Course summary
The Bachelor of Science at Southern Cross University is a flexible, multidimensional degree that allows you to incorporate a wide range of subjects with career-focused science specialisations.
You can focus on an area of professional practice by choosing a specialisation in Earth and Environmental Systems, Marine Systems, Forestry Systems or Regenerative Agriculture. These specialisations are identified on your graduating testamur. Alternatively, you can choose a major from Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Environmental Solutions or a shared major from disciplines across the University.
You can effectively design your own science degree. All students study seven core units that provide a strong foundation in science, including field and laboratory experimentation and analytical techniques, as well as socio-ecological systems, management and critical thinking. Core skills and knowledge are reinforced and expanded across the three-year program, finishing with capstone research projects in Impactful Science and Practice.
The Bachelor of Science is characterised by a high level of practical and field experience in all years, making use of our easy access to a variety of subtropical terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems.
The Bachelor of Science at Southern Cross University is a flexible, multidimensional degree that allows you to incorporate a wide range of subjects with career-focused science specialisations.
You can focus on an area of professional practice by choosing a specialisation in Earth and Environmental Systems, Marine Systems, Forestry Systems or Regenerative Agriculture. These specialisations are identified on your graduating testamur. Alternatively, you can choose a major from Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Environmental Solutions or a shared major from disciplines across the University.
You can effectively design your own science degree. All students study seven core units that provide a strong foundation in science, including field and laboratory experimentation and analytical techniques, as well as socio-ecological systems, management and critical thinking. Core skills and knowledge are reinforced and expanded across the three-year program, finishing with capstone research projects in Impactful Science and Practice.
The Bachelor of Science is characterised by a high level of practical and field experience in all years, making use of our easy access to a variety of subtropical terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems.
Specialisations
Specialisations are a group of units which develop specialist skills and knowledge. All specialisations provide capstone units that reinforce your chosen field via research and applied practice.
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Earth and Environmental Systems Specialisation develops your skills in and understanding of environmental science to address how we interact with Earth systems in the Anthropocene. You will study units covering ecology, ecosystem regeneration, biogeochemistry, modelling and resource management (including water, catchments and waste/resources in the circular economy). You can choose a shared major as part of this specialisation or choose from a range of elective units, including ecological economics, wildlife conservation, and protected area management.
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Marine Systems Specialisation builds on introductory earth systems knowledge by studying units at our National Marine Science Centre adjacent to the Solitary Islands. These cover oceanography, marine ecology, fish and aquaculture, reefs, fisheries and marine parks management. You can choose a shared major as part of this specialisation or choose from a range of elective units including marine megafauna, ocean change biology, drone technology and special analysis, and coastal fluvial hydrodynamics.
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Forestry Systems Specialisation covers the vital roles forest play in natural and managed systems. Building on core science principles you will study units addressing native forest silviculture, fire ecology and management, planted trees and forests, wood science and utilisation, forest operations and technology. You can choose a shared major as part of this specialisation or choose eight from a range of elective units including modelling natural systems, plant and disease management, agriculture and forest value chains, and plant biology.
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Regenerative Agriculture Specialisation is the only undergraduate specialisation addressing regenerative agriculture in Australia and globally. You will study human ecology, soil processes, regenerative strategies and soil management as well as the planning of rural landscapes, developing specialist knowledge and taking a holistic approach to food production and farm management. A key aspect of this practice specialisation are on-farm residential schools. You can choose seven units from any other specialisation.
Majors
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Environmental Solutions
- or choose a shared major from different disciplines.
Course Learning Outcome |
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Use complexity thinking and critical analysis in relation to scientific methods of inquiry. |
Respond creatively to complex intellectual, professional, practical and societal challenges in the Anthropocene. |
Apply professional judgement based on ethical behaviour, academic integrity, professional standards, regulatory frameworks, and respect for principles of social justice to support adaptability. |
Select and apply appropriate practical and theoretical scientific methods, techniques and tools to collect and accurately record data through systematic inquiry. Demonstrate broad and well-developed knowledge of the theory and application of scientific principles, system knowledge and associated practices |
Synthesise, critically evaluate, and interpret scientific data and other information to draw rigorous conclusions and solve problems with intellectual independence Reflect on the role of self in the context of learning, professional development and ethical practice in science. |
Effectively communicate science and practice in a systems approach using a variety of modes to engage with a range of audiences. Work collaboratively, responsibly and safely as part of a team. |
Incorporate diverse cultural perspectives and Indigenous ways of knowing to inform understandings of complex and interconnected physical, social and economic systems. |
Within their study program, students will have the option for an internship placement at career-relevant workplaces.
Graduates may be eligible for membership of professional associations such as the Institute of Foresters of Australia, depending on the specialisation or major studied.
Course overview
Course code
3007004
Course abbreviation
BSc
Credit points
288
Equivalent units
24
Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
Duration
3 years full-time
Availability details
Domestic
Location | Teaching period | UAC code | QTAC code |
---|---|---|---|
Lismore | Session 1 | N/A | N/A |
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour | Session 1 | N/A | N/A |
Online | Session 1 | N/A | N/A |
Fee information
International
Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
---|---|---|---|
Lismore | Session 1 | $30,400 ($3,800 per unit) | 104730A |
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour | Session 1 | $30,400 ($3,800 per unit) | 104730A |
Course requirements
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Science, students must complete the equivalent of 24 equivalent unit/units (288 credit points), comprising:
- 1 specialisation in Earth and Environmental Systems or Marine Systems or Forestry Systems or Regenerative Agriculture (288 credit points); or
- 7 core equivalent unit/units (84 credit points), 1 science major (96 credit points), and 9 elective equivalent unit/units (108 credit points); or
- 7 core equivalent unit/units (84 credit points), 2 science majors (192 credit points), and 1 elective equivalent unit/units (12 credit points); or
- 7 core equivalent unit/units (84 credit points), 1 science major (96 credit points), 1 shared major (96 credit points), and 1 elective equivalent unit/units (12 credit points).
Schedule of units
Course progressions
Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. Assistance on how to enrol can be accessed here.
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment
Browse uni-wide elective units by selecting Uni-wide elective in the advanced filter of the Unit search
Browse shared majors and their units at Shared majors
Title | Note | ||
---|---|---|---|
Year 1, Session 1 |
|||
SCIN1004 - Earth Systems | |||
ENVR1001 - Science and Global Challenges | |||
SCIN1005 - Organisms and Environments | |||
Elective Earth Systems Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Year 1, Session 2 |
|||
STAT1002 - Scientific Data Management and Analysis | |||
CHEM1001 - Chemistry | |||
Elective Earth Systems Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Elective Earth Systems Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Year 2, Session 1 |
|||
CHEM2001 - Environmental Chemistry | |||
BIOL2011 - Ecology for Natural and Managed Systems | |||
Elective Earth Systems Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Year 2, Session 2 |
|||
ERTH2002 - Ecosystem Regeneration | |||
ERTH2003 - Aquatic Pollution and Catchment Management | |||
STAT2003 - Data Collection and Quantitative Analysis | |||
Elective Earth Systems Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Year 2, Session 3/Study Period 6 |
|||
INDG3001 - Caring for Country | |||
PLAN3001 - Waste as a Resource | |||
Year 3, Session 1 |
|||
SCIN3002 - Impactful Science and Practice I | |||
FORS3006 - Ecosystem Modelling for Management | |||
Elective Earth Systems Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Year 3, Session 2 |
|||
SCIN3003 - Impactful Science and Practice II | |||
ENVR3009 - Biogeochemistry | |||
Elective Earth Systems Specialisation Recommended Electives |
Title | Note | ||
---|---|---|---|
Year 1, Session 1 |
|||
SCIN1004 - Earth Systems | |||
ENVR1001 - Science and Global Challenges | |||
SCIN1005 - Organisms and Environments | |||
Elective Marine Systems Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Year 1, Session 2 |
|||
STAT1002 - Scientific Data Management and Analysis | |||
CHEM1001 - Chemistry | |||
BIOL1005 - Cells and Molecules | |||
MRNE1001 - Marine Science and Management | |||
Year 2, Session 1 |
|||
MRNE2009 - Invertebrate Life | |||
BIOL2011 - Ecology for Natural and Managed Systems | |||
MRNE2008 - Fish Ecology and Aquaculture | |||
Elective Marine Systems Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Year 2, Session 2 |
|||
MRNE2010 - Oceanography | |||
STAT2003 - Data Collection and Quantitative Analysis | |||
Elective Marine Systems Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Year 2, Session 3 |
|||
INDG3001 - Caring for Country | |||
Year 3, Session 1 |
|||
MRNE3007 - Fisheries and Marine Parks Management | |||
SCIN3002 - Impactful Science and Practice I | |||
SCIN3003 - Impactful Science and Practice II | |||
Elective Marine Systems Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Year 3, Session 2 |
|||
Elective Marine Systems Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Elective Marine Systems Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Elective Marine Systems Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Year 3, Session 3 |
|||
Elective Marine Systems Specialisation Recommended Electives |
Title | Note | ||
---|---|---|---|
Year 1, Session 1 |
|||
SCIN1004 - Earth Systems | |||
ENVR1001 - Science and Global Challenges | |||
SCIN1005 - Organisms and Environments | |||
Elective Forest Science Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Year 1, Session 2 |
|||
FORS1001 - Introduction to Forest Science and Management | |||
STAT1002 - Scientific Data Management and Analysis | |||
CHEM1001 - Chemistry | |||
Elective Forest Science Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Year 2, Session 1 |
|||
BIOL2011 - Ecology for Natural and Managed Systems | |||
Elective Forest Science Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Elective Forest Science Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Elective Forest Science Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Year 2, Session 2 |
|||
FORS2012 - Wood Science and Utilisation | |||
STAT2003 - Data Collection and Quantitative Analysis | |||
FORS2011 - Native Forest Silviculture | |||
Year 2, Session 3 |
|||
INDG3001 - Caring for Country | |||
Year 3, Session 1 |
|||
SCIN3002 - Impactful Science and Practice I | |||
FORS2010 - Forest Operations and Technology | |||
Elective Forest Science Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Elective Forest Science Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Year 3, Session 2 |
|||
SCIN3003 - Impactful Science and Practice II | |||
FORS3005 - Planted Trees and Forests | |||
FORS2001 - Fire Ecology and Management | |||
Elective Forest Science Specialisation Recommended Electives |
Title | Note | ||
---|---|---|---|
Year 1, Session 1 |
|||
SCIN1004 - Earth Systems | |||
ENVR1001 - Science and Global Challenges | |||
SCIN1005 - Organisms and Environments | |||
AGRC1003 - Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture | |||
Year 1, Session 2 |
|||
STAT1002 - Scientific Data Management and Analysis | |||
CHEM1001 - Chemistry | |||
Elective Regenerative Agriculture Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Elective Regenerative Agriculture Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Year 2, Session 1 |
|||
BIOL2011 - Ecology for Natural and Managed Systems | |||
AGRC2006 - Regenerative Agricultural Practices | |||
SOIL2001 - Soil Processes | |||
Elective Regenerative Agriculture Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Year 2, Session 2 |
|||
AGRC2004 - Soil Management | |||
STAT2003 - Data Collection and Quantitative Analysis | |||
AGRC2005 - Ecological Perspectives: Human Ecology | |||
Year 2, Session 3 |
|||
INDG3001 - Caring for Country | |||
AGRC2007 - Plant Biology | |||
Year 3, Session 1 |
|||
AGRC3003 - Regenerative Agricultural Strategies | |||
SCIN3002 - Impactful Science and Practice I | |||
Elective Regenerative Agriculture Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Elective Regenerative Agriculture Specialisation Recommended Electives | |||
Year 3, Session 2 |
|||
AGRC3004 - Planning Rural Landscapes | |||
SCIN3003 - Impactful Science and Practice II | |||
Elective Regenerative Agriculture Specialisation Recommended Electives |
Title | Note | ||
---|---|---|---|
Year 1, Session 1 |
|||
ENVR1001 - Science and Global Challenges | |||
SCIN1004 - Earth Systems | |||
One (1) unit from Elective Units | |||
One (1) unit from Elective Units | |||
Year 1, Session 2 |
|||
STAT1002 - Scientific Data Management and Analysis | |||
CHEM1001 - Chemistry | |||
BIOL1005 - Cells and Molecules | |||
One (1) unit from Elective Units |
Title | Note | ||
---|---|---|---|
Year 1, Session 1 |
|||
ENVR1001 - Science and Global Challenges | |||
SCIN1004 - Earth Systems | |||
SCIN1005 - Organisms and Environments | |||
One (1) unit from Elective Units | |||
Year 1, Session 2 |
|||
STAT1002 - Scientific Data Management and Analysis | |||
BIOL1005 - Cells and Molecules | |||
One (1) unit from Elective Units | |||
One (1) unit from Elective Units |
Title | Note | ||
---|---|---|---|
Year 1, Session 1 |
|||
ENVR1001 - Science and Global Challenges | |||
SCIN1004 - Earth Systems | |||
MATH1001 - Foundation Mathematics | |||
PHYS1003 - Physics | |||
Year 1, Session 2 |
|||
STAT1002 - Scientific Data Management and Analysis | |||
MATH1005 - Introductory Algebra and Calculus | |||
One (1) unit from Elective Units | |||
One (1) unit from Elective Units |
Notes
Note 1: | Highly recommended unit for this specialisation |
Note 2: | Double-weighted unit |
Note 3: | Half-weighted unit |
Unit groups
Elective Units
Title | Note | ||
---|---|---|---|
Select from the following electives, or choose any unit from one of the specialisations or from any university wide elective | |||
GENG3001 - Drone Technology and Spatial Analysis | |||
ENVR3003 - Internship Study | Note 2 | ||
MRNE3008 - Marine Megafauna | |||
MRNE3003 - Ocean Change Biology | |||
ENVR3004 - Protected Area Management | |||
ENVR2002 - Wildlife Conservation | |||
ERTH3001 - Coastal and Fluvial Hydrodynamics | |||
CIVL1002 - Humanitarian Projects | |||
BIOL2001 - Genetics | |||
CIVL3005 - Water and Wastewater Engineering | |||
ENVR2010 - Principles of Stormwater and Drainage Management | Note 3 | ||
CIVL2016 - Rainfall-Runoff Modelling | Note 3 | ||
ERTH3002 - Analysis of Food, Soils and Water | |||
AGRC2007 - Plant Biology | |||
ENVR2011 - Ecological Economics | |||
AGRC2008 - Agricultural and Forest Value Chains | |||
FORS3007 - Pest and Disease Management | |||
Or choose any unit from one of the specialisations. |
Earth Systems Specialisation Recommended Electives
Title | Note | ||
---|---|---|---|
SOIL5001 - Soil Processes | Note 1 | ||
AGRC2005 - Ecological Perspectives: Human Ecology | |||
FORS2001 - Fire Ecology and Management | Note 1 | ||
MRNE2009 - Invertebrate Life | |||
MRNE2010 - Oceanography | |||
BIOL1005 - Cells and Molecules | Note 1 | ||
GENG3001 - Drone Technology and Spatial Analysis | |||
CIVL3005 - Water and Wastewater Engineering | |||
ERTH3001 - Coastal and Fluvial Hydrodynamics | |||
ENVR2010 - Principles of Stormwater and Drainage Management | Note 3 | ||
CIVL2016 - Rainfall-Runoff Modelling | |||
ENVR3003 - Internship Study | Note 2 | ||
ENVR2002 - Wildlife Conservation | Note 1 | ||
BIOL2001 - Genetics | |||
CIVL1002 - Humanitarian Projects | |||
ENVR3004 - Protected Area Management | |||
ERTH3002 - Analysis of Food, Soils and Water | |||
ENVR2011 - Ecological Economics | Note 1 | ||
AGRC2007 - Plant Biology | |||
FORS3007 - Pest and Disease Management |
Forest Science Specialisation Recommended Electives
Title | Note | ||
---|---|---|---|
SOIL5001 - Soil Processes | Note 1 | ||
AGRC2004 - Soil Management | Note 1 | ||
FORS3006 - Ecosystem Modelling for Management | Note 1 | ||
ENVR3004 - Protected Area Management | Note 1 | ||
AGRC2007 - Plant Biology | Note 1 | ||
AGRC2008 - Agricultural and Forest Value Chains | Note 1 | ||
FORS3007 - Pest and Disease Management | Note 1 | ||
GENG3001 - Drone Technology and Spatial Analysis | |||
ERTH3001 - Coastal and Fluvial Hydrodynamics | |||
CIVL2016 - Rainfall-Runoff Modelling | Note 3 | ||
ENVR2010 - Principles of Stormwater and Drainage Management | Note 3 | ||
ENVR3009 - Biogeochemistry |
Marine Systems Specialisation Recommended Electives
Title | Note | ||
---|---|---|---|
MRNE3006 - Reefs | |||
MRNE5001 - Ocean Change Biology | Note 1 | ||
ERTH2003 - Aquatic Pollution and Catchment Management | Note 1 | ||
MRNE3008 - Marine Megafauna | Note 1 | ||
GENG3001 - Drone Technology and Spatial Analysis | Note 1 | ||
BIOL2001 - Genetics | |||
ENVR3004 - Protected Area Management | Note 1 | ||
ENVR2011 - Ecological Economics | Note 1 | ||
ERTH2002 - Ecosystem Regeneration | |||
FORS3007 - Pest and Disease Management | Note 1 | ||
TOUR2006 - Coastal and Marine Tourism | |||
ERTH3001 - Coastal and Fluvial Hydrodynamics | |||
FORS3006 - Ecosystem Modelling for Management |
Regenerative Agriculture Specialisation Recommended Electives
Title | Note | ||
---|---|---|---|
GENG1003 - Geographic Information Systems I: Mapping | Note 1 | ||
CIVL1002 - Humanitarian Projects | |||
BUSN1004 - Starting a Business | |||
NUTR1001 - Food and Nutrition in Health | |||
BUSN1007 - The Interconnected World | Note 1 | ||
INDG1002 - Indigenous Knowledge | |||
ERTH2003 - Aquatic Pollution and Catchment Management | Note 1 | ||
AGRC2007 - Plant Biology | Note 1 | ||
ENVR2010 - Principles of Stormwater and Drainage Management | Note 1 | ||
FORS2001 - Fire Ecology and Management | |||
ENVR2002 - Wildlife Conservation | |||
BIOL2001 - Genetics | Note 1 | ||
FORS3007 - Pest and Disease Management | Note 1 | ||
ENVR2011 - Ecological Economics | Note 1 | ||
MRNE2009 - Invertebrate Life | |||
ERTH2002 - Ecosystem Regeneration | |||
AGRC2008 - Agricultural and Forest Value Chains | Note 1 | ||
ENVR3004 - Protected Area Management | |||
FORS3006 - Ecosystem Modelling for Management | |||
CIVL3005 - Water and Wastewater Engineering | |||
GENG3001 - Drone Technology and Spatial Analysis | |||
ENVR3003 - Internship Study | Note 2 | ||
ENVR3009 - Biogeochemistry | |||
ERTH3002 - Analysis of Food, Soils and Water | |||
LAWS2065 - Ecological Jurisprudence |