This major is designed for anyone interested in the quantification of environmental issues. The field of environment and sustainability provides multiple examples of complex, wicked problems important to humanity, including climate change, food and water security and ecological sustainability. Using quantitative modelling to help solve environmental problems requires an holistic understanding of environmental and Earth systems, supported by an appropriate level of mathematical training and skill. You will develop the necessary mathematical understanding for environmental quantification, including the knowledge of differential equations and vector calculus that are the foundation of most dynamical environmental modelling. The experience in spatial analysis and/or measurement of environmental data that is fundamental in environmental and Earth system science is also part of this major. Modelling applications are discussed in courses focused on the science of the environment (including weather, climate and climate change, surface hydrology and groundwater, biodiversity and landscape ecology, fire behaviour, and palaeo-environments).
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate the applied mathematical skills necessary for environmental assessment, modelling and analysis.
- Understand the importance and implications of quantifying uncertainty in environmental assessment, modelling and analysis, particularly in risk management.
- Apply this knowledge and associated skills to a range of different environmental systems and problems, including identifying appropriate modelling approaches and adequate data to address specific issues, and critically evaluating model predictions.
- Write scientific reports and communicate efficiently with university staff, peer students and the wider community on aspects of quantitative environmental modelling and its applications.
- Demonstrate conduct that reflects professional expectations within the discipline.
Relevant Degrees
Requirements
This major requires the completion of 48 units, which must consist of:
12 units from completion of the following course(s):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH2305 | Applied Mathematics I | 6 |
| MATH3133 | Environmental Mathematics | 6 |
6 units from completion of the following course(s):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH1013 | Mathematics and Applications 1 | 6 |
| MATH1115 | Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 | 6 |
6 units from completion of the following course(s):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH1014 | Mathematics and Applications 2 | 6 |
| MATH1116 | Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 | 6 |
A minimum of 6 units must come from completion of courses from the following list:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENVS2002 | Environmental Measurement, Modelling and Monitoring | 6 |
| ENVS2015 | GIS and Spatial Analysis | 6 |
A maximum of 6 units may come from completion of courses from the following list:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EMSC2021 | Fundamentals of Climate System Science | 6 |
| ENVS2004 | Weather, Climate and Fire | 6 |
| ENVS2020 | Water Science | 6 |
A minimum of 12 units must come from completion of courses from the following list:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENVS3008 | Fire in the Environment | 6 |
| ENVS3011 | Severe Weather | 6 |
| ENVS3013 | Climatology | 6 |
| ENVS3014 | Ecological Assessment and Management | 6 |
| ENVS3019 | Advanced Remote Sensing and GIS | 6 |
| ENVS3029 | Palaeo-Environmental Reconstruction | 6 |
| EMSC3032 | Melting Polar Ice Sheets, Sea Level Variations and Climate Change | 6 |
| PHYS 3034: Physics of Fluid Flows |