Science allows us to explain our world and consequently underpins our understanding of the most significant discoveries we make, and issues and challenges we face. Human health, sustainability, biotechnology, climate change, water management and food production are some of these areas explored through science. The skills acquired through the study of science therefore have broad application and are sought after in a diversity of careers.

Notre Dame’s Science program offers students the opportunity to customise their degree pathway to match their career aspirations and ensure an interesting and fulfilling experience. Students can apply skills and knowledge learned in this course to gain employment in education, government, private industry or the public sector. Further study as a postgraduate researcher is available through the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, in addition to excellent opportunities for postgraduate students from other disciplines to ‘up-skill’ in the area of Environmental Management.

Students of Notre Dame’s Science program have an opportunity to engage in exciting and unique opportunities which extend their learning experience and equip them with additional professional and life skills. A key component of the undergraduate Science program is an Internship in an area relevant to the student’s interests. Past students have gained invaluable experience from working with a diverse range of hosts, including environmental consultants, local and state government, hospitals, pathology clinics, and conservation organisations.

SCIENCE MAJORS

Eight approved units are required for a major in Science; six approved units are required for a minor. The following provides an introduction to the five majors available in the Bachelor of Science program. For more information on each major click on the corresponding link.

Behavioural Science
Behavioural Science at Notre Dame is based on the premise of social justice and equity for all peoples and concerns itself with the practical application of such principles to all aspects of human interaction. It focuses on the strengths and competencies of individuals and communities. A Behavioural Scientist values human diversity and works collaboratively with communities to identify and advance the goals of the group and the individuals that comprise it. Behavioural Science promotes the concept of Wellbeing and aims to facilitate this at the individual, relational, and community levels. The course incorporates specialised knowledge developed in the disciplines of Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, and Cultural Studies. The three-year degree combines formal studies in individual, group and community behaviour and places a strong emphasis on the context in which behaviour occurs.

Biology
Biology spans the breadth of knowledge and understanding that relates to all life, and consequently is at the centre of many of the most significant scientific developments of today. For example, the burden of an ever escalating global population is driving advances in biotechnology to increase food production, but also demanding the adoption of more sustainable pathways that are grounded in an understanding of our biological systems. Locally, government acknowledges declining biodiversity and ecosystem health are real problems and the integral role that biologists play in the sustainable management and conservation of our natural resources. The opportunities available to our biology graduates range from the chance to guide natural resource management in Australia in the future to the vital role of filling the existing gaps in our knowledge of species, ecosystems and their threats.

Environmental Science
Climate change and water resources are two of the most pressing challenges facing the world today. Consequently, the Environmental Sciences are ideally placed to become one of the growth employment areas for the foreseeable future. Not only do Environmental Scientists have the skills to understand the causes of climate change and related environmental degradation, they also have the knowledge and skills to manage and reverse the effects. This means that Environmental Science graduates will potentially be influencing the direction of future government policy, changing agricultural and business practice and providing the solutions to global warming, biodiversity conservation concerns, water resourcing issues and environmental degradation problems.

Geography
Geography is the study of physical & cultural environments and has as its central theme a concern with issues related to the interaction of human activities and the environment. Geographers consider social, economic and political processes and global environmental changes, and seek solutions to major ecological and societal problems through an interdisciplinary and integrated approach to the study of human expectations and futures. Geography at Notre Dame provides a strong foundation in both physical and human geography and is a key discipline bridging the natural and social sciences. The study of Geography strongly compliments degree programs in Behavioural Science, Environmental Science, Politics, Sociology, History, Legal Studies, Communications and Education.

Human Biology
Human Biology underpins some of the most topical, popular, and yet diverse subjects of our time; pandemics, stem cells, well-being, forensics, organic and GM foods, environmental toxicity, and the human genome, to name a few. Not surprisingly, Human Biology traditionally attracts students with a range of interests, but ultimately grows from our intrinsic curiosity with our own structure, functioning, health, origins and behaviour. Regardless of the initial motivation, a major in Human Biology at The University of Notre Dame Australia feeds such interest while guiding a student in a direction that can open doors to a range of career opportunities. By carefully customising their course around a major in Human Biology, graduates have the potential to enter fields that include health care, clinical support, research, forensics, environmental health, and further studies in the biomedical sciences.

For more information, please contact one of our offices

Last Updated: 29 September 2012

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