Bachelor of International Studies in International Relations

at University of Wollongong - Wollongong Campus Australia

International Relations is a developing and dynamic field that aims to study and solve some of the world's major problems such as war, inequality, climate change, poverty, hunger. A Bachelor of International Studies (International Relations) focuses on understanding your place in the national and global political systems, as well as appreciating the historical evolution of global politics. Many graduates progress to careers in global organisations and businesses that are focused beyond Australia's borders.

The Bachelor of International Studies examines the relationships of politics, society, culture, language, and history in a range of countries. You will analyse national and current global issues, focusing on the way global forces and interactions increasingly influence domestic politics. You will also be encouraged to study abroad or undertake a study tour.

What you will study
You will undertake core subjects on global politics, international security, negotiation and conflict management, and on the role of the state in the new millennium. You will take part in a model United Nations and can choose from a range of electives covering issues from war and peace, to international law and the global political economy.

The Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Arts combines practical, numeracy and computer skills with the critical and creative thinking skills, effective communication and problem solving skills learned from studying the arts and humanities. Studies in science allow you to research problems, interpret data and propose solutions. Studies in arts will give you the skills to develop arguments, communicate with audiences and influence decision-making. When combined, the skills and knowledge from these two fields can place you in a key position to work with the complex challenges we will face in the future.

The major areas of study in Science include: Ecology and Conservation Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Environment and Physical Geography.

You will also choose one of the majors 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 to the arts major you will choose a minor or a second major from the Bachelor of Arts offerings.

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.

Ecology is the study of interactions among organisms and their environment, and conservation biology applies an understanding of these interactions for managing and protecting species and ecosystems. Ecologists and conservation biologists are broadly-trained, using the latest scientific knowledge, tools and techniques in both laboratory and outdoor settings to develop solutions across the areas of biodiversity, conservation, ecology, evolution, genetics, marine biology, medical research, and molecular biology. Evolution underpins biological science and can be used to predict phenomena, such as understanding the emergence of antibiotic-resistant organisms, and the ways in which different species might respond to global warming. Ecologists and conservation biologists work across all scales of biology, from molecules within organisms to populations of organisms and the ecosystems they form.

The Bachelor of Science is a flexible three year degree which allows you to choose from a variety of majors. In addition to these majors, opportunities exist for you to select additional minors to explore other areas of study.

What you will study
The Bachelor of Science major in Ecology and Conservation Biology incorporates field and laboratory studies at all levels, providing extensive opportunities for hands-on learning both within UOW’s modern laboratories, and in the superb marine, freshwater, terrestrial and urban environments of the South Coast and inland regions. The specialist conservation biology training, combined with a broad background in biology, ecology and evolution will give you the knowledge and skills sought in a wide range of government and industry organisations that conduct or facilitate research or use research as a basis for advising on policy, both in Australia and internationally.

The study of Philosophy at UOW teaches you how to think, not what to think. As lovers of wisdom, philosophers are deeply, personally invested in their quest for truth and enlightenment. There are no questions that philosophers will not consider.  How should we live and treat others? Do our lives have meaning? Does science have all the answers?  In studying philosophy at UOW you will explore the most fundamental topics, ask the deepest questions and –rigorously and systematically– scrutinize the answers given by the best minds down the ages.

Studying for a UOW degree in Philosophy will train you in logic and argumentation. It will enlarge and enrich your conception of what is possible. You will acquire the intellectual discipline needed to challenge the assumptions that frame the way we think about the world and how we should behave in it. You will learn to bring philosophical considerations to bear on practical problems in order to make informed decisions about important issues such as:  social justice; free speech; global poverty; climate change, animal welfare; humane psychotherapy; education and expertise.

A philosophical education is valuable in just about any line of work. It develops your persuasive powers; critical thinking, problem solving abilities; and communication skills. A 2016 report by the Foundation for Young Australians reveals that these skills are in great demand today in professions that require people who can stand back and think with an open mind. Past UOW Philosophy graduates have found work in such diverse careers as: administration; art and design; business development; community and social services; consulting; education; entrepreneurship; healthcare; human resources; IT; legal; management; media; program and project research.

What you will study

Core subjects will teach you about: ethics, politics, mind, self, knowledge, science, and the relevance of philosophy to the wider world and the workplace. Elective areas of study include media; art and society; logic; the meaning of life; philosophy in film and literature; global and environmental ethics; bioethics; political philosophy; narrative psychology and selfhood; imagination and emotion; health and happiness; and Eastern philosophy.

Civil engineers build and maintain the infrastructure of advanced modern living. They plan, design, construct, operate and maintain everything from buildings to bridges, tunnels and dams, highways and airports, power plants, water and sewerage systems.

Using computer technologies and advanced materials, Civil engineers design structures that meet the needs of a growing population while protecting the environment, reducing the dangers from natural phenomena and considering the future needs of the community.

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

The later years of the Civil Engineering degree cover areas including structural engineering, water engineering, geomechanics, engineering management, engineering applications and design, materials and transport, and surveying.

A Bachelor of Communication and Media - Bachelor of Laws from UOW equips you with a comprehensive legal education: a world-class degree that provides a thorough grounding in the law, as well as a real-world focus on the essential practical skills and the social and ethical context in which the law operates.

Combining Law with a Bachelor of Communication and Media will prepare you to engage with a global media culture within a legal context. It has an international focus and places strong emphasis on research skills, while introducing students to ways in which new media shapes our everyday lives. We look at the ethical and legal considerations of emerging media within the workplace as well as our local, national and international communities.

We believe that practical experience is a vital part of your legal training. We are the only law school in New South Wales that requires you to complete a legal internship, providing highly valued industry experience.

We are committed to social justice and providing a legal education that engages with the complexities of law's intersection with society.

This double degree delivers a practical and contextual legal education that prepares graduates not only for traditional careers in the legal profession but also for a wide range of careers in government, business and community organisations – as leaders, innovators and problem solvers.

What you will study

The Bachelor of Communication and Media - Bachelor of Laws covers the prescribed areas of knowledge for future admission to the profession as well as including a choice of electives. Additionally, an integrated skills program equips graduates with experience in areas such as legal research, interviewing, legal drafting, advocacy and negotiation. Opportunities also exist to undertake subjects through an international exchange program.

You will also study a major from the following areas:

• Digital and Social Media
• Journalism
• Marketing, Communication and Advertising
• Visual Communication Design
• Screen Media Production

This degree will excite and challenge students with an aptitude for physics and mathematics, and an interest in biology and chemistry.

Biomolecular Science helps us understand the machinery of human cells and how diseases work. Biomolecular physicists work closely with other scientists with an aim to develop a better understanding of diseases and improve treatment, diagnosis and recovery in a range of medical conditions. They seek to develop new methods and technology to assist with better food processing and preservation.

Biomolecular physicists are integrated across a wide range of careers, including commercial bio-medicine, instrumentation and biotech companies (e.g. Sigma and Life Technologies). They assist in developing molecular diagnostic instrumentation for government and institutional research laboratories. They can also assist beamline scientists at National Research Facilities (e.g. ANSTO and the Australian Synchrotron).

What you will study
In the Bachelor of Science (Biomolecular Physics) you will complete subjects in physics, mathematics, chemistry, earth and environmental science and statistics. You will also study specialist subjects in molecules, cells and organisms, biochemistry, mechanics and thermodynamics, electromagnetism and optoelectronics, quantum mechanics and biology at the nanoscale.

This degree
This degree will contribute to developing knowledge to actually visualise and understand molecules, and use that understanding to develop new treatments and therapies to combat disease.
All subjects include a major practical component to complement and reinforce what you learn in lectures, and ensure you gain hands-on skills that prepare for real-world activities in your future careers.

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar) is for high-achieving students seeking a challenging but comprehensive education in science within a chosen specialisation. There are five major discipline areas to choose from: Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Ecology and Conservation Biology, Geology, and Physical Geography.

The flexible structure of the majors and electives allow you to design a study program to meet your particular interests and abilities. You can combine your chosen science major with a second major chosen from another discipline, or with a range of elective subjects.

Honours is built into the fourth year of the course when you will undertake a substantial piece of supervised research in your major discipline, together with other required seminar and/or coursework.

As a Dean's Scholar you will be invited to participate in networking and mentoring opportunities and, after the first year, develop a close association with an appropriate member of one of the faculty’s research teams. You will also have the opportunity to undertake individual research subjects. The degree includes practical laboratory and/or fieldwork and you will take advantage of the superb local opportunities and environments.

The Master of Information Technology (Information Technology Strategic Management) involves an in-depth study of the organisational, economic, regulatory and socio-technical issues that arise in the implementation of IT in business and government, and how to effectively manage those issues.

This degree is suitable for those without an IT background seeking to develop the fundamental skills required to work in the sector, or to undertake a management role in which an understanding of IT implementation is essential.

What you will study
IT Strategic Management seeks to develop professionals who can combine technical knowledge with a deep understanding of the businesses and organisations they work in. You will develop an overview of IT business strategies and governance issues and be equipped with the analytical, communication, project and change management skills to work across the IT-business interface.

This degree
The IT Strategic Management major will strengthen your understanding of the principles of information systems, business intelligence and knowledge management by applying them to practical, industry-relevant issues. This course will prepare you for a career as an ICT consultant, business or market analyst.