Course summary

The Bachelor of Science at Southern Cross University is a flexible 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. Learn more about the specialisations and majors available in this degree.

The Bachelor of Science at Southern Cross University is a flexible 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. Learn more about the specialisations and majors available in this degree.

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.

  • Earth and Environmental Systems covers ecology, ecosystem regeneration, biogeochemistry, modelling and resource management (including water, catchments and waste/resources in the circular economy). You can choose from a range of elective units, including ecological economics, wildlife conservation, and protected area management.
     
  • Marine Systems 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 from a range of elective units including marine megafauna, ocean change biology, drone technology and special analysis, and coastal fluvial hydrodynamics.
     
  • Forestry Systems 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 elective units including modelling natural systems, plant and disease management, agriculture and forest value chains, and plant biology.
     
  • Regenerative Agriculture covers 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 specialisation is on-farm residential schools. 
     

Majors

You can choose one major plus a range of elective units or a double major and an elective unit. Majors available include:

Course Learning Outcome

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 Term 1 N/A N/A
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour Term 1 N/A N/A
Online Term 1 N/A N/A

Fee information

Commonwealth supported

International

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Lismore Term 1 $31,600 ($3,950 per unit) 104730A
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour Term 1 $31,600 ($3,950 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 units (288 credit points), comprising:

  • 1 specialisation in Earth and Environmental Systems or Marine Systems or Forestry Systems or Regenerative Agriculture or a double specialisation in Earth and Environmental Systems and Marine Systems; (288 credit points) or
  •  6 core units (72 credit points), and 1 science major (96 credit points), and 10 equivalent elective units  (120 credit points); or
  •  6 core units (72 credit points), 2 science majors (192 credit points), and equivalent 2 elective unit/s (24 credit points); or
  •  6 core units (72 credit points), 1 science major (96 credit points), 1 shared major (96 credit points), and equivalent 2 elective unit/s  (24 credit points).

 

Schedule of units

Title Note

Specialisations

Title Note
Take all of the following 16 units (192 credit points):
SCIN1004 - Earth Systems
ENVR1001 - Science and Global Challenges
STAT1002 - Scientific Data Management and Analysis
STAT2003 - Data Collection and Quantitative Analysis
INDG3001 - Caring for Country
ERTH2004 - Project Management and Professional Development
ENVR1005 - Ecosystem Management and Regeneration
BIOL1005 - Cells and Molecules Note 1
CHEM1001 - Chemistry
SCIN1005 - Organisms and Environments
PLAN3001 - Waste as a Resource
ERTH2003 - Aquatic Pollution and Catchment Management
BIOL2011 - Ecology for Natural and Managed Systems
CHEM2001 - Environmental Chemistry
FORS3006 - Ecosystem Modelling for Management
ENVR3009 - Biogeochemistry
Choose a further 8 units (96 credit points) from the following list of option units:
GENG1003 - Geographic Information Systems I: Mapping
CIVL1002 - Humanitarian Projects
SOIL2001 - Soil Processes Note 1
ENVR2002 - Wildlife Conservation Note 1
FORS2001 - Fire Ecology and Management Note 1
BIOL2001 - Genetics
ENVR2011 - Ecological Economics Note 1
MRNE2009 - Invertebrate Life
MRNE2010 - Oceanography
FORS3007 - Pest and Disease Management
AGRC2007 - Plant Biology
ENVR2010 - Principles of Stormwater and Drainage Management Note 3
CIVL2016 - Rainfall-Runoff Modelling Note 3
ERTH3001 - Coastal and Fluvial Hydrodynamics
ENVR3003 - Internship Study Note 2
GENG3001 - Drone Technology and Spatial Analysis
ENVR3004 - Protected Area Management
ERTH3002 - Analysis of Food and Natural Products
CIVL3005 - Water and Wastewater Engineering
AGRC2005 - Ecological Perspectives: Human Ecology
SCIN3004 - Integrated Project

Title Note
Take all of the following 17 units (204 credit points):
SCIN1004 - Earth Systems
ENVR1001 - Science and Global Challenges
STAT1002 - Scientific Data Management and Analysis
STAT2003 - Data Collection and Quantitative Analysis
ERTH2004 - Project Management and Professional Development
INDG3001 - Caring for Country
FORS1001 - Introduction to Forest Science and Management
CHEM1001 - Chemistry
BIOL1005 - Cells and Molecules
FORS2011 - Native Forest Silviculture
FORS2001 - Fire Ecology and Management
SCIN1005 - Organisms and Environments
AGRC2007 - Plant Biology
FORS2012 - Wood Science and Utilisation Note 1
BIOL2011 - Ecology for Natural and Managed Systems
FORS3005 - Planted Trees and Forests
FORS2010 - Forest Operations and Technology
Choose a further 7 units (84 credit points) from the following list of option units:
GENG1003 - Geographic Information Systems I: Mapping
SOIL2001 - Soil Processes Note 1
AGRC2004 - Soil Management Note 1
FORS3006 - Ecosystem Modelling for Management Note 1
ENVR3004 - Protected Area Management 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
ENVR2010 - Principles of Stormwater and Drainage Management Note 3
CIVL2016 - Rainfall-Runoff Modelling Note 3
ENVR3009 - Biogeochemistry
ENVR2011 - Ecological Economics Note 1
BIOL2001 - Genetics
ENVR2002 - Wildlife Conservation
ENVR1005 - Ecosystem Management and Regeneration

Title Note
Take all of the following 19 units (216 credit points):
SCIN1004 - Earth Systems
ENVR1001 - Science and Global Challenges
STAT1002 - Scientific Data Management and Analysis
STAT2003 - Data Collection and Quantitative Analysis
INDG3001 - Caring for Country
ERTH2004 - Project Management and Professional Development
AGRC1003 - Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture
SCIN1005 - Organisms and Environments
CHEM1001 - Chemistry
BIOL1005 - Cells and Molecules
AGRC2007 - Plant Biology
SOIL2001 - Soil Processes
BIOL2011 - Ecology for Natural and Managed Systems
GENG1003 - Geographic Information Systems I: Mapping
AGRC2004 - Soil Management
AGRC2006 - Regenerative Agricultural Practices
AGRC3003 - Regenerative Agricultural Strategies
AGRC3004 - Planning Rural Landscapes
AGRC2005 - Ecological Perspectives: Human Ecology
Choose a further 5 units (60 credit points) from the following list of option units:
NUTR1001 - Food and Nutrition in Health
BUSN1007 - The Interconnected World
CIVL1002 - Humanitarian Projects
INDG1002 - Indigenous Knowledge
BUSN1004 - Starting a Business
ERTH2003 - Aquatic Pollution and Catchment Management Note 1
ENVR2010 - Principles of Stormwater and Drainage Management Note 3
CIVL2016 - Rainfall-Runoff Modelling Note 3
LAWS2065 - Ecological Jurisprudence
ENVR2002 - Wildlife Conservation
FORS2001 - Fire Ecology and Management
MRNE2009 - Invertebrate Life
BIOL2001 - Genetics Note 1
ENVR2011 - Ecological Economics Note 1
FORS3007 - Pest and Disease Management Note 1
ENVR3004 - Protected Area Management
FORS3006 - Ecosystem Modelling for Management
AGRC2008 - Agricultural and Forest Value Chains Note 1
ENVR3003 - Internship Study Note 2
CIVL3005 - Water and Wastewater Engineering
GENG3001 - Drone Technology and Spatial Analysis
ENVR3009 - Biogeochemistry
ERTH3002 - Analysis of Food and Natural Products
SCIN3004 - Integrated Project
ENVR1005 - Ecosystem Management and Regeneration

Title Note
Take all of the following 22 units (264 credit points):
SCIN1004 - Earth Systems
ENVR1001 - Science and Global Challenges
STAT1002 - Scientific Data Management and Analysis
STAT2003 - Data Collection and Quantitative Analysis
INDG3001 - Caring for Country
ERTH2004 - Project Management and Professional Development
ENVR1005 - Ecosystem Management and Regeneration
BIOL1005 - Cells and Molecules
CHEM1001 - Chemistry
SCIN1005 - Organisms and Environments
MRNE1001 - Marine Science and Management
BIOL2011 - Ecology for Natural and Managed Systems
ERTH2003 - Aquatic Pollution and Catchment Management
CHEM2001 - Environmental Chemistry
MRNE2008 - Fish Ecology and Aquaculture
MRNE2009 - Invertebrate Life
MRNE2010 - Oceanography
PLAN3001 - Waste as a Resource
FORS3006 - Ecosystem Modelling for Management
ENVR3009 - Biogeochemistry
MRNE3007 - Fisheries and Marine Parks Management
MRNE3006 - Reefs
Choose a further 2 units (24 credit points) from the following list of option units:
GENG1003 - Geographic Information Systems I: Mapping
CIVL1002 - Humanitarian Projects
SOIL2001 - Soil Processes
ENVR2002 - Wildlife Conservation
FORS2001 - Fire Ecology and Management
BIOL2001 - Genetics
ENVR2011 - Ecological Economics
FORS3007 - Pest and Disease Management
AGRC2007 - Plant Biology
ENVR2010 - Principles of Stormwater and Drainage Management Note 3
CIVL2016 - Rainfall-Runoff Modelling Note 3
ERTH3001 - Coastal and Fluvial Hydrodynamics
ENVR3003 - Internship Study Note 2
GENG3001 - Drone Technology and Spatial Analysis
ENVR3004 - Protected Area Management
ERTH3002 - Analysis of Food and Natural Products
CIVL3005 - Water and Wastewater Engineering
AGRC2005 - Ecological Perspectives: Human Ecology
TOUR2006 - Coastal and Marine Tourism
MRNE3008 - Marine Megafauna
MRNE3003 - Ocean Change Biology

Major Option Pathway

Science Majors

Shared Majors

Elective Units
Choose elective units from any of the specialisation units or any university wide elective unit.

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. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

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

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

ENVR1001 - Science and Global Challenges
SCIN1004 - Earth Systems
CHEM1001 - Chemistry
BIOL1005 - Cells and Molecules
STAT1002 - Scientific Data Management and Analysis
Elective
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
ERTH3002 - Analysis of Food and Natural Products

Second Year

CHEM2001 - Environmental Chemistry
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
ERTH2004 - Project Management and Professional Development
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
ERTH2003 - Aquatic Pollution and Catchment Management
Elective
STAT2003 - Data Collection and Quantitative Analysis
CHEM2002 - Organic Chemistry

Third Year

BIOL2007 - Biochemistry
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
INDG3001 - Caring for Country
ENVR3009 - Biogeochemistry
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective

Title Note

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

ENVR1001 - Science and Global Challenges
SCIN1004 - Earth Systems
BIOL1005 - Cells and Molecules
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
STAT1002 - Scientific Data Management and Analysis
Elective
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
SCIN1005 - Organisms and Environments

Second Year

BIOL2011 - Ecology for Natural and Managed Systems
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
ERTH2004 - Project Management and Professional Development
MRNE2009 - Invertebrate Life
Elective
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
STAT2003 - Data Collection and Quantitative Analysis
BIOL2001 - Genetics

Third Year

MRNE2008 - Fish Ecology and Aquaculture
AGRC2007 - Plant Biology
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
INDG3001 - Caring for Country
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
ENVR2002 - Wildlife Conservation
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective

Title Note

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

ENVR1001 - Science and Global Challenges
SCIN1004 - Earth Systems
PHYS1003 - Physics
Elective
MATH1001 - Foundation Mathematics
STAT1002 - Scientific Data Management and Analysis
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
MATH1005 - Introductory Algebra and Calculus

Second Year

MATH2003 - Calculus and Linear Algebra I
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
ERTH2004 - Project Management and Professional Development
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
MATH2002 - Calculus and Linear Algebra II
Elective
STAT2003 - Data Collection and Quantitative Analysis
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective

Third Year

MATH3001 - Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations
ERTH3001 - Coastal and Fluvial Hydrodynamics
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
INDG3001 - Caring for Country
MATH3003 - Computational Analysis
Second Science Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective

Notes

Note 1: Highly recommended unit for this specialisation
Note 2: Double-weighted unit
Note 3: Half-weighted unit
Note 4: This unit replaces BIOL1005 Cells and Molecules in the Applied Chemistry major when students choose a double major in Biology and Applied Chemistry

Unit groups