The Bachelor of Science requires three years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time) and the honours program an additional year (or equivalent part-time). The course is offered by the College of Science and Engineering.
The course is structured around coherent programs of study from First Year to Third Year, leading to a recognised major in a science discipline.
Admission to an honours program may be offered to a student who meets certain academic criteria and subject to the College being able to provide appropriate resources and staff to supervise the program of study.
Students who commenced prior to 2017 should refer to the previous course rule.
Admission requirements
The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements.
Course aims
The course has been developed with reference to the Science Threshold Learning Outcomes published by the Office of Teaching and Learning. The course aims to provide students with a broad-based foundation in science together with the ability to acquire extensive subject knowledge in one or more science disciplines. It also aims to develop a range of transferable research, analytical and communication skills including the capacity to:
- understand and apply relevant scientific principles
- retrieve and present scientific information, including communicating effectively with a variety of audiences in written and spoken form
- critically analyse and evaluate information and solve problems
- analyse and evaluate data
- appreciate the multidisciplinary aspect of the science disciplines and engage positively with people and ideas beyond their own discipline area
- use information technology to work independently and take responsibility for updating and adapting their knowledge and skills
- appreciate the role of science in society, the regulatory framework within which it operates and the ethical issues it raises
- work effectively cooperatively and productively within a team.
The course provides the foundations that will underpin ongoing professional development, preparing graduates for further study in a science or non-science related discipline or for a career in a science related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a coherent understanding of science by:
- articulating the methods of science and explaining why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry
- explaining the role and relevance of science in society
2. Exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge by:
- demonstrating well-developed knowledge in at least one disciplinary area
- demonstrating knowledge in at least one other disciplinary area
3. Critically analyse and solve scientific problems by:
- gathering, synthesising and critically evaluating information from a range of sources
- designing and planning an investigation
- selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation
- collecting, accurately recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from scientific data
4. Be effective communicators of science by:
- communicating scientific results, information, or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, and using a variety of modes
5. Be accountable for their own learning and scientific work by:
- being independent and self-directed learners
- working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context
- demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to their disciplinary area and personally practising ethical conduct.
Program of study
To qualify for the Bachelor of Science, a student must complete 108 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic including one science major.
No more than 45 units of First Year level topics^ may be included in the 108 units for the degree.
^ Topics designated 'any year' or with no year level specified are regarded as First Year level topics.
First Year
36 units comprising:
COMS1001 Academic and Professional Communication (4.5 units)†
SPOC1701 The Nature of Science (4.5 units)
First year topics as defined in the Major* (to include at least one numeracy topic as defined in the major)
First year Science electives to 27 units**
Electives from across the University for which the prerequisites are met, to take the first year total to 36 units
Second Year
36 units comprising:
18 units as defined in the Major*
9 units of Science electives at 2000 or above**
9 units of electives from across the University where prerequisites are met
Third Year
36 units comprising:
STEM3001 Science Connect (4.5 units)
18 units as defined in the Major*
9 units of Science electives at 2000 or above**#
4.5 units of electives from across the University where prerequisites are met
*Students choose one Major at first year and follow the same Major at second and third year
† Under certain conditions the core topic COMS1001 may be replaced with an alternative topic. See COMS1001 for further details.
**Science electives are defined as any BIOL, BIOD, BTEC, CHEM, COMP, CTEC, DSGN, EASC, ENGR, ENVS, FACH, GEOG, MATH, NANO, PHYS, SERC, SPOC, STAT or STEM topics for which the prerequisites are met.
Majors
Honours program
Admission to a 1 year (36 unit) Bachelor of Science honours program may be offered to a student who meets certain academic criteria and subject to the College being able to provide appropriate resources and staff to supervise the program of study. Refer to Bachelor of Science (Honours).
Combined degrees
The Bachelor of Science may also be studied in a combined degree program with:
