Bachelor of Social Science in Sociology

at University of Wollongong - Wollongong Campus Australia

Criminologists take an interdisciplinary approach to understanding why people commit crime, how societies conceptualise harm, and why some harms are classed as crimes while others are not. Criminologists also investigate how societies respond to crime and whether our responses are effective and fair for offenders, victims and the general community. Social Science draws on a range of disciplines to critically examine current debates and how various contested theories and values translate into policies and practices

This degree
The UOW Bachelor of Social Science (Criminology) involves a common foundation of compulsory social science subjects combined with a major in Criminology. You will complement your degree with a minor study area or elective subjects from any field in the University offering cross-faculty enrolment. You may choose to complete your electives abroad, or stay local and undertake activities to build your cross-cultural communication skills. This degree provides a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in research, Social Work, Public Health, Work Health and Safety and Teaching.

What you will study
Foundational subjects in social science include social determinants of health, human geography, sociology, interdisciplinary competencies and career ready learning. You will also begin your major in first year.

During your second and third years you'll focus on criminology subjects relating to crime and justice with options to extend and explore issues around youth crime, environmental crime, innovative justice, power and resistance, research methods and more.

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.

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.

Combine your interest in sport and coaching with a major or minor of your choice, and stand out from the crowd. The Bachelor of Sport identifies and explores key aspects of sport and the role it plays in the community.

What you will study
Foundation studies in movement and disciplines associated with sport and coaching are commenced, and elective studies begun. Year 2 will focus on content and pedagogy associated with educating and coaching in a sporting context. Studies in minors will continue, while job seeking skills and employment opportunities are developed. Specific content and pedagogical understanding continue in the final year of study, whilst elective minors are completed. A workplace or research project will provide the capstone experience. Graduates will also have options to pursue accredited postgraduate study in Education, and professional programs in Sport or other professions to align with their evolving career objectives.

This degree
It aims to equip students with the work ready skills and knowledge to engage with a range of sporting environments, including coaching, game development, management and operations and program delivery.

Environment and Heritage Management investigates issues of global significance, especially the human impact on the Earth, the management of valuable landscapes, and the planning of cities and regions.

This degree
The Bachelor of Science (Environment and Heritage Management) 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. This specialist program combines Physical and Human Geography with relevant subjects to provide the skills and knowledge required for employment or research on both cultural and natural heritage issues.

Double degrees aim to broaden a student's knowledge and skill base and improve career options in competitive, increasingly interactive fields. The programs are designed to enhance a student's educational, academic and professional qualifications whilst minimising the costs of their studies.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Bachelor of Science combines professional engineering skills, including management, communications, teamwork and problem solving, with a major study in Science. It is a combination of any of the engineering majors with Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Geology or Physical Geography and Environmental Geosciences.

Science is the search and application of information and understanding of the natural and social world using an evidence-based approach.

This Degree

As an engineering student at UOW you can gain credit for relevant work experience, either in Australia or overseas, by participating in our Professional Options Program. All students undertake practical hands-on experience with industry for 12 weeks prior to the conclusion of their academic studies.

What you will study

You will also choose one major from the Bachelor of Science: Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Ecology and Conservation Biology, Environment, Geology or Physical Geography.

Geology is the scientific study of the physical structure and composition of the Earth, and the tectonic processes that shape our planet. Geologists play a critical role in the discovery, sustainable extraction and management of Earth’s resources.

The Bachelor of Science major in Geology combines a range of skills involving fieldwork, laboratory techniques and problem-solving skills to address key questions relating to our planet. These range from mapping the Earth from space, to monitoring natural hazards, to finding critical metals required for high-tech industry and renewable energy storage.

This degree will provide numerous potential career pathways as exploration and resource geologists in mining and energy industries, geohazard mitigation, in environmental remediation (e.g. waste management, water), geotechnical engineering, government, and cutting-edge research in universities.

A major in Global Sustainable Development explores ethical issues surrounding global challenges and the interaction between human and environmental security. With 2.4 billion people on the planet living on less than US$2 a day, poverty and inequality remain two of the biggest challenges of our time. Equally, environmental change is a major concern that will affect human activity for the foreseeable future.

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 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
Core subjects will teach you the key theories, approaches and practices for promoting human development for the future. You can elect to do subjects that specialise in environmental issues from a range of different disciplinary perspectives, or you can focus on issues of development from economic, social and political perspectives.

The Honours program is an alternative option for students going into the second session of third year from either the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education pass degree or the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education (Dean's Scholar) degree.

Students have the opportunity to be involved in a research project of their own choice or interest or work with a Health and Physical Education academic as part of their research. All students will receive supervision throughout their research project and will be required to complete a thesis detailing their research project, their methods and their findings. Participation in the Honours program can lead to further research opportunities as a postgraduate student.

Honours students are encouraged to:

• Make a contribution to theory, research and pedagogy of education
• Conduct independent research in the form of a thesis as well as other forums such as conference presentations and journal articles
• Seek out opportunities and apply knowledge in educational research that will contribute beneficially to educational research and practice
• Participate in the research culture within the School of Education

What you will study
You will study health and physical education subjects including movement skills, games and sports, rhythmic movements, mental health and sexuality, relationships, drugs 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.

The Honours year requires students to learn to conduct educational research in ways that are intellectually honest, with professional integrity and knowledge and enactment of appropriate ethical standards; and become aware of changing conditions and situations in research settings.

The Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) course is a follow-on degree from the Bachelor of Computer Science. It will provide you with an opportunity to develop, to a sophisticated level, established theoretical and practical skills gained during your undergraduate course.

This degree
A weekly seminar in Autumn and Spring Sessions provides training in advanced research skills specific to disciplines within computer science, as well as providing you with the opportunity to exercise these skills in a peer-reviewed environment.

The program of study provides:

• Scholarly grounding in scientific research
• High level of research competency
• Strong foundation in scientific work
• Advanced research skills in computer science
• Preparation for future higher level research degrees

If you are considering an Honours degree, you are encouraged to talk to the Program Coordinator well in advance to seek approval for enrolment, discuss your program, and negotiate a thesis topic and supervisors.

What you will study
You are given the opportunity to undertake research on a topic of your interest. In addition, you will also complete four elective subjects ranging from data mining, software engineering, visualisation, computer security and other subjects.