Program Overview

Foundation Studies prepares you for a successful transition to degree-level study, providing a pathway to the first year of study of a bachelor’s degree at Murdoch University.

This course is suited to you if you:

• Need an entrance qualification for Murdoch University
• Want to accelerate your university preparation after Year 11, or equivalent
• Want to change your degree stream after Year 11, or equivalent

Course Structure
For Foundation Studies you will complete eight units over two study periods, studying a combination of core and elective units. The units you will undertake will be determined by your chosen degree. All students must complete the two English units and at least one unit from each Discipline Group.

Each unit of study builds concepts from an introductory level through to university entrance level. The units are designed to develop your learning techniques as well as bridging gaps in your unit knowledge.

• English
  • Essential Australian Studies
  • Introduction to Academic Communication
• Mathematics
  • Introductory Mathematics
  • Mathematics for Science
• Science and Technology
  • Information Technology for Academic Studies
  • Computer Science
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
• The Arts
  • Introduction to Media
  • Media Production
• Business and Legal Studies
  • Accounting
  • Management
  • Economics

Leading to: Bachelor of Science (Environmental and Conservation Sciences)
Focus on a field of science that interests you – Conservation and Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science and Management or Marine Biology.

In this course you will develop a deep understanding of environmental and conservation theory, gain practical experience and build connections with industry and the community, to ensure you have the skills needed for a career in managing the environment and conserving threatened species and communities.

You will develop practical, creative-thinking, problem-solving, and data-analysis skills, both inside, and outside the classroom, helping solve some of the world’s most complex problems. You will also contribute to real-world research projects at our on-campus conservation category wetlands and banksia woodlands or at exciting locations across Western Australia, including our iconic coastlines or our diverse bushlands.

You might also choose to expand your career prospects even further with a double major in a complementary scientific area or a double degree in another discipline, such as law, business, management or communications.

Major: Environmental Science and Management
The environment is a complex, interdependent system of the atmosphere, water and soils, and the plant, animal, and human communities that rely on them.

Effective solutions to environmental challenges are dependent on science. Specialising in Environmental Science and Management you'll learn how the environment works, and how we interact with it both on a daily basis and as part of large institutions and organisations. You will gain interdisciplinary knowledge in water and earth sciences, ecology, policy, law, and environmental management, and learn how to integrate this knowledge to sustain healthy environments.

You’ll apply your knowledge with hands-on field and laboratory based practical learning that will bring scientific principles to life. Tap into your passion for the environment and gain real-world skills that will give you an edge in future employment.

3 reasons to study Environmental Science and Management at Murdoch

• Gain practical experience throughout the course, both in the field and on-campus, including in our on-campus conservation category wetlands and banksia woodland that’s home to more than 200 species of plants.
• Gain new environmental knowledge through research study that’s embedded in your degree.
• Study with environmental practitioners and internationally respected experts, including members of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

What you’ll learn
Specialising in Environmental Science and Management you'll learn how to sustain healthy environments by building essential skills and knowledge. You’ll graduate with a scientific knowledge base, combined with hands-on experience in real world issues. Topics you’ll cover include:

• The physical and biological interactions within the environment
• How human activity affects the environment
• How effective management of the natural environment draws on this knowledge
• How to critically analyse issues, solve problems, and communicate effectively with others
• Current and future environmental issues and how to develop sustainable solutions