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Bachelor of Science (Surf Science and Technology)

Mike McAuliffe

The photo above is of Mike McAullife, surfing legend and sessional lecture rin the Surf Science Program.


Course Code K22

This three-year full-time or equivalent part-time degree offered by ECU South West provides an opportunity for individuals with an interest in surfing to pursue the scientific, business and technological aspects of the surfing industry. Students acquire the skills necessary for management in this diverse, expanding and exciting industry. Subject areas considered include ocean sciences, materials technology, event management, human performance, business studies together with units of study associated with the surfing genre.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Standard University admission.

COURSE LOCATION
This course is available at ECU South West. Some units are to be delivered at the Margaret River Education Campus (MREC).

MODE OF STUDY
This course is available by Full-time or Part-time mode.

COURSE STRUCTURE
The Bachelor of Science (Surf Science and Technology) course structure consists of 14 Surf Science & Technology units (210 credit points), two foundation units (30 credit points) accompanied by eight elective units (120 credit points). Students may choose to select an eight unit (120 credit points) Business Supporting Major as their elective stream.

YEAR ONE - SEMESTER 1
RPS1100        Communication for the Professions   
SST1108         Oceans/Atmosphere      
SST1120         Introduction to Science     
SST1124         Competitive Surfing/Event Management

YEAR ONE - SEMESTER 2
RPS1120        Information and Communications Technology for the Professions
SST1125         Introduction to Materials and Manufacturing
SST1209         Skills Analysis in Surfing
One unit from Business Supporting Major, minor or elective

YEAR TWO - SEMESTER 1
SST2117         Meteorology
SST2119         Surf Equipment Design, Materials, Manufacturing 1   
Two units from Business Supporting Major, minor or elective          

YEAR TWO - SEMESTER 2
SST2218         Performance Enhancement in Surfing   
SST2219         Surf Equipment Design, Materials and Manufacturing 2
Two units from Business Supporting Major, minor or elective          

YEAR THREE - SEMESTER 1
SST3127         Human Biology  
SST3128         The Coastal Zone
Two units from Business Supporting Major, minor or elective          

YEAR THREE - SEMESTER 2
SST3226         Marine Environment       
SST3227         Science Project    
SST3228         Contemporary Issues in Surfing    
One unit from Business Supporting Major, minor or elective

Student Surf Science activities

  • Design and manufacture of board fins based on principles of aerodynamics;
  • Surf camps in Margaret River and Dunsborough;
  • Marine excursions to Rottenest Island;
  • Design and manufacture of a surfboard;
  • Staging a community surf competition;
  • Completion of the requirements for the Bronze Medallion.

Find out when classes are on using SIMO
If you would like to know when classes are offered, visit http://simo.ecu.edu.au and click on “View Semester Timetable”. You can then search units available at ECU. Once you find the unit you are seeking, click on “handbook” to see a description of the unit or “activities” to see when and where units are offered.

Note that timetables are subject to change up to and including the fourth week of semester.

If you have trouble finding a unit you need to enrol in, visit http://southwest.ecu.edu.au/students/substitutions.html for late-breaking information on unit changes.

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Course Location
Classes in this course are offered in a combination of locations: the South West Campus (Bunbury), the Margaret River Education Campus and marine excursions around Western Australia.

This is the only course of its kind in Australia and one of only two university courses in the world which combine science and surfing.

Find Out More
Contact ECU South West
Telephone: +61 8 9780 7709 (international)
Telephone: (08) 9780 7709 (within Australia)
Email: southwest@ecu.edu.au

Elective Business Units
The Bachelor of Science (Surf Science) contains elective units which the university strongly advises students to take out of the business program.

Industry in both science and surfing have indicated to us that business skills are valued, and the completion of a series of business units can make graduates ore comeptitive in the employment market.

Electives may also be used for other units, but it is recommended that you discuss your options with the course coordinator.

 
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Units in the program

All units are 15 credit points

RPS1100: Communication for the Professions
This unit focuses on fundamental tertiary and professional written and verbal communication skills. Students acquire or develop their skills in research, academic essays and reports, and verbal presentations.

SST1108: Oceans & Atmosphere
Earth’s oceans and atmosphere are considered in this unit of study via an introduction to the sciences of oceanography and meteorology. Students investigate a range of physical phenomena associated with our planet’s marine environment and climate.

SST1120: Intro to Science
This unit introduces chemistry and physics via a wide variety of practical examples. A significant foundation is provided for developing an understanding of science content knowledge and scientific processes. Structure and properties of matter, forces, energy, materials and product performance are examined.

SST1124:Surfing/Event Management
The role of competition and the principles that govern competitive surfing are examined in this unit. Event management is considered using the Margaret River Masters as a model. Students are responsible for the organisation and implementation of a significant community surfing event, the ECU Surf Challenge.    

RPS1120: ICT for the Professions
Students examine the role and place of computer systems and information technology in today's society. 

SST1125: Intro to Materials 1
The unit introduces the wide spectrum of available commercial materials, within the context of modern industrial design and manufacture. It demonstrates how the process of materials selection is connected to product design and production. Students will gain hands-on experience of property measurement and extensive use will be made of case study materials.

 SST1209 Skills Analysis in Surfing
Skills Analysis in Surfing is delivered in collaboration with Surfing Western Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia. This unit of study introduces the surfing activity via the investigation of essential skills and techniques associated with the sport. These proficiencies are developed through theoretical and practical coaching sessions. Anatomy, physiology, water safety, rescue techniques, resuscitation and first aid are studied by way of the SLSA "Bronze Medallion".

SST2117 Meteorology
The science of meteorology is developed in this unit of study. Emphasis is placed on atmospheric circulation, condensation and precipitation. Weather prediction and weather observation networks are studied together with aspects of climatology such as climate change, climate regimes and atmospheric pollutants.

SST2119 and SST2219 Surf Equipment Design, Materials , Manurfacture
These units draw upon fundamental knowledge and understanding of design and materials technology developed iand applies these in the context of the design and manufacture of surfing equipment.

SST2218 Performance Enhancement in Surfing
Development of the expertise required for implementing surfing proficiency is the underpinning feature of this unit. The delivery of surfing training programmes is considered and the opportunity for self improvement in surfing technique is promoted.

SST3127 Human Biology
The human body as a “working machine” forms the foundation for this unit of study. Levels of structural organisation in the body are traced from atoms and molecules to cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. Students examine the chemical processes important in living systems and the physiological mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of a constant internal environment. Bioenergetics, biomechanics, neuromuscular physiology, cardiorespiratory physiology and nutrition for health and fitness are emphasised.

SST3128 The Coastal Zone Issues concerned with coastal management are investigated in this unit. Topics including human aspects of coastal zone utilisation, methods of shoreline management and beach issues are considered. Physical properties of the coast such as tides, tsunamis and beach processes are also examined. The focus of this unit is on the Western Australian seashore, however national and global coastal zones are also studied.

SST3226 Marine Environment
A variety of aspects related to the disciplines of marine biology and marine ecology are deliberated in this unit. This unit concentrates on environmental issues that are pertinent to the in-shore zone and of contemporary global relevance.

SST3227 Science Project
In this unit students to carry out a research project on a specific theme. A proposal, diary of data collection, series of liaisons with relevant contacts together with visitations from the project supervisor will form the foundation of the study. This will enable the student to experience the process of scholarly research from problem formulation, through design and implementation of the investigation and analysis of results.

SST3228 Contemporary Issues in Surfing
The history of surfing, from its origins in Hawaii to modern surf culture, is considered at an academic level in this unit of study. The development of the surfing industry and its commercial impact on a global scale are also examined. Students are challenged to investigate topics that are of significance to the contemporary surf industry and the surfing recreation. During the course of semester, students convene with pre-eminent representatives from the local surfing society.