Course Guide 2021-22 Domestic Undergraduate - University of Western Australia
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Domestic
Undergraduate
Course Guide
2021–22
GET CAREER-READY WITH A UWA DEGREE
2 The University of Western Australia | uwa.edu.au/study
Welcome to
our community
Welcome to The University of Western Australia (UWA), where you’ll
join our accomplished graduates in becoming global professionals who
drive change to shape the future.
At UWA, we prepare our graduates to improve the lives of others.
With the world – and the skills you need to succeed in it – changing all
the time, our distinctive, experience-rich curriculum and outstanding
learning experience will give you the knowledge and the adaptability to
make a positive difference in society.
We look forward to you joining our community and supporting you in
shaping your future career goals.
The University of Western Australia acknowledges that its
campuses are situated on Noongar land and that Noongar
people remain the spiritual and cultural custodians of their
land and continue to practise their values, languages, beliefs
and knowledge.
3
Contents
Study at UWA Choosing what to study 12
Launch your career in Perth 4 Agricultural, Environmental and
Biological Sciences 14
Our global reputation 5
Architecture, Design and Planning 26
Seek a future full of possibilities 6
Business and Law 34
Career and industry experience 7 Data and Computer Science 48
Education 56
Engineering 60
Our degrees 8
Health and Biomedical Sciences 66
Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s 10
Humanities and Social Sciences 82
Bachelor of Advanced Computer
Science (Honours) 50 Music and Fine Arts 106
Bachelor of Arts 122 Physical Sciences and
Mathematics 114
Bachelor of Automation
and Robotics 64
Bachelor of Biomedical Science 123
Your UWA community
Bachelor of Business 36
A unique campus 126
Bachelor of Commerce 39
Student life 128
Bachelor of Environmental Design 28
Support services 129
Bachelor of Music 112
Live on campus 130
Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) 125
Student Exchange and
Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics Study Aboard Program 131
and Economics 46, 98
Bachelor of Science 124
Honours at UWA 121 Join UWA
Entry pathways 132
Course Guide 2021–22 | uwa.edu.au/study
Entry pathways for
Indigenous students 134
Calculating your ATAR 135
Fees 136
Scholarships and prizes 137
How to apply 138
Getting to UWA 139
Study plan 140
Glossary 141
Course index 142
4 The University of Western Australia | uwa.edu.au/study
Launch your
career in Perth
By choosing UWA you’re not just
choosing a world top 100 university and
a globally recognised degree. You’re also
choosing to live in a city that’s the perfect
base for study – and for launching your
career when you graduate.
Perth’s accessible Perth’s a hub of industry and innovation
Perth shares a time zone with about 60 per cent of • It’s home to corporate HQs of more than 30 per cent of
the world’s population (plus or minus 2 hours) meaning businesses on the Australian Stock Exchange and six of
businesses, research projects and other enterprises the world’s top 10 energy companies.
based here have better access to huge global resources • Perth-based startups receive twice the national
and markets.
average of angel investment.
• It has the fourth highest concentration of engineers in
Perth’s affordable the world per capita.
• It’s one of Australia’s most affordable capital cities – • It’s home to the largest medical treatment, research
more affordable than Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. and education centre in the Southern Hemisphere.
• It has the lowest accommodation cost of any Australian
capital city.
SOURCES: THINK PERTH, SEPTEMBER 2019;
DIVERSIFY WA, JULY 2019; WORLDWIDE COST OF
Perth offers a great lifestyle LIVING SURVEY 2019, ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT
• It’s ranked 14th most liveable city in the world.
• It has more than eight hours of sunshine per day with
good to very good air quality all year round.
• Perth City is just 20 minutes from beaches, national
parks and beautiful countryside.
• It is a host city for the third-largest Fringe Festival
in the world.
5
Our global reputation
Study at a world top Ranked in the world’s top 50 for
Agriculture and Forestry
100 university (QS 2021) Anatomy and Physiology
Civil and Structural Engineering
Earth and Marine Sciences
Mineral and Mining Engineering
#1 IN WA FOR GRADUATE Sports-related Subjects
EMPLOYABILITY (QS WUR BY SUBJECT 2020)
( Q S G R A D UATE EMPLOYABIL IT Y R ANKING 2 0 2 0 ) —
Agricultural Sciences
MORE THAN 4,500 GLOBAL
Course Guide 2021–22 | uwa.edu.au/study
Biological Sciences
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS Clinical Medicine
Earth Sciences
AWARD-WINNING TEACHERS Ecology
( AU STR A L I A N AWAR DS FO R U NIV E R SIT Y T E ACHING 2020) Environmental Science and Engineering
Human Biological Sciences
Marine/Ocean Engineering
Mining and Mineral Engineering
Oceanography
Water Resources
(ARWU 2020)
6 The University of Western Australia | uwa.edu.au/study
Seek a future
full of possibilities
Our experience-rich curriculum and global network prepares
you for the ever-changing world outside your degree. Kick-start
a successful career and join our accomplished graduates in
becoming global professionals, driving change and shaping
the future.
Gain real-world, practical Create connections for life
experience At UWA you join a community, not
We’ll provide you with the just a university, making lifelong
environment to build technical skills personal connections. With more
and valuable connections through than 140 clubs and societies
hands-on learning, internships, work to choose from, you’ll enjoy an
integrated learning, volunteering for unrivalled student lifestyle and
credit and more. socialise with people who value the
same things you do.
Build your industry network
You’ll gain industry connections even
before you graduate, helping you get
a head start in your chosen industry.
Connect with professionals in your
field for one-on-one advice through
our mentoring program, and access
local, national and global networks
inside and outside the classroom.
Learn from leaders in
the field
You’ll work alongside world-leading
academics who are passionate and
engaged. Our academics are at the
cutting edge of knowledge, meaning
you’ll be exposed to live projects and
new discoveries in your field of interest
ahead of others.
7
Career and industry
experience
As a UWA student you’ll get career
advice and industry experience before
you graduate. You’ll also have access
to a wide range of resources and
services, including:
• advice from our dedicated UWA Careers and
Employability Centre
• one-to-one access with a qualified Career
Development Consultant
• the UWA Careers and Employability Award
Program
• the Career Mentor Link Program, matching
you with professionals who will share their
knowledge and career experience
• help with your résumé and preparing for
job interviews “My time at UWA gave me the chance to
• access to potential employers at our Careers and develop a wide range of skills and create
Employability fairs, workshops and seminars
• free and unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning diverse networks within industry. I came
• industry integrated learning – our talented to UWA seeking an internationally
academics are highly engaged with industry,
recognised engineering degree, and got
and, as WA’s top university, we have extensive
networks that will add to your learning experience so much more. Thanks to the course
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities, where structure and the thriving student life,
you’ll gain workplace knowledge and skills, as well
I’ve scored a cool job straight out of uni
as lasting professional connections
• the McCusker Centre for Citizenship’s award- and met some of my closest friends.”
winning Internship Program with not-for-profit, NEVIN
community and government organisations BACHELOR OF SCIENCE – ENGINEERING SCIENCE
• the chance to get your own UniMentor – or
become one
• access to volunteering opportunities through
Course Guide 2021–22 | uwa.edu.au/study
UWA Student Guild
• the opportunity to become a UWA Student UWA Careers
Ambassador and gain a strong extracurricular and Employability
activity for your résumé Award Program
• Bloom WA, a community of change-makers Get the practical work experience
tackling global problems and knowledge you need to become
• the IQ Academy program, where you’ll gain career-ready, with hands-on learning
the skills, mindset and tools to become an that’s highly valued by employers.
entrepreneur
• access to My UniHub, your ‘one-stop-shop’ for careers.uwa.edu.au/award
career planning, opportunities, resources and more.
8 The University of Western Australia | uwa.edu.au/study
Our degrees
We’re focused on education that helps you achieve your career goals, which is why there is a range
of ways you can undertake study with us. Our dedicated team will work with you to develop the
best option to set you up for long-term success.
Undergraduate degree (your first degree) a second major or minor in an area that complements
We’ve expanded our course offering to provide further your career aspirations and allows you to create a unique
variety in our three- and four-year undergraduate degrees. combination of disciplines. Completion of a three-
You can choose a bachelor’s degree that allows you to year undergraduate degree will provide you with the
explore different areas of interest and gain transferable opportunity to progress to honours and/or a postgraduate
skills and knowledge that will enable a broad range of qualification.
career outcomes. Alternatively, you can choose a more
focused and planned program of study within a chosen We also offer a small number of four-year undergraduate
specialisation, where you’ll develop the specific skills and degrees that integrate an honours year. These include the
knowledge to succeed within that chosen career. Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil) (Honours) and Bachelor of
Advanced Computer Science (BACS) (Honours).
Our three-year degrees include: the Bachelor of Arts
(BA), Bachelor of Automation and Robotics (BAR), Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
Bachelor of Business (BBus), Bachelor of Biomedical The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) is an inspiring and
Science (BBiomedSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), unique course where you can choose any undergraduate
Bachelor of Environmental Design (BEnvDes), Bachelor major (and a second major, if you wish) from any field of
of Music (BMus), Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and study. The degree comprises a three-year bachelor’s
Economics (BPPE) and Bachelor of Science (BSc). Each course and a fourth year of honours. Your study is research-
undergraduate degree has a defined list of degree- intensive and includes innovative interdisciplinary project
specific majors and/or double majors available within it. work, a scholarship-supported study abroad experience
Your chosen degree-specific major or double major will and intensive academic mentoring – all at the highest
determine your undergraduate degree. Where space standards of excellence.
is available in your study plan, you can also complete
9
Direct Pathways
Direct Pathways allow you to package your undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the commencement of your
studies. This provides you with a clear progression pathway towards a professional qualification, or the opportunity for
accelerated completion of your degrees.
SPECIFIC BACHELOR’S RESERVED
ATAR CAREER
DEGREE POSTGRADUATE
There is a limited number of places available in some of Over your first three years, you’ll complete a double
our Direct Pathways and there are separate codes to major in your chosen discipline and a semester of
be used if you wish to apply for a Direct Pathway place. more advanced study leading into a final full year at
If you don’t secure a place, don’t worry; places in these postgraduate level.
postgraduate courses will still be available to apply for
towards the end of your undergraduate degree. On completion, you’re awarded both a bachelor’s and a
master’s degree. You can also choose to exit the CBM
Also, UWA now offers an accelerated Direct Pathway via after three years with an advanced bachelor’s degree in
new Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees (CBM) the study area of your double major.
in certain disciplines. The CBM is a four-year accelerated
program for high-performing students.
Postgraduate Pathways Professional courses
(your second degree) Outside of our Direct Pathways, we offer a number of
After completing your undergraduate degree, you can routes to careers that can be taken up as a postgraduate
choose to enter the workforce or undertake a second degree after completing your bachelor‘s degree. For the
degree to achieve further specialisation. By continuing to full list of courses available, visit
postgraduate studies, you could complete a higher-level uwa.edu.au/study/professional-pathways
qualification with international recognition in less time
than some double degrees at other universities (Australian Graduate Pathways
Qualifications Framework 2020). You can also choose from almost 200 postgraduate
courses after you complete your bachelor’s degree. To
explore our full range of postgraduate courses, visit
uwa.edu.au/study/postgraduate
Course Guide 2021–22 | uwa.edu.au/study
MINIMUM BACHELOR’S
POSTGRADUATE CAREER
ATAR DEGREE
CAREER
10 The University of Western Australia | uwa.edu.au/study
Combined Bachelor’s
and Master’s
Minimum ATAR 90 or equivalent, and
any additional entry requirements
Intake month February
Completion 4 years full time
The Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s (CBM) is a four-year accelerated program for high-performing students that
will let you save on fees and enter the workforce sooner. Over your first three years, you’ll complete a double major in
your chosen discipline, including a semester of more advanced study leading into a final full year at postgraduate level.
On completion, you’ll be awarded both a full bachelor’s and a full master’s degree on an accelerated four-year (2.5 + 1.5)
pathway. If you decide not to continue in the CBM, you can exit after three years with an advanced bachelor's degree in
the study area of your double major. Note that the advanced bachelor's degree is available only as a CBM exit award; it is
not offered for direct enrolment and is not awarded on completion of the CBM.
Agribusiness Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s
Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Choice of the following Master of Agricultural Science specialisations:
Science and Agribusiness Double Major) • Agricultural Economics
• Agribusiness
Agricultural Economics Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s
Bachelor of Science (Agricultural • Master of Agricultural Economics
Science and Agribusiness Double Major)
Agricultural Science Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s
Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Choice of the following Master of Agricultural Science specialisations:
Science and Technology Double Major) • Agricultural Technology
• Crop and Livestock
• Genetics and Breeding
• Integrated Pest Management
• Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
Biochemistry of Nutrition Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s
Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry of Choice of the following Master of Biomedical Science specialisations:
Nutrition Double Major) • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• The Science of Food11
Biological Science Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s
Bachelor of Science (Wildlife Choice of the following Master of Biological Science specialisations:
Conservation Double Major) • Conservation Biology
• Zoology
Biotechnology Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s
Bachelor of Science (Molecular Life Choice of the following Master of Biotechnology specialisations:
Sciences Double Major) • AQUAtech
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Environmental and Agricultural Biotechnology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Synthetic Biology
Earth and Marine Sciences Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s
Bachelor of Science (Integrated Earth • Master of Geoscience
and Marine Sciences Double Major)
Economics Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s
Bachelor of Economics (Professional • Master of Economics
Economics Double Major)
Environmental Science Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Choice of the following Master of Environmental Science specialisations:
Science and Management Double • Catchments and Water
Course Guide 2021–22 | uwa.edu.au/study
Major) • Environmental Economics
• Environmental Management
• Environmental Rehabilitation
• Sensing and Spatial Data Science
Marine Science Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s
Bachelor of Science (Marine Science Choice of the following master’s degrees:
Double Major) • Master of Biological Science (Marine Biology specialisation)
• Master of Environmental Science (Marine and Coastal Processes specialisation)12 The University of Western Australia | uwa.edu.au/study
Choosing what
to study
UWA offers a wide range of courses in 10 broad areas of study. With our undergraduate course
structure, you can pair majors and additional units from different study areas, or focus strongly on
one area of interest. The choice is yours.
I am interested in… I'd like a career in … Study areas to explore
Exploring environmental issues, food • Agriculture Agriculture, Environmental and
security and sustainability • Biotechnology Biological Sciences
• Conservation (Wildlife and Advances in technology and science are
Environmental) transforming our world at an incredible
• Environmental Management pace. Join us and tackle global, regional
• Natural Resource Management and local issues to make the world a
• Policy better place.
Creating sustainable built environments • Architecture Architecture, Design and Planning
• Landscape Design Be part of a collaboration of creative and
• Urban Design strategic thinkers who come together
• Environmental Planning to push the boundaries of knowledge,
• Regional Planning culture, habitats and landscapes.
Becoming an entrepreneur, launching • Accounting
businesses and fostering innovation • Business
• Economics
• Marketing Business and Law
• Human Resources Develop your analytical, communication
• Management and problem-solving skills, and the
• Finance knowledge and real-world experiences
to prepare you for a career in business,
Fighting for social justice, and improving • Law government or not-for-profit sectors.
access to legal services • Legal Practice
• Policy
• Criminology
Cybersecurity, making and breaking • Cybersecurity Data and Computer Science
technology, and society’s interaction with • Data Science Drive businesses forward, shape societies
the digital world • Artificial Intelligence and find solutions to big challenges
• Automation through data and technology.
• App and Tech Development13
Shaping the future of children through • Teaching Education
teaching and lifelong learning • Education Help young people achieve their full
• Corporate Training potential. Join a university at the forefront
of teacher education and ignite your
passion to educate and inspire a love of
learning in others.
Thinking outside the box and finding • Engineering (Chemical, Engineering
solutions to complex challenges Biomedical, Mechanical, Civil, Are you keen to tackle global challenges
Electrical and Electronic, Mining, through engineering innovation? Embark
Software) on an engineering pathway and gain
• Automation and Robotics the skills needed to meet future global
needs – from creating some of the world’s
biggest buildings to designing minuscule
electronic devices to make a large impact.
Understanding global pandemics, • Medical Research
solving complex problems and finding • Biotechnology
cures for disease
Health and Biomedical Sciences
Caring for people and improving the • Health If you want to advance the health and
health of individuals and communities • Medicine wellbeing of communities, join WA’s top
• Exercise Rehabilitation university for Clinical Medicine (ARWU
• Pharmacy 2020). Or if you’re passionate about
• Public Health biomedical sciences, you can join us in
• Nutrition delivering knowledge and discoveries to
• Sports Management guarantee our healthy futures.
Understanding the mind and human • Psychology
behaviour
Travel, learning new languages, and • Politics Humanities and Social Sciences
cultural studies • Teaching Power lifelong career success in any field,
• Communications with transferable skills in critical thinking,
• Foreign Affairs communicating and influencing.
• Policy
Creating ideas, content, music or art • Music Music and Fine Arts
• Art Learn from leading arts professionals and
Course Guide 2021–22 | uwa.edu.au/study
• Teaching release your full creative potential.
The abstract science of numbers and the • Data Scientist Physical Sciences and Mathematics
natural phenomena of the Earth and all its • Physicist If you’re a natural problem-solver,
processes and components • Statistician develop your skills to tackle the fast-
• Aerospace and Defence paced challenges in today’s world and
• Nanotechnology prepare yourself for an interesting and
• Chemistry rewarding career in a growing space.
• Mining
• Petroleum14 The University of Western Australia | uwa.edu.au/study
Agricultural, Environmental
and Biological Sciences
From studying microorganisms to
optimising industrial farms and restoring
damaged environments, these majors
encompass diverse areas of science.
Agricultural Science provides the technology and Top five reasons to study Agriculture,
research for sustainable, profitable and ethical food Environmental and Biological Sciences
production worldwide. It focuses on the multidisciplinary at UWA
challenges facing the global community: a rapidly growing • UWA is ranked 1st in Australia for Agricultural
population, changing climate, and limited land and Sciences and Environmental Science and Engineering
freshwater resources, which all impact on the ability of (ARWU 2020).
agriculture to meet demand. • Our Faculty of Science is home to a wide range
of facilities that support world-class research and
Environmental Science assesses the impact of human teaching activities to ensure hands-on learning.
activity on the global environment, and develops scientific, • We collaborate with industry, government agencies
risk-focused solutions to help secure a sustainable future. and universities worldwide to offer diverse education
By choosing to major in Environmental Science, you’ll and forge meaningful partnerships.
help develop solutions to issues such as climate change, • You’ll learn from award-winning researchers and
carbon trading, greenhouse gas emissions, water-resource academics who are experts in their field.
management, salinity and deforestation. • There is a number of prestigious scholarships available
to domestic and international students, offered by
Biological Science focuses on understanding the UWA and the Faculty of Science.
Earth’s species and the ecosystems in which they live, to
better value and protect life on our planet. As well
as providing understanding of how microorganisms,
fungi, plants and animals grow, adapt, communicate,
reproduce and evolve, it also gives clues to advance food
production, the treatment of plant and animal diseases,
and medical science.15
Plant Growth Facility
The UWA Plant Growth Facility (PGF) provides a high-quality, functional and practical
growing site for carrying out experiments under controlled conditions. Users are able to
control light quality, temperature, water, nutrients and soil composition while eliminating
the variability found in nature.
The PGF consists of 19 greenhouses, 8 phytotrons, 29 plant-growth rooms and 8 plant-growth
cabinets. Other facilities include an autoclave, soil-storage areas and sterilisation equipment,
ancillary equipment storage spaces and a deionised water production facility.
#1 #1 #22
IN AUSTRALIA AND IN AUSTRALIA AND
17TH IN THE WORLD 21ST IN THE WORLD IN THE WORLD FOR
FOR AGRICULTURAL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL OCEANOGRAPHY
Course Guide 2021–22 | Agriculture, Environmental and Biological Sciences
SCIENCES SCIENCE AND
ENGINEERING
(ARWU 2020) (ARWU 2020) (ARWU 2020)
After graduating, you could choose to enter a career or specialise further with our postgraduate courses in Agricultural
Science, Biological Science, Environmental Science, Geoscience, Hydrogeology, Ocean Leadership and more.
“I’m passionate about environmental science, and getting to share
that with students and see them develop their own interests and
careers is a real privilege. It’s great to watch as they build their
knowledge and future careers.”
DR TALITHA SANTINI
SENIOR LECTURER IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AT UWA16 The University of Western Australia | uwa.edu.au/study
Agribusiness Agricultural Science
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Policy analyst, commodity trade analyst, Agricultural scientist, environmental consultant,
production supervisor environmental manager
Bachelor’s degree: Science or Philosophy (Honours) Bachelor’s degree: Science or Philosophy (Honours)
Agribusiness encompasses the entire food production Australia's agricultural industry is a key part of the world's
process, from business activities involved in production, food supply system. The challenges of a rapidly growing
financing and processing to marketing of food and fibre in population, climate change, and the limitations of land and
order to feed a growing population. This major will prepare fresh water all impact on the ability of agriculture to meet the
you to apply business and economic principles to address demand for food, fibre and fuel. As part of the Agricultural
global challenges in food security, farming systems and Science major, you'll investigate how to address this demand
evolving consumer markets. by developing an understanding of the complex factors that
shape agricultural systems. Agricultural Science provides
Why study this course the research, technology and information for the sustainable
• Build the knowledge and professional work skills you and ethical development of the agricultural industry. Your
need to contribute solutions to issues of food security studies will include soil science, genetics, cropping systems,
and global food production soil–plant interaction, livestock production, agricultural
• Explore different facets of the agricultural industry, economics and grain marketing.
such as international trade, business management,
marketing, policy formation and more Why study this course
• Learn the business and economics behind assuming • There is a high demand for skilled agriculture graduates
managerial and leadership roles in the field with a strong science background
• UWA aims to contribute to sustainable food production
You’ll learn to • UWA is ranked 1st in Australia for Agricultural Sciences
• demonstrate a fluency with the factors and conditions (ARWU 2020)
affecting the agricultural industry
• build practical and transferable skills in management, You’ll learn to
teamwork, critical thinking and communication directed • be critical thinkers who are scientifically skilled and able
toward the strategies needed to implement growth and to address global challenges such as climate change
sustainability in the agri-food and farming sectors and increasing demand for food and fibre
• apply skills and knowledge to real-world scenarios in • assess how climate, soils, plants, animals and farm
agricultural planning, distribution and innovation management practices influence agricultural production
• evaluate how agricultural trade and commodity
Trending second majors: Agricultural Technology; marketing can be applied to manage price risk
Environmental Management; Marketing;
Engineering Science Trending second majors: Environmental Science;
Prerequisites: Engineering Science; Botany; Chemistry
• Mathematics Methods ATAR OR Mathematics Prerequisites:
Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in • Mathematics Methods ATAR OR Mathematics
the first year Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in
• Students without ATAR Mathematics will take two the first year
first-year mathematics units • Students without ATAR Mathematics will take two
first-year mathematics units
uwa.edu.au/study/agribusiness
• Chemistry ATAR OR a chemistry unit taken in the
handbooks.uwa.edu.au/major/agribusiness first year
uwa.edu.au/study/agricultural-science
handbooks.uwa.edu.au/major/agricultural-science17
Agricultural Science and Agricultural Science and
Agribusiness (Double Major) Technology (Double Major)
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Agricultural scientist, policy analyst, commodity Agricultural consultant, researcher, AgTech professional
trade analyst
Bachelor’s degree: Science or Philosophy (Honours) Bachelor’s degree: Science or Philosophy (Honours)
The global population is increasing, and with it comes the There is a critical need to produce food and fibre more
need for a profitable and economically viable agribusiness efficiently and in a more sustainable manner. There are
sector to meet the food and fibre demand of humanity. currently rapid changes in the agricultural sector, largely
This double major will combine practical business skills with due to developments in agricultural technology (digital
your interests in agriculture to tackle the global challenge of agriculture). This double major provides knowledge in
creating a sustainable food future. both the traditional agricultural science areas as well as the
emerging data-intensive agricultural technologies.
Why study this course
• Gain the professional skills and knowledge expertise Why study this course
that shape global agricultural production • Agricultural technology ('AgTech') is rapidly developing
• With continued world population growth, job and there is a high demand for graduates, especially
opportunities associated with the science, economics those who are also skilled in agricultural science
and business of agriculture, continue to expand • UWA aims to contribute to sustainable food production
• Learn the science underlying animal husbandry and • UWA is ranked 1st in Australia for Agricultural Sciences
crop systems and apply business strategies to capitalise (ARWU 2020)
on innovation and cutting-edge best practice
You’ll learn to
You’ll learn to • integrate agricultural knowledge with skills in
• obtain a focused expertise on the physical and social geographic information systems (GIS), programming
sciences of the agricultural sector, including economics and data analysis to guide decision making for
and marketing, agribusiness finance, principles of improved agricultural productivity
Course Guide 2021–22 | Agriculture, Environmental and Biological Sciences
agribusiness management, farm management, crop • be critical thinkers who are scientifically skilled and able
and animal production, soil science and genetics to address global challenges such as climate change
• research and apply principles associated with clean, and increasing demand for food and fibre
ethical and sustainable production • assess how climate, soils, plants, animals and farm
• develop hands-on, transferable scientific and business management practices influence agricultural production
skills for attractive employability across the spectrum of • evaluate how agricultural trade and commodity
the agricultural industry marketing can be applied to manage price risk
Prerequisites: Prerequisites:
• Mathematics Methods ATAR OR Mathematics • Mathematics Methods ATAR OR Mathematics
Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in
the first year the first year
• Students without ATAR Mathematics will take two • Students without ATAR Mathematics will take two
first-year mathematics units first-year mathematics units
• Chemistry ATAR OR a chemistry unit taken in the • Chemistry ATAR OR a chemistry unit taken in the
first year first year
uwa.edu.au/study/agricultural-science-and- uwa.edu.au/study/agricultural-science-and-
agribusiness-double-major technology-double-major
handbooks.uwa.edu.au/major/agricultural-science- handbooks.uwa.edu.au/major/agricultural-science-
and-agribusiness and-technology18 The University of Western Australia | uwa.edu.au/study
Agricultural Technology Botany
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Agricultural adviser, AgTech professional, Research scientist, environmental consultant, horticulturalist
agricultural researcher
Bachelor’s degree: Science or Philosophy (Honours) Bachelor’s degree: Science or Philosophy (Honours)
Agricultural technology is transforming the agricultural Botanists study how plants evolve and adapt to changing
sector. This data-intensive technology has the potential climates and environments and have a proactive role
to significantly increase food production, effectively, in mitigating the loss of biodiversity. Botany is an ideal
efficiently and sustainably. The Agricultural Technology major if you are enthusiastic about Western Australia's
major provides a broad agricultural background along unique native flora or agricultural crops, and are interested
with the necessary skills in data management and analysis, in addressing current and future threats to plant
geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing. conservation and sustainability.
You'll learn how to integrate this information to develop
strategies for agricultural and farming systems. Why study this course
• UWA is ranked 1st in Australia and in the world’s top 50
Why study this course for Biological Sciences (ARWU 2020)
• Agricultural technology ('AgTech') is rapidly developing • It’s perfect if you are enthusiastic about Western
and there is high demand for graduates who are skilled Australia’s unique native flora or agricultural crops, and
in this area are interested in addressing current and future threats
• UWA aims to contribute to sustainable food production to plant conservation and sustainability
• UWA is ranked 1st in Australia for Agricultural Sciences • There are up to three overnight field trips on which
(ARWU 2020) you’ll get the chance to apply your knowledge in
real-life situations
You’ll learn to
• integrate agricultural knowledge with skills in You’ll learn to
geographic information systems (GIS), programming • understand plant structure, function, diversity
and data analysis, to guide decision making for and evolution
improved agricultural productivity • appreciate the pivotal relationship between plants and
• be a critical thinker who is scientifically skilled and able their environment
to address global challenges such as climate change • demonstrate a knowledge of basic plant processes at
and increasing demand for food and fibre different levels of organisation, including cells, tissues,
• show knowledge of farming in Western Australia organs, organisms, populations and communities
and skills to assess agricultural systems using • be conversant in the terminology, issues and practice
scientific methods of the core principles of botany: diversity, ecology,
genetics and evolution, and physiology
Trending second majors: Agribusiness; Business; Finance
Prerequisites: Trending second majors: Conservation Biology;
• Mathematics Methods ATAR OR Mathematics Zoology; Genetics
Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in Prerequisites:
the first year • Mathematics Methods ATAR OR Mathematics
• Students without ATAR Mathematics will take two Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in
first-year mathematics units the first year
• Chemistry ATAR OR a chemistry unit taken in the • Students without ATAR Mathematics will take two
first year first-year mathematics units
Recommended subject: Chemistry ATAR
uwa.edu.au/study/agricultural-technology
uwa.edu.au/study/botany
handbooks.uwa.edu.au/major/agricultural-technology
handbooks.uwa.edu.au/major/botany19
Conservation Biology Environmental
Management
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Conservation officer, environmental consultant, Environmental consultant, conservation planner,
research scientist environmental policy analyst
Bachelor’s degree: Science or Philosophy (Honours) Bachelor’s degree: Science or Philosophy (Honours)
Conservation biologists work to prevent the extinction With growing populations globally, managing our
of the world’s plant and animal species. This is the ideal environment and natural resources is becoming more
major if you are interested in fieldwork and want to important than ever. In this major, you’ll learn how to apply
help mitigate the increasing pressure on the world’s scientific, economic, policy and social analysis to help
ecosystems by actively participating in the management society make better decisions to protect the environment.
and research of threatened species and communities, as If you want to play a role in the future of our environment,
well as understanding the principles and policies behind you’ll be well-suited to study this major
their recovery.
Why study this course
Why study this course • UWA Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy
• UWA is ranked 1st in Australia and in the world’s top 50 is a recognised centre of excellence for the impact of its
for Biological Sciences (ARWU 2020) environmental policy analysis
• Study near the South West of Western Australia, • UWA is 1st in Australia and 21st in the world for
one of the world’s 25 ‘biodiversity hotspots’ Environmental Science and Engineering (ARWU 2020)
(Conservation International) • You’ll learn to help society resolve conflicts caused by
• Apply your knowledge in real-life situations on field trips the increasing demands of growing populations on the
environment and natural resources, including problems
You’ll learn to like climate change and biodiversity loss
• understand global biodiversity and its distribution, and
the evolutionary history of biodiversity in Australia You’ll learn to
Course Guide 2021–22 | Agriculture, Environmental and Biological Sciences
• appreciate the relationship between species biology • integrate science, economics and social science
and ecology and vulnerability to environmental change to guide decision making with respect to human
• discuss major threats to biodiversity, their causes, and intervention in the environment
management, and research to mitigate them • demonstrate the knowledge to manage and
• explain the role of different stakeholders in shaping rehabilitate environmental systems
policy and decision making • analyse environmental policies from an economic and
• demonstrate the analytical and communication skills social science perspective
for modern conservation research • apply economic principles to environmental
management decisions
Trending second majors: Genetics; Botany;
Environmental Science; Marine Biology Trending second majors: Geology; Engineering Science;
Prerequisites: Conservation Biology
• Mathematics Methods ATAR OR Mathematics Prerequisites:
Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in • Mathematics Methods ATAR OR Mathematics
the first year Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in
• Students without ATAR Mathematics will take two the first year
first-year mathematics units • Students without ATAR Mathematics will take two
Recommended subject: Chemistry ATAR first-year mathematics units
uwa.edu.au/study/conservation-biology uwa.edu.au/study/environmental-management
handbooks.uwa.edu.au/major/conservation-biology handbooks.uwa.edu.au/major/environmental-
management20 The University of Western Australia | uwa.edu.au/study
Environmental
Science
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES You’ll learn to
Environmental consultant, conservation officer, • demonstrate the skills and knowledge to assess
environmental compliance officer environmental systems, using field, laboratory,
modelling and statistical methodologies
Bachelor’s degree: Science or Philosophy (Honours) • integrate ecological, physical and chemical processes
to guide decision making with respect to human
Environmental Science assesses the impact of human intervention in the environment
activity on the global environment and develops scientific, • demonstrate the knowledge to manage and
risk-based solutions to help secure a sustainable future. rehabilitate disturbed systems such as natural and
By choosing to major in Environmental Science, you'll agricultural catchments, post-mining landscapes,
help to develop solutions to global environmental issues contaminated sites, urban environments, etc.
including climate change, carbon trading, greenhouse
gas emissions, water resource management, salinity, Trending second majors: Marine Biology; Marine and
deforestation and others. Coastal Processes; Geology
Prerequisites:
Why study this course • Mathematics Methods ATAR OR Mathematics
• UWA is 1st in Australia and 21st in the world for Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in
Environmental Science and Engineering (ARWU 2020) the first year
• Western Australia is home to a number of • Students without ATAR Mathematics will take two
large companies in the mining, agriculture and first-year mathematics and statistics units
environmental sector, leading to increasing demand for • Chemistry ATAR OR a chemistry unit taken in the
highly qualified graduates in Environmental Science. first year
• It is expected there will be 14,000 job openings in the
uwa.edu.au/study/environmental-science
next five years, with weekly wages being higher than
the average (joboutlook.gov.au) handbooks.uwa.edu.au/major/environmental-science
Sample study plan
Bachelor of Science with degree-specific major in Environmental Science and second major in Agricultural Science
Environmental Science Communicating Science Environmental Feeding the World
SEM 1
and Technology Economics 1
YR1
Science, Society and Plant and Animal Biology Structures and Systems Environmental History
SEM 2
Data Analysis
The Climate System Soil Science Environmental Introductory Chemistry
SEM 1
Economics 2
YR2
Hydrology and Water Geographic Information Plants and Landscape Pasture and Livestock
SEM 2 Resource Management Systems Systems Systems
Land Capability Environmental Assessment Soil-Plant Interactions Agricultural Economics
SEM 1 Assessment and Marketing
YR3
Environmental Dynamics Land Rehabilitation Crops and Cropping Clean, Green and Ethical
SEM 2 Systems Production
Key: Environmental Science degree-specific major Agricultural Science second major Broadening and elective units21
Environmental Science and Geography
Management (Double Major)
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Environmental consultant, conservation officer, soil scientist Environmental manager, spatial analyst, climate scientist
Bachelor’s degree: Science or Philosophy (Honours) Bachelor’s degree: Science or Philosophy (Honours)
Environmental science assesses the impact of human Geography is the science of place and space, standing
activity on the global environment and develops at the intersection of natural and social sciences.
scientific, risk-based solutions to help secure a sustainable Geographers study the Earth’s landscapes, peoples,
future. As a student of the Environmental Science and places and environments, and how these interact.
Management double major, you'll be trained to apply Understanding contemporary urban and environmental
scientific, economic and regulatory knowledge to help problems requires an appreciation of the interdependence
society resolve global conflicts such as climate change, between human activities and the natural and cultural
deforestation and water pollution. environment. This major provides you with these insights,
focusing on the major challenges facing our planet.
Why study this course
• UWA is ranked 1st in Australia for Environmental Why study this course
Science and Engineering (ARWU 2020) • Learn skills in a range of research techniques, including
• You’ll learn to help society resolve conflicts, caused fieldwork, survey design, statistical analysis and spatial
by the increasing demands of growing populations on data analysis
the environment • Study in one of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots
• You can be a leader in environmental science and • Gain hands-on experience in field research, group work
policy analysis with good job opportunities and weekly and leadership
wages being higher than average (joboutlook.gov.au)
You’ll learn to
You’ll learn to • understand the importance of spatial processes in
• develop skills and knowledge to assess environmental shaping the nature of human and natural environments
Course Guide 2021–22 | Agriculture, Environmental and Biological Sciences
systems, using field, laboratory, modelling and • appreciate the complex relationships that exist
statistical methodologies between humans and the natural environment, and the
• integrate science, economics and social science ways in which these are manifested in spatial patterns
to guide decision making with respect to human and processes
intervention in the environment • develop methods for the investigation and
• analyse environmental policies from an economic and interpretation of spatial patterns and processes in the
social science perspective natural and human environment
Prerequisites: Trending second majors: Environmental Science; Botany;
• Mathematics Methods ATAR OR Mathematics Agricultural Science
Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in
uwa.edu.au/study/geography
the first year
• Students without ATAR Mathematics will take two handbooks.uwa.edu.au/major/geography
first-year mathematics and statistics units
• Chemistry ATAR OR an chemistry unit taken in
the first year
uwa.edu.au/study/environmental-science-and-
management-double-major
handbooks.uwa.edu.au/major/environmental-
science-and-management22 The University of Western Australia | uwa.edu.au/study
Integrated Earth and Marine and Coastal
Marine Sciences (Double Major) Processes
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Minerals explorer, petroleum explorer, energy geoscientist Coastal and marine consultant, coastal planner, academic
Bachelor’s degree: Science or Philosophy (Honours) Bachelor’s degree: Science or Philosophy (Honours)
This double major offers a research-led experience in Coastlines globally face unprecedented threats from
studying the Earth, from the planet’s early history to continued development and climate change. Majoring
its foreseeable future, and from the ocean floors to its in Marine and Coastal Processes will provide you with
highest mountains. You'll learn high-level skills in the the understanding of how our coastal and marine
collection and interpretation of geoscientific data, in both environments operate such that you can apply this
terrestrial and marine settings, as well as advanced data knowledge to ensure coastal communities and marine
analysis and synthesis techniques. ecosystems remain resilient in the future.
Why study this course Why study this course
• Within Australia, this is the only major that integrates • UWA is ranked 22nd in the world for Oceanography
Earth and Marine Sciences, providing a unique set of (ARWU 2020) and has brand new facilities and
skills nationally resources unique to Australia
• UWA is ranked in the top 30 of global universities (QS • Learning is led by UWA’s global experts who have
2020) in this discipline, and students are connected access to one of the largest pools of marine field
with world-class research teams instrumentation in Australia used in units and field trips
• This major will provide a high level of interdisciplinary • This interdisciplinary major provides students with the
skills for the nation’s future leaders in research and knowledge required to develop solutions to the threats
sustainable industry facing our marine and coastal environments
You’ll learn to You’ll learn to
• collect geoscientific data, on land, at sea and in • use a range of techniques and instrumentation to
the laboratory collect data in the field and in the laboratory
• analyse and interpret data in spatial and spatial- • analyse, synthesise and interpret data that varies in
temporal contexts space and time
• synthesise and integrate data across multiple scales • integrate knowledge of marine and coastal processes
of observation and over discipline boundaries and their links to biological processes in order to
• understand the past and present processes of Earth, address real-world problems
and its planetary neighbours, from the deep interior
to the atmosphere Prerequisites:
• Mathematics Methods ATAR OR Mathematics
Prerequisites: Applications ATAR with a mathematics units taken in
• Mathematics Methods ATAR OR Mathematics the first year
Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in • Students without ATAR Mathematics will take two
the first year first-year mathematics units
• Students without ATAR Mathematics will take two
uwa.edu.au/study/marine-and-coastal-processes
first-year mathematics units
handbooks.uwa.edu.au/major/marine-and-coastal-
uwa.edu.au/study/integrated-earth-and-marine-
processes
sciences-double-major
handbooks.uwa.edu.au/major/integrated-earth-and-
marine-sciences23
Marine Biology Marine Science
(Double Major)
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Marine environmental consultant, marine conservationist, Marine environment consultant, coastal planner, marine
academic conservationist
Bachelor’s degree: Science or Philosophy (Honours) Bachelor’s degree: Science or Philosophy (Honours)
Marine biology is the study of marine organisms, and This double major will expose you to the full breadth of the
their behaviours and interactions with the environment. marine science discipline, allowing deeper understanding
If you’re fascinated by our amazing marine life and of both the physical and biological components through
the coastal environments in which they live, then this the Marine Biology and Coastal Processes majors.
major is for you. With complex issues such as climate Western Australia's coastline is a biodiversity hotspot with
change, growing populations, food production and up to 80 per cent of marine life found nowhere else in the
depleting natural resources, the need for marine science world, making it the ideal living laboratory for your studies.
professionals continues to grow.
Why study this course
Why study this course • UWA is ranked 29th in the world in Earth and Marine
• UWA is ranked 29th in the world in Earth and Marine Sciences (QS 2020) and has brand new facilities and
Sciences (QS 2020) resources unique to Australia that are used across our
• Brand new facilities and resources unique to Australia marine studies
that are used across our marine studies • Learning is richly embedded with internationally
• Learning is richly embedded with internationally recognised research, often led by UWA’s global
recognised research, often led by UWA’s global experts experts, encouraging research-based inquiry through
cutting-edge science
You’ll learn to • This interdisciplinary major provides students with the
• use a range of contemporary techniques and knowledge required to develop solutions to the threats
instrumentation to collect data in the field and in facing our marine and coastal environments
Course Guide 2021–22 | Agriculture, Environmental and Biological Sciences
the laboratory
• analyse, synthesise and interpret data that varies You’ll learn to
in space and time • use a range of contemporary techniques and
• interpret patterns and integrate knowledge of physical instrumentation to collect data in the field and in
and biological processes to address real-world problems the laboratory
• analyse, synthesise and interpret data that varies in
Trending second majors: Conservation Biology; space and time
Environmental Science; Zoology • interpret patterns and integrate knowledge of physical
Prerequisites: and biological processes to address real-world problems
• Mathematics Methods ATAR OR Mathematics
Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in Prerequisites:
the first year • Mathematics Methods ATAR OR Mathematics
• Students without ATAR Mathematics will take two Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in
first-year mathematics units the first year
• Chemistry ATAR OR a chemistry unit taken in the • Students without ATAR Mathematics will take two
first year first-year mathematics units
• Chemistry ATAR OR a chemistry unit taken in the
uwa.edu.au/study/marine-biology
first year
uwa.edu.au/study/marine-science-double-major24 The University of Western Australia | uwa.edu.au/study
Molecular Life Sciences Wildlife Conservation
(Double Major) (Double Major)
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Agricultural scientist, animal scientist, biochemist Wildlife officer, conservation biologist, zoologist
Bachelor’s degree: Science or Philosophy (Honours) Bachelor’s degree: Science or Philosophy (Honours)
The Molecular Life Sciences double major will help you Focusing on unique Australian fauna, you’ll learn about
develop a scientific understanding of the biochemistry, the processes leading to the exceptional biodiversity
molecular biology and genetics of all living organisms. By that exists today, the threats facing this biodiversity and
understanding how molecules are organised and interact the management strategies and policies that can be
in living cells, you’ll also gain the tools to improve our used to limit, and in some cases reverse, the impact of
quality of life. This may be through the development of these threats. You’ll be immersed in nature both in the
new vaccines or advances in drought-resistant crops. classroom and out in the field.
Why study this course Why study this course
• Learn about the most recent advances in the molecular • Australia faces serious challenges to conserve its
life sciences, how these affect our everyday lives and how threatened fauna and needs skilled graduates to
we can use this knowledge to solve global challenges fill positions in state management agencies and an
• Learn through hands-on laboratories while also expanding number of conservation NGOs
gaining skills in data analysis and interpretation and • Australia's fauna is megadiverse, and Western Australia
critical thinking is home to almost half our animal species
• Develop a solid foundation in molecular life sciences • UWA is ranked first in Australia and 34th in the world for
with professional and transferable skills that open Biological Sciences (ARWU 2020)
up many exciting possibilities for future career
development and/or study You’ll learn to
• recognise threatened animal species and the
You’ll learn to functioning ecosystems that they require for survival
• demonstrate a profound understanding of the • understand patterns of global biodiversity and the
theoretical basis of biochemistry, molecular biology, evolutionary history of biodiversity in Australia
genetics in animals, plants and microorganisms • appreciate the relationships between an animal's
• gain technical competency and practical skills to biology, ecology and physiology and its vulnerability to
master state-of-the-art molecular techniques environmental change.
• develop and demonstrate your skills in critical thinking, • discuss major threats to biodiversity, their causes, and
experimental design, data analysis and interpretation the management and research to mitigate them
Prerequisites: Prerequisites:
• Mathematics Methods ATAR OR Mathematics • Mathematics Methods ATAR OR Mathematics
Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in
the first year the first year
• Students without ATAR Mathematics will take two • Students without ATAR Mathematics will take two
first-year mathematics units first-year mathematics units
• Chemistry ATAR OR a chemistry unit taken in the
uwa.edu.au/study/wildlife-conservation-double-major
first year*
Recommended subjects: Chemistry ATAR and Biology or handbooks.uwa.edu.au/major/wildlife-conservation
Human Biology ATAR
uwa.edu.au/study/molecular-life-sciences-double-
major
handbooks.uwa.edu.au/major/molecular-life-sciences
* Mid-year applicants must have Chemistry ATAR and Biology or Human Biology
ATAR to complete their degree in three years.You can also read
