

Year 1

• One (1) core course:
  COR109 should be studied in Semester 1
• Seven (7) required courses:
  SCI110 should be studied in Semester 1

Core course (1)

Required courses: (7)

Year 2

• One (1) core course:
  Core course should be studied in Semester 1
• Six (6) required courses:
• One (1) elective course:
  Elective course should be studied in Semester 2

Core course: (1)

Select 1 Core course from:

Required courses: (6)

Elective courses: (1)

Select 1 elective course from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Year 3

• Five (5) required courses
• Two (2) elective courses:
  One elective course should be studied in Semester 1 and one elective course should be studied in Semester 2.

Required courses: (5)

Elective courses: (2)

Select two advanced (200 or 300 coded) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable 
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide 
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering