Degree Structure

The program consists of 8 courses (48 units).  6 Courses (36 units) must be selected from those with EMSC, ENVS or BIOL prefixes. The final structure and content of the program for each student will be developed after discussion with the student and appraisal of their background, previous knowledge and future intentions, and must be approved by the Graduate Studies Advisor and relevant School(s). In full-time mode, the 8 courses (48 units) of coursework and research are normally taken over two consecutive semesters.  The program may be completed in one of the following two ways:

 

(a)  25% research essay option:

• 5 courses (30 units) relevant to Environmental Science, at least 2 courses (12 units) of which must have EMSC, ENVS or BIOL prefixes
• Independent Research Project or Special Topic course (6 units) with the same prefix as that of the Major Research Essay
• Major Research Essay with EMSC, ENVS or BIOL prefix* (12 units - maximum length 15,000 words) on an agreed topic; the work must show wide reading and understanding as well as evidence of critical analysis and/or appropriate use of advanced techniques.

or 

(b)  50% sub-thesis option

• 3 courses (18 units) relevant to Environmental Science, approved by the Graduate Studes Advisor;
• Independent Research Project or Special Topic course (6 units) with the same prefix as that of the Sub-thesis;
• Sub-thesis with EMSC, ENVS or BIOL prefix* (24 units - length 20,000-25,000 words) on an agreed topic; the work must show wide reading and understanding as well as evidence of critical analysis and/or appropriate use of advanced techniques, at a higher level of development than the Major Research Essay.

Notes: * in exception cases approved by the Graduate Studies Advisor and relevant School, the Major Research Essay or Sub-thesis may comprise courses with another Science prefix.

Admission to the 50% thesis option requires evidence of Distinction-level performance in 2 courses, or equivalent, relevant to the proposed field of research. The choice of research topic under either option is dependent on the availability and agreement of a supervisor. These issues should be the subject of discussion with the Graduate Studies Advisor at an early stage.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2010 website applies to the 2010 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2009 website.