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Bachelor of Science

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    View in availability

  • 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

    Commonwealth supported

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 regenerative agriculture, 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 you to tailor your study to your learning goals.

You will complete either an internship or an integrated project as part of your studies, giving you the opportunity to investigate a particular area in depth and develop your knowledge and skills in a field that interests you.

This course is delivered through the School of Environment, Science and Engineering, a leader in environmental sustainability with state-of-the-art science and engineering facilities and an international research profile.

Course Learning Outcome

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

Demonstrate imagination, initiative and enterprise in problem-solving

Respond creatively to intellectual, professional, environmental and social challenges

Evaluate issues with reference to sound ethical frameworks and sustainability

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

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

Demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in self-managed learning

Critically reflect on practice

Demonstrate information literacy skills

Communicate clearly and coherently knowledge and ideas in scientific contexts

Collaborate effectively on personal, scholarly, and professional terms

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.)

Regenerative Agriculture examines human ecology, agroecology, regenerative agronomy and soil management as well as the planning of rural landscapes. It draws on the University’s specialist expertise in plant science, agronomy, ecology, agroforestry, environmental chemistry and socio-ecological systems, developing specialist knowledge in a whole-of-system approach to food production and farm management. (Available online) NEW in 2020

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. (Available in Lismore and online*) 

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

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.  (Available in Lismore and online*) 

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. (Available online)

L = Lismore  O = Online 

*Include on-campus, residential workshops.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Lismore Session 1 , Session 2 N/A N/A
Online Session 1 , Session 2 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.

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Science, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

  • 4 core units based on your chosen major (48 credit points),
  • 1 major (96 credit points) and,
  • 12 equivalent elective units (144 credit points)

Exit Awards

Students may be eligible to exit with the Diploma of Science after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points) including 2 core units and 4 major units with no more than 4 units awarded as Advanced Standing.

Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree of Science after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points) including 2 core units and 4 major units with no more than 8 units awarded as Advanced Standing.

Entry requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

Language requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Science, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

  • 4 core units based on your chosen major (48 credit points),
  • 1 major (96 credit points) and,
  • 12 equivalent elective units (144 credit points)

Exit Awards

Students may be eligible to exit with the Diploma of Science after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points) including 2 core units and 4 major units with no more than 4 units awarded as Advanced Standing.

Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree of Science after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points) including 2 core units and 4 major 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
Please refer to the following Course Transition web page for progression information. https://www.scu.edu.au/current-students/enrolling/course-transitions/science-and-engineering-undergraduate-course-transitions-for-pre-2021-students/

Note 1:

Double-weighted unit

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Core units
Choose this unit:
SCI10002 Science in Society Introductory
Core units for the Biology, Chemistry and Regenerative Agriculture majors:
MAT00211 Environmental Information Analysis Introductory
Choose one of the following units:
ENV00224 Internship Study Advanced Note 1
SCI00211 Integrated Project Advanced Note 1
Core units for Engineering and Mathematics majors:
MAT10251 Statistical Analysis Intermediate
Choose one of the following units:
ENV00224 Internship Study Advanced
SCI00211 Integrated Project Advanced

Majors

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

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Choose both of these units:
BIO00201 Biology Introductory
BIO00202 Ecology Introductory
Choose six (6) 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
BIO10127 Coral Reefs on the Edge Intermediate
FOR00100 Fire Ecology and Management Intermediate
FOR00101 Plant Physiology and Ecology Intermediate
BIO00233 Fisheries Management Advanced
BIO00105 Fisheries Biology Advanced
BIO10124 Ocean Change Biology Advanced
BIO10126 Marine Pollution Advanced
BIO10120 Marine Systems Science and Management Advanced
BIO10121 Successful Sampling Advanced
BIO10123 Marine Communities as Sentinels of Change Advanced
BIO10125 Sustainable Use of the Marine Environment Advanced
BIO10185 Marine Mammals: Biology and Conservation Advanced
FOR00109 Forest Modelling and Management Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Choose these five (5) units:
MAT10001 Foundation Mathematics Introductory
ENG10759 Processes and Philosophy of Engineering Introductory
PHY10760 Physics and Materials Introductory
MAT71003 Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists Introductory
ENG10757 Applied Mechanics Introductory
Choose three (3) of the following units:
ENG30010 Traffic and Road Safety Engineering Introductory
ENG30005 Design of Steel Structures Introductory
ENG10758 Humanitarian Projects Introductory
ENG20001 Mechanics of Materials Intermediate
ENG20005 Hydrology Intermediate
ENG20002 Engineering Construction and Tendering Intermediate
ENG20003 Concrete Structures Intermediate
ENG20006 Fluid Mechanics Intermediate
ENG30002 Soil Mechanics and Geology Advanced
ENG30004 Analysis and Computer Modelling of Structures Advanced
ENG30007 Geotechnical Engineering Advanced
ENG30012 Water and Wastewater Engineering Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Choose all of the following units:
MAT10718 Mathematical Ideas Introductory
MAT71215 Introductory Algebra and Calculus Introductory
PHY10760 Physics and Materials Introductory
MAT10720 Calculus and Linear Algebra II Intermediate
MAT10719 Calculus Intermediate
ENI73025 Thermodynamics Advanced
MAT10722 Complex Analysis Advanced
MAT10721 Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
AGRC1002 Farming Systems Introductory
AGRC1001 Alternative Farming Systems Introductory
AGRC2001 Agroecology Intermediate
AGRC2004 Soil Management Intermediate
AGRC2002 Regenerative Agronomy Advanced
AGRC2003 Regenerative Agriculture: Strategies and Practices Advanced
AGRC2005 Ecological Perspectives: Human Ecology Advanced
AGRC3002 Planning Rural Landscapes Advanced

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
BIO01230 Principles of Coastal Resource Management Advanced
ENV10656 Extension and Professional Practice in Natural Resource Management Advanced
BIO00244 Protected Area Management Advanced
CHE73005 Hazardous Waste and Leachates Advanced
ENO73001 Resource Recovery - Chemical and Engineering Solutions Advanced