Master of Environmental Science and Management

The Master of Environmental Science and Management is a coursework and research-based program designed to equip environmental scientists with specialist or multi-disciplinary professional knowledge in conceptual, scientific and field and laboratory technical competencies related to environmental science and natural resources management.

Course Aims

This is a coursework and research-based program designed to equip environmental scientists with specialist or multi-disciplinary professional knowledge in conceptual, scientific and field and laboratory technical competencies related to environmental science and natural resources management. Specialisation in a discipline is available through the completion of the capstone unit and research project.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate through their own practice and research a mastery of scientific knowledge that includes knowledge of recent developments in environmental science and natural resource management, established knowledge and practices and specialised skills in a chosen discipline; demonstrate through their own practice and research mastery of technical competencies in the field, laboratory and professional workplace related to environmental science and natural resources management; and knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to environmental science and natural resource management; demonstrate mastery of a body of scientific knowledge by planning and executing a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or piece of research that integrates their own research findings with the current body of disciplinary knowledge/paradigms; and demonstrating a capacity to make original contributions to scientific knowledge; conduct a research investigation under academic supervision in a research environment by critically analysing a complex problem, identify research questions, and apply established theories to their research question; justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and analysing, interpreting and critically evaluating research findings; be effective communicators of environmental science by communicating scientific ideas and research findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences using a variety of written and oral communication modes; and be accountable for their own learning and scientific work by applying creativity and initiative to new situations; and operating with a high level of personal autonomy within a research environment; and planning and executing a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or piece of research while complying with regulatory frameworks and practising professional ethics relevant to their disciplinary area.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Students will be required to read literature on practical, conceptual and theoretical aspects of environmental science and natural resources management and are provided with the opportunity to obtain specialist knowledge in a selected discipline through an independent research project or capstone unit activity. Knowledge is built upon from information gathered from environmental systems throughout the world. Thus teaching will draw upon case studies and examples from ecosystems across the globe. Communication Skills Students will be required to express well-organised, logical and clearly written assessment tasks. There is emphasis on the ability to provide clear and accurate descriptions of environmental issues; on writing reports of technical and scientific investigations; and on presenting critical reviews of knowledge. Students will be exposed to techniques for improved oral and written communication skills throughout the course, with research methods and capstone units providing a focus for these skills. Problem Solving Problem solving is taught in the scientific context of researching the issue, formulating hypotheses in environmental science, and drawing conclusions from the results. This will be evident in the research capstone unit or research thesis. Problem solving skills are also developed in field and laboratory settings where students decide the best approach to performing tasks. This will prepare students for dealing with and solving high level and complex real-world problems that arise in environmental science and management. Information Literacy Students will be taught how to access the literature, especially online resources, how to evaluate the robustness of literature sources, discrimination skills, and how to critique available information. Students will plan and execute a high level research capacity in written assignments, including a research methods and research capstone units and research thesis, and utilise a wide range of data resources in such a way that others can learn from them. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Students are taught ethical practices in relation to the discipline, including respecting intellectual property rights, ethical behaviour in fieldwork and assessment tasks, and honesty and trust as the basis of the cooperative endeavour of science. Students will be encouraged to act ethically and be socially responsible. These are underlying principles of the discipline of environmental science which reduce, minimise or prevent harm to the environment and its multiple inhabitants. Legal obligations and responsibility will also be integrated into the teaching content. Lifelong Learning Students will develop the ability to identify, evaluate and implement personal learning strategies and/or study skills in pursuit of ongoing personal and professional development. Students will continually develop the ability to be responsive to change, have a high-level of personal autonomy and conduct independent research that will be useful to them in a professional workplace. Independence and Collaboration Teamwork is used in classes at all levels, especially in practical work in the field and laboratory. Students develop the skills to work cooperatively to define and achieve common goals, to take initiative and to assume responsibility for tasks. Students will learn in a professional forum to discuss, calmly and rationally, ideas and concepts, sometimes controversial and sometimes from different points of view. This, in addition to the ability to use the language of the discipline in reasoned argument, is one of the aims of online discussions.