Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation

at University of Wollongong - Wollongong Campus Australia

Human Geography is the study of people and place. Human Geographers examine social and environmental problems in a holistic way, and apply spatial thinking to help resolve social conflicts and environmental crises. At UOW, Human Geographers investigate solutions to issues around climate change, economic development, environmental management, population and cultural change, and urban, rural and regional planning.

This degree
The Bachelor of Science (Human Geography) program at UOW includes the opportunity to undertake practicals and fieldwork, taking advantage of the local Illawarra environment including urban and heritage landscapes, coastal landscapes, rainforest escarpment and freshwater ecosystems.

What you will study
As a Science student, you will learn skills in logical and critical thinking, creative problem-solving, practical research, organisation and project management, numeracy, statistical literacy, computer applications (including geographic information systems), and strong communication.

Join one of humanity’s greatest collective endeavours when you study a degree in science at UOW. You will work with interdisciplinary teams to explore creative solutions for our world's biggest issues. You will learn about the science that underpins and advances societies globally.

How can scientific and technological advances increase the quality of our lives and guide our care of Earth’s complex systems? How does the scientific community respond to societal needs, natural hazards and global challenges?

On completion, you will be able to answer these questions and more as you enter this expansive and rewarding field.

What you will study
You'll benefit by learning from recognised and passionate leaders in this academically rigorous field.

You will learn the core fundamentals of science across practical and theoretical subjects in the first year of your degree before deciding which major/minor disciplines to focus on from the second year. You will complete extensive professional experience throughout your degree, which allows you to learn by observation and apply your skills in the lab. Throughout this degree, you will gain hands-on experience and make meaningful professional connections across the broader scientific community.

This degree
Marine science is the study of the ocean. Marine scientists look into the biological nature and capacity of oceans, their impact on human society, and the conservation and environmental management of marine and coastal resources and regions. They spend their time observing, defining and experimenting with coastal processes, biodiversity and climate change, as well as using emerging technologies to ensure the sustainable management of these environments.

All industries today require computer scientists with advanced skill sets and an ability to develop, test, and maintain software engineering applications to meet ever-evolving modern industry and commercial requirements.

The Master of Computer Science (Software Engineering) focuses on preparing current Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professionals with a Bachelor degree in Computer Science or Information Technology for the challenges of rapidly advancing ICT technologies.

The degree will be a valuable asset if you are seeking to further your career in managerial roles related to information technology. It can also prepare ICT professionals for entry into research degrees: Master of Philosophy and PhD.

This degree

The Master of Computer Science gives graduates the ability to solve complex real world problems by integrating computer science methods with effective management strategies, and by developing and deploying computer applications.

What you will study

You will study subjects in Service-Oriented Software Engineering, Software Requirements, Specification and Formal Methods, and Software Testing and Analysis. You will be able to put theory into practice with an individual capstone project.

The Graduate Certificate in Business is for those who want to advance their career, formalise their industry experience or up-skill and move into a business-focused role within their field. This course covers key business areas including accounting, financial management, organisational behaviour and marketing management.

The Graduate Certificate in Business caters for both professional and lifestyle commitments by giving students the choice to study on campus at Wollongong or Sydney CBD,

Are you interested in understanding the links between the brain and behaviour? Do you want to understand the biological building blocks of human behaviour? Do you want to investigate the psychological and biological basis of mental illness? The Bachelor of Psychological Science-Bachelor of Neuroscience will provide you with a sound understanding of the molecular, neural and cognitive underpinnings of human behaviour and the investigative research methods used in the area. With further study these degrees can lead to professional registration as a psychologist.

What you will study
You will study the psychological and biological basis of human behaviour and learn about the how the brain links to human behaviour. Using a foundation in psychology, biology, chemistry and psychophysiology, the Bachelor of Psychological Science-Bachelor of Neuroscience will provide you with the groundwork for applying knowledge to addressing questions in understanding how we think, the processes underpinning ageing, neurological and mental health disorders.

This degree
Your first year will provide you with a broad understanding of foundation level biology, chemistry, physiology and psychology. You will study the basics of writing research reports, laboratory skills, scientific communication and the scientific knowledge that will be examined in depth later in the course. During your subsequent years, you will gain in-depth knowledge on specific topics such as cognitive psychology, psychopathology, social and developmental psychology, psychopharmacology, cognitive sciences, genetics and quantitative research methods. Throughout your degree you will be an active scientist, gaining scientific skills.

Health and Physical Education teachers educate and promote a range of movement areas including games and sports, dance, gymnastics, aquatics and athletics. They also promote healthy lifestyle issues in schools to encourage lifelong movement, healthy behaviours associated with drugs, good nutrition, self-esteem development, knowledge about sexual health and interpersonal skills.

This four-year degree gives you expert theory and professional experience for employment as a Health and Physical Education teacher. You may also gain employment in other educational environments, with roles such as Game Development Officers and coaching in sports or active after school care programs. You will learn through face-to-face delivery in classrooms, online learning and community settings.

You will complete extensive professional experience throughout your degree, which allows you to learn by observation and apply your skills in the classroom. This includes a Professional Experience (PEX) in second and third year with a final seven week PEX/Internship in fourth year. You will also have opportunities for rural and international professional experiences, to study overseas with UOW's international exchange and study abroad partners, and to join international cultural immersion programs.

You can also apply for the Honours program, which is embedded in third/ fourth year, involves a research project under academic supervision. Entry to honours is based on application and merit.

What you will study
You will study health and physical education subjects including movement skills, games and sports, rhythmic movement, mental health and sexuality, relationships, drug and personal safety, curriculum and pedagogy (the method and practice of teaching), anatomy and physiology, biomechanics and educational foundations. You will also study broader complementary subjects including Aboriginal Education, Information and Communication Technology, Learners with Exceptional Needs, Educational Research, Communication, and Risk and Behaviour Management.

Teaching is an academically rigorous profession and teachers play a critical role in our communities. Strengthening requirements for studying teaching degrees in an initiative of the NSW Government to ensure that initial teacher education programs prepare high quality graduate teachers who can respond to the needs of all learners to make a positive impact on student learning. At UOW we are committed to ensuring our graduates are of the highest standard by setting appropriate entry criteria and maintaining a strongly developmental program that supports teacher education students from diverse backgrounds with diverse experiences, abilities and perspectives to become the teachers of the future.

Biomedical Engineering is a multi-disciplinary field that enables engineers to combine engineering principles with biological and medical sciences. Developments in biomedical engineering provide vital skills and knowledge to enable change to the national health system and improve people’s lives, for example, developments in imaging, instrumentation, robotics, scaffolding, materials engineering, computer science and prosthetics. Students will study areas related to mechanical, electrical, artificial intelligence (e.g. evolutionary computation, neural network, fuzzy logic, machine learning) and aspects of modern biomedical systems. Graduates will develop a solid understanding of critical issues involved in developing biomedical systems in a global economy and make significant technological contributions to biomedical systems, both in Australia and abroad.

This degree
You will study a common first year allowing you to learn more about engineering and its different fields before deciding which discipline to study. The common first year provides you with sound fundamentals in mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, computing, engineering science and communication, mechanics, materials and fluids. You then focus on your chosen major study from second year. Your degree includes a 12-week hands-on industry placement. You may gain credit for relevant work experience, either in Australia or overseas, by participating in our Professional Options Program.

Engineers work in a variety of industries, for example: construction, mining, resources, aeronautical, electronics, engineering management, telecommunications, power generation and distribution, renewable energy, aerospace, water resource management, robotics and manufacturing, railroad and shipbuilding.

What you will study
As an engineering student at UOW you will have access to fully-equipped laboratories and the latest computer-aided software that is used in modern industrial workplaces. Our lecturers encourage you to approach them and get involved in industry projects and learning opportunities so you get the most out of your university education.Our engineering students are trained through practical learning experiences including:

• Laboratory experiments
• Problem based learning
• Computer simulations
• Teamwork assignments
• Industrial case studies
• Project management
• Site visits to industry

After completing the common first year you will study specific subjects in the areas of:

Anatomy and Physiology, Biomedical Instrumentation and Design, Biomedical Physics, Sensors and Actuators, Biomechanical Basis for Human Movement, Mechanical Design of Biomedical Devices, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Artificial Organs and Implants, Ethics and Practices, among others.

Environmental science is the study of the interaction between living and non-living elements of the environment, and how humans impact on these elements. Environmental scientists use a multi-disciplinary knowledge base to assess, research, and manage a wide range of environmental issues.

The Bachelor of Science major in Environment is a multi-disciplinary degree that draws together concepts from geosciences, biological sciences, chemistry, and physics. This degree develops wide-ranging capabilities involving fieldwork, mapping, computing and laboratory skills. The superb local marine and coastal habitats, amidst fresh-water and terrestrial ecosystems means Wollongong is ideally located for unique field experiences to enhance studies of the environment.

This course is ideal if you would like to complete a science-based environmental degree with career paths in environmental assessment, monitoring and management, or to consider trending jobs related to environmental sustainability, renewable energy, transitions from rural to urban landscapes, and urban greenspaces.

The Visual Communication Design major allows you to develop skills in graphic design for both traditional and new media.

You will learn graphic design principles and practices, while working on client-driven design projects for print, online, mobile and emerging platforms.

You will graduate with flexible visual design skills, ready for new career opportunities that focus on communicating messages visually across a broad spectrum of contexts and media.

The Bachelor of Communication and Media enables you to expand your career options by combining the Visual Communication Design major with one of four other majors in the degree: Digital and Social Media; Journalism; Screen Media Production; or Marketing Communication and Advertising. This is an ideal degree if you are interested in more than one area of media and communications and want a flexible future career path.

What you will study
You will learn about typography, layout, photography, design thinking, vector-based imaging, animation and design for both online and mobile platforms. You will also learn the professional skills involved in working with clients, responding to briefs and developing visual strategy. Alongside these practical skills and experiences, you will study the ways in which emerging digital platforms are changing the context for visual communication design, both in Australia and internationally.

Combining Journalism with Arts places a strong emphasis on applied learning, and offers a broad introduction to ways in which new media practices shape our everyday lives, both in the workplace and in our communities. It will equip you with critical and innovative thinking skills, effective communication and creative writing skills, all of which are required for high achievement in a range of journalism careers.

Journalism and reporting is an evolving industry that encompasses a multitude of media including print, television, radio, web, and social media to inform, engage and entertain. Studying a Bachelor of Journalism degree alongside a Bachelor of Arts degree will teach you to gather, assess, create and present news and information to a wide range of audiences and also write, edit and publish a broad variety of written materials. The Bachelor of Journalism - Bachelor of Arts also allows you to gain foundational knowledge in many traditional areas of study including history, literature, languages and philosophy and the disciplines of social sciences, cultural studies, sociology and politics.

The Bachelor of Journalism has a prescribed set of core subjects, as well as the opportunity to use electives to complete a major or two minors from a multi-disciplinary list. You will choose one major in the Bachelor of Arts degree: Archaeology and Ancient History, English Literatures, Environmental Humanities, French, History, Indigenous Studies, Japanese, Legal Studies, Mandarin (Non-Chinese Background Students), Mandarin (Character Background Students), Philosophy, Photography, Politics, International Relations, Sociology, Spanish, Creative Writing, or Writing and English Literatures. In addition, you will choose a minor or another major from the Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities.