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Bachelor of Science

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

  • Duration

    3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

  • Location

    View in availability
    Some units may only be available to study online and some include residential workshops.

  • Placements

    NA

  • Course abbreviation

    BSc

  • Course code

    3007291

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Indicative Fee


Overview

The Bachelor of Science provides a thorough grounding in science as well as the opportunity to specialise in an area of interest through the study of a major in environmental chemistry, biology, engineering or mathematics.
 
The degree is ideal for attaining a general overview of science before specialising in a specific course of study. It offers flexibility in subject choices and a wide range of electives, enabling students to tailor their study to their learning goals.
 
Students complete an internship or an integrated project as part of their studies.

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

Demonstrate skills of critical analysis, and application of scientific methods in a discipline of science

Creativity

Demonstrate imagination, initiative and enterprise in problem-solving

Respond creatively to intellectual, professional, environmental and social challenges

Ethical practice

Evaluate issues with reference to sound ethical frameworks and sustainability

Demonstrate well developed judgement on principles of social justice and professional standards

Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of science

Apply disciplinary knowledge and skills in professional and community settings

Demonstrate in-depth knowledge in one or more scientific disciplines

Lifelong learning

Demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in self-managed learning

Critically reflect on practice

Demonstrate information literacy skills

Communication and social skills

Communicate clearly and coherently knowledge and ideas in scientific contexts

Collaborate effectively on personal, scholarly, and professional terms

Cultural competence

Demonstrate awareness and respect for cultural diversity and the relationship between people and their environment

Students can elect to complete an eight-week industry internship placement to gain industry experience. Interns work with organisations across the science spectrum including local, state or federal government agencies; private consultancies; or business enterprises in Australia or overseas. 

Majors to select from include:

(Locations are indicated in brackets. Please note that some majors are only available online.)

Biology provides students with a broad base for understanding principles governing life processes at all levels–molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological. There is a strong focus on human impacts. The management of ecosystems is embedded throughout the major. (L, O*) 

Engineering ensures students have a sound base of environmental engineering knowledge coupled with principles of physical and biological sciences. (L)

Environmental Chemistry gives students the knowledge to solve chemically related environmental problems. Students will also gain an overview of sediment and aquatic chemistry, which includes laboratory analysis of materials.  (L, O*

Mathematics provides an area of specialisation for students in advanced mathematical skills. Subject areas can include an overview of algebra, calculus, physics and more complex analysis and group theories. (O)

CH = Coffs Harbour  GC = Gold Coast  L = Lismore  O = Online 

*Include on-campus, residential workshops.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Lismore Session 1 334116 054611
Online Session 1 N/A N/A

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Credit for prior learning

Students who have completed the Southern Cross University College Associate Degree of Science will be granted sixteen (16) units of Advanced Standing.

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Science students must complete 288 credit points, comprising:

  1. 4 core units, and
  2. 1 major, and
  3. 144 credit points in electives.

At least 6 units must be advanced level units.

Exit Awards

Students may be eligible to exit with the Diploma of Science after completing 8 units, comprising 4 core units and 4 units from any major, with no more than 4 units awarded as Advanced Standing.

Students may be eligible to exit with the Associate Degree of Science after completing 16 units, with no more than 8 units awarded as Advanced Standing.

Course structure

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.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
At least six of the 24 units must be "Advanced" units.
Year 1, Session 1
SCI10002 -  Science in Society Introductory
BIO00201 -  Biology Introductory
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
Year 1, Session 2
MAT00211 -  Environmental Information Analysis Introductory
BIO00202 -  Ecology Introductory
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
Year 2, Session 1
One major unit from group one Biology
Two units from group two Biology
One elective unit from Part C Elective units
Year 2, Session 2
One unit from group 1 Biology
Two units from group two Biology
One unit from Part C Elective units
Year 3, Session 1
Four elective units from Part B or Part C Elective units
Year 3, Session 2
Choose either SCI00211 -  Integrated Project or ENV00224 -  Internship Study Advanced
Two elective units from Part B or Part C Elective units

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
At least six of the 24 units must be "Advanced" units
Year 1, Session 1
SCI10002 -  Science in Society Introductory
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
Year 1, Session 2
MAT00211 -  Environmental Information Analysis Introductory
CHE00201 -  Chemistry Introductory
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One Unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
Year 2, Session 1
One unit from Environmental Chemistry
One unit from Environmental Chemistry
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
Year 2, Session 2
One unit from Environmental Chemistry
One unit from Environmental Chemistry
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
Year 3, Session 1
One unit from Environmental Chemistry
One unit from Environmental Chemistry
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
Year 3, Session 2
Choose either ENV00224 -  Internship Study or SCI00211 -  Integrated Project Advanced Note 3
One unit from Environmental Chemistry
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
At least six of the 24 units must be "Advanced" units
Year 1, Session 1
SCI10002 -  Science in Society Introductory
MAT10251 -  Statistical Analysis Intermediate
ENG10759 -  Processes and Philosophy of Engineering Introductory
PHY10760 -  Physics and Materials
Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
Year 2, Session 1
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B Engineering
One unit from Part B Engineering
One unit from Part B Engineering
Year 2, Session 2
One unit from Part B Engineering
One unit from Part B Engineering
ENG10757 -  Applied Mechanics Introductory
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
Year 3, Session 1
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
Year 3, Session 2
Choose either ENV00224 -  Internship Study or SCI00211 -  Integrated Project Advanced Note 3
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
At least six of the 24 units must be "Advanced" units
Year 1, Session 1
SCI10002 -  Science in Society Introductory
MAT10251 -  Statistical Analysis Intermediate
1st Mathematics unit
2nd Mathematics unit
Year 1, Session 2
3rd Mathematics unit
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
Year 2, Session 1
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
Year 2, Session 2
4th Mathematics unit
5th Mathematics unit
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
Year 3, Session 1
6th Mathematics unit
7th Mathematics unit
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units
Year 3, Session 2
Choose either ENV00224 -  Internship Study or SCI00211 -  Integrated Project Advanced Note 3
8th Mathematics unit
One unit from Part B or Part C Elective units

Note 1:

Choose this unit for the Biology & Environmental Chemistry majors

Note 2:

Choose this unit for the Engineering & Mathematics majors

Note 3:

Double-weighted unit

Note 4:

Advanced Unit

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Core units

Choose this unit:
SCI10002 Science in Society Introductory
Choose one of the following units based on the Major (see notes):
MAT00211 Environmental Information Analysis Introductory Note 1
MAT10251 Statistical Analysis Intermediate Note 2
Choose one of the following units:
ENV00224 Internship Study Advanced Note 3, Note 4
SCI00211 Integrated Project Advanced Note 3, Note 4

Majors

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Choose all of the following units:
CHE00201 Chemistry Introductory
AGR00214 Soil Processes Intermediate
GLY00232 Coastal Biogeochemistry Intermediate
CHE00073 Environmental Chemistry Intermediate
ENG20005 Hydrology Intermediate
AGR00215 Water and Catchment Management Advanced Note 4
ENG30012 Water and Wastewater Engineering Advanced Note 4
AGT00217 Land Degradation and Rehabilitation Advanced Note 4

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Choose both of these units:
BIO00201 Biology Introductory
BIO00202 Ecology Introductory
Choose two (2) of the following units:
BIO00212 Wildlife Conservation Intermediate
BIO00213 Plant Identification and Conservation Intermediate
BIO00232 Coastal Marine Ecosystems Intermediate
BIO01204 Wetland Ecosystems Intermediate
BIO01209 Aquaculture Management Intermediate
BIO00105 Fisheries Biology Advanced Note 4
Choose four (4) of the following units:
BIO00233 Fisheries Management Advanced Note 4
BIO10124 Ocean Change Biology Advanced Note 4
BIO10126 Marine Pollution Advanced Note 4
BIO10127 Coral Reefs on the Edge Intermediate
FOR00100 Fire Ecology and Management Intermediate
FOR00101 Plant Physiology and Ecology Intermediate
BIO10120 Marine Systems Science and Management Advanced Note 4
BIO10121 Successful Sampling Advanced Note 4
BIO10123 Marine Communities as Sentinels of Change Advanced Note 4
BIO10125 Sustainable Use of the Marine Environment Advanced Note 4
BIO10185 Marine Mammals: Biology and Conservation Advanced Note 4
FOR00109 Forest Modelling and Management Advanced Note 4

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Choose these three (3) units:
ENG10757 Applied Mechanics Introductory
ENG10759 Processes and Philosophy of Engineering Introductory
PHY10760 Physics and Materials Introductory
Choose five (5) of the following units:
ENG20001 Mechanics of Materials Intermediate
ENG20005 Hydrology Intermediate
ENG20002 Engineering Construction and Tendering Intermediate
ENG20003 Concrete Structures Intermediate
ENG30010 Traffic and Road Safety Engineering Introductory
ENG20006 Fluid Mechanics Intermediate
ENG30002 Soil Mechanics and Geology Advanced Note 4
ENG30004 Analysis and Computer Modelling of Structures Advanced Note 4
ENG30005 Design of Steel Structures Introductory
ENG30007 Geotechnical Engineering Advanced Note 4
ENG10758 Humanitarian Engineering Project Introductory
ENG30012 Water and Wastewater Engineering Advanced Note 4

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Choose all of the following seven (7) units:
MAT10718 Mathematical Ideas Introductory
MAT10720 Linear Algebra Intermediate
MAT10719 Calculus Intermediate
MAT10721 Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations Advanced Note 4
MAT10722 Complex Analysis Advanced Note 4
MAT30001 Group Theory Advanced Note 4
MAT30002 Topology Advanced Note 4
Choose one of the following units:
ISY00245 Principles of Programming Intermediate
PHY10760 Physics and Materials Introductory

Electives

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Students must ensure they complete at least 6 advanced level units in the course in total. Elective units can be selected from the list below or any unit from the majors.
GLY00201 Earth Systems I: The Lithosphere Introductory
ENS00203 Earth Systems II: The Hydrosphere Introductory
SUR00201 Environmental Mapping Introductory
PLN10001 Rural and Regional Planning Introductory
PLN20005 Community Engagement Intermediate
GLY00223 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Intermediate
ENV00207 Environmental Planning Intermediate
ISY01224 Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis Intermediate
ENV10655 Coastlines - Diversity, Dynamics and Risks Intermediate
ENS00218 Waste Technology Intermediate
BIO72020 Genetics Intermediate
AGR00215 Water and Catchment Management Advanced Note 4
BIO01230 Principles of Coastal Resource Management Advanced Note 4
ENV10656 Extension and Professional Practice in Natural Resource Management Advanced Note 4
BIO00244 Protected Area Management Advanced Note 4
CHE73005 Hazardous Waste and Leachates Advanced Note 4
ENO73001 Resource Recovery - Chemical and Engineering Solutions Advanced Note 4