Bachelor of Science

Bachelors Degree

Domestic snapshot

Start Date

View in availability
Duration

3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
Location

View in availability
Placements

Yes

ATAR

65
Inherent Requirements

No
Language Requirements

IELTS Overall Score 6.0
Entry Requirements

View full entry requirements

Course abbreviation

BSc
Course code

3007420
Credit points

288
Equivalent units

24
Indicative Fee

Commonwealth supported

Overview

The Bachelor of Science at Southern Cross University is a streamlined, industry-orientated degree designed to produce graduates who do not just study the world - they solve its most critical challenges. This program is market-responsive and focused on high-employment relevance, blending rigorous theoretical knowledge with immersive field studies and optional work placements.

Through a scaffolded learning approach, you will progress from foundational scientific inquiry to mastering complex, independent research. You will graduate with a unique toolkit: the intellectual rigour to analyse data, the creativity to find scientific solutions, and the cultural competency to work alongside Indigenous and global communities.

Choose your specialisation

Your chosen specialisation will be recognised on your graduating testamur, signalling your focused expertise to employers worldwide.

Environment Specialisation

Focus on the protection and management of our natural world. You will explore ecosystems, biodiversity, and the mechanics of climate change.

The experience: Master environmental analysis and resource management through practical field sessions.

Careers: Graduate with skills to work as an Environmental Scientist, Natural Resource Manager, or GIS Analyst for government agencies, consulting firms, and NGOs.

Marine Specialisation

Dive into the "Blue Economy" at our world-class National Marine Science Centre, located adjacent to the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

The experience: Study oceanography, marine ecology, and aquaculture in a living laboratory. You will learn to manage marine parks and fisheries using holistic scientific methods.

Careers: Prepare for roles as a Marine Biologist, Fisheries Officer, or Marine Policy Analyst, focusing on global marine sustainability and eco-tourism.

Agriculture Specialisation

Address the global challenge of food security through sustainable practices. This specialisation bridges the gap between traditional farming and modern scientific innovation.

The experience: Develop practical skills in agronomy and soil science, integrating ethical practice and professional judgment into food production.

Careers: Launch a career as an Agricultural Scientist, Agronomist, or Food Policy Specialist in a sector with high demand for sustainability-focused experts.

Why Southern Cross Science?

Practical mastery: Integrated work placements and residential schools ensure you graduate with "boots-on-the-ground" experience.

Collaborative skills: We embed teamwork and communication throughout the degree, reflecting the collaborative nature of modern scientific workplaces.

Ethical leadership: Gain the professional integrity and cultural awareness required to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and diverse social contexts.

Course Learning Outcome
GA1: Intellectual rigour Apply holistic approaches and scientific methods to find solutions to complex and interdependent environmental and societal challenges. Select and apply appropriate scientific methods, techniques and tools to systematically collect and accurately record data. Develop practical and cognitive skills to synthesise, critically evaluate, and interpret scientific data and other information to draw rigorous conclusions and solve problems with intellectual independence.
GA2: Creativity Select and apply appropriate scientific methods, techniques and tools to systematically collect and accurately record data. Develop practical and cognitive skills to synthesise, critically evaluate, and interpret scientific data and other information to draw rigorous conclusions and solve problems with intellectual independence.
GA3: Ethical practice Develop reflective practice in the context of learning, professional development and ethical practice in science. Demonstrate professional judgement, ethical behaviour, academic and research integrity, and an understanding of relevant professional standards and regulatory frameworks.
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Develop practical and cognitive skills to synthesise, critically evaluate, and interpret scientific data and other information to draw rigorous conclusions and solve problems with intellectual independence. Demonstrate broad and well-developed knowledge of the theory and application of scientific principles and techniques.
GA5: Lifelong learning Develop practical and cognitive skills to synthesise, critically evaluate, and interpret scientific data and other information to draw rigorous conclusions and solve problems with intellectual independence. Develop reflective practice in the context of learning, professional development and ethical practice in science. Demonstrate collaborative skills and cultural competencies, including Indigenous perspectives.
GA6: Communication and social skills Apply holistic approaches and scientific methods to find solutions to complex and interdependent environmental and societal challenges. Develop practical and cognitive skills to synthesise, critically evaluate, and interpret scientific data and other information to draw rigorous conclusions and solve problems with intellectual independence. Effectively communicate scientific knowledge, arguments and conclusions clearly and coherently to a range of audiences using well-developed oral and written communication skills and a variety of media.
GA7: Cultural competence Demonstrate collaborative skills and cultural competencies, including Indigenous perspectives.

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Apply holistic approaches and scientific methods to find solutions to complex and interdependent environmental and societal challenges.

Select and apply appropriate scientific methods, techniques and tools to systematically collect and accurately record data.

Develop practical and cognitive skills to synthesise, critically evaluate, and interpret scientific data and other information to draw rigorous conclusions and solve problems with intellectual independence.

GA2: Creativity

Select and apply appropriate scientific methods, techniques and tools to systematically collect and accurately record data.

GA3: Ethical practice

Develop reflective practice in the context of learning, professional development and ethical practice in science.

Demonstrate professional judgement, ethical behaviour, academic and research integrity, and an understanding of relevant professional standards and regulatory frameworks.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate broad and well-developed knowledge of the theory and application of scientific principles and techniques.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Develop reflective practice in the context of learning, professional development and ethical practice in science.

Demonstrate collaborative skills and cultural competencies, including Indigenous perspectives.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Apply holistic approaches and scientific methods to find solutions to complex and interdependent environmental and societal challenges.

Effectively communicate scientific knowledge, arguments and conclusions clearly and coherently to a range of audiences using well-developed oral and written communication skills and a variety of media.

GA7: Cultural competence

Demonstrate collaborative skills and cultural competencies, including Indigenous perspectives.

Students may choose to undertake an optional internship placement at career-relevant workplaces.

Online students must complete on-campus compulsory residentials for some units (please see Notes for relevant units in the Course Structure/Progression section).

Students will choose from one of the following specialisations:

Environment

This specialisation focuses on understanding and managing the natural environment. Students learn about ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change and sustainability. The program equips graduates with skills in environmental analysis, resource management and conservation, preparing them for careers in environmental consulting, government agencies and non-profit organisations.

Marine

This specialisation builds on introductory earth systems knowledge with units at our National Marine Science Centre, positioned near the Solitary Islands Marine Park. These units cover oceanography, marine ecology, fish and aquaculture, reefs, fisheries and marine parks management.

This specialisation dives into the study of marine ecosystems, oceanography and marine conservation. Students explore the dynamic relationships between marine organisms and their environments. Graduates are well-positioned for roles in marine research and conservation, fisheries management and environmental policy.

Agriculture

The Agriculture specialisation focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, crop science and food production systems. Students learn about soil management, plant biology and modern agricultural technology. This prepares graduates for roles in agronomy, agricultural consulting and food security sectors.

The Bachelor of Science is characterised by practical field experience in all years, making use of our easy access to a variety of subtropical terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems.

Online students must complete on-campus compulsory residentials for some units (please see Notes for relevant units in the Course Structure/Progression section).

Location	Teaching period	UAC code	QTAC code
Lismore	Term 1, Term 3	N/A	N/A
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour	Term 1, Term 3	N/A	N/A
Online	Term 1, Term 3	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

Language 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

Category	Score
Overall	6.0
Listening	minimum 5.5
Reading	minimum 5.5
Speaking	minimum 5.5
Writing	minimum 5.5

Course requirements

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

9 core units (108 credit points), and
1 specialisation in Environment or Marine or Agriculture (132 credit points), and
4 equivalent option units (48 credit points).

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

Notes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

SCIN1004

Planet Earth

Term1,5

Location	Domestic	International
Lismore	Term1	Term1
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour	Term1	Term1
Online	Term1,5	Term1,5

ENVR1006

Effective Communication of Science

Term1,5

Location	Domestic	International
Lismore	Term1	Term1
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour	Term1	Term1
Online	Term1,5	Term1,5

BIOL1005

Cells and Molecules

Term1,2

Bachelor of Science

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

Start Date

Duration

Location

Placements

ATAR

Inherent Requirements

Language Requirements

Entry Requirements

Course abbreviation

Course code

Credit points

Equivalent units

Indicative Fee

Overview

Learning outcomes and graduate attributes

Placements, work experience and study hours

Specialisations, majors and minors

Availability

Requirements

Entry requirements

Language requirements

Course requirements

Course structure

Marine

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Environment

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Agriculture

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Note 1:

Note 2:

Core Units

Environment Specialisation

Marine Specialisation

Agriculture Specialisation

Option Units