Bachelor of Science
Course summary for current students
Student Information Centre
Tel 1300 334 733
enquire@deakin.edu.au
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Tel 03 9244 6699
Email: sebe@deakin.edu.au
G = Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus
S = Geelong Waterfront Campus
W =Warrnambool Campus
X = Off campus
| Award granted | Bachelor of Science |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| CRICOS course code | 023646E |
| Deakin course code | S320 |
Note: offered to continuing students only. Continuing student should contact their course advisor for further information. | |
Course sub-headings
Course overview
Deakin's Bachelor of Science allows you to start with a broad program then specialise as you progress through the course, developing your interests and career aspirations.
The course is available as a single degree course or as a combined degree course with Arts, Commerce, Engineering, Law and Teaching (Science). Approved major sequences within the Bachelor of Science include Biology, Biological Chemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Forensic Biology, Information Technology, Mathematical Modelling, Multimedia Technology, Nanotechnology, Psychology and Zoology. See below for which major sequences are offered at which campus.
As part of the course you are required to complete a Laboratory Safety Induction Program, as well as Professional Practice/Science Skills units. The Professional Practice stream, plus an optional Industry-Based Learning placement will allow you to gain valuable work experience, giving you the opportunity to apply and consolidate knowledge gained in your course, experience workplace culture and workplace practices, explore career options and develop a professional network.
Fees and charges
Unit fees can be viewed within individual unit descriptions. You can search for a unit using the Unit Search.
Please be aware:
- Fees are calculated on a per unit basis
- Fees charged will depend on the individual units chosen
- Fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and services
Course rules
To be awarded the Bachelor of Science degree, a student must pass 24 credit points, of which 16 must be selected from science course-grouped units as set out below by campus:
Geelong students
- three compulsory Science Skills units
- completion of SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- at least one 8 credit point Science major sequence
- three Professional Practice units
- up to 4 credit points of Industry-based Learning (IBL) (STP221, STP222, STP321, STP322), is optional
- out of the remaining 10 credit points, 8 may be selected from units offered by any area of the University.
Core Science Skills units
| SLE111 | Cells and Genes (B, G, W) |
| SLE131 | Principles of Chemistry |
| SEP122 | Physics for the Life Sciences (B, G) |
Professional Practice units
Choose one unit from:
| SIT191 | Introduction to Statistics (G, X) |
| SEB121 | Engineering Practice (G, X) |
| SLE251 | Research Methods and Data Analysis (B, G, W) |
| HPS201 | Research Methods in Psychology A (B, G, W, X) |
Plus
| EES101 | Communicating Science (B, G) |
Plus choose one unit from:
| SEB323 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| SLE335 | Industrial Applications of Science |
- At least one 4 credit point Science minor sequence (2 credit points at level one and 2 credit points at level two)
- completion of SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- at least one 8 credit point Science major sequence
- three Professional Practice units
- up to 4 credit points of Industry Based Learning (IBL) (STP221, STP222, STP321, STP322) is optional
- out of the remaining 9 credit points, 8 may be selected from units offered by any area of the University
Choose one unit from:
| SLE251 | Research Methods and Data Analysis (B, G, W) |
| SIT191 | Introduction to Statistics (G, X) |
| HPS201 | Research Methods in Psychology A (B, G, W, X) |
Plus
| EES101 | Communicating Science (B, G) |
and
| SLE352 | Community Science Project (B, G) |
Science Minor Study
Students must complete four units from within one of the Bachelor of Science major sequences, including at least two units from each of levels 1 and 2.
Of the 24 credit points required for the degree, up to 10 credit points may be taken at level 1, at least 14 credit points must be taken over levels 2 and 3, and there must be at least 6 credit points at level 3 of which at least 4 must be in science course-grouped units.
Units that count towards the science course-grouped units are based on the Bachelor of Science major sequences and Professional Practice units. In summary, all units commencing with the following codes are science course-grouped: SBB, SBC, SBF, SBS, SEK, SEP, SIT, SQA, SQB, SQE, SQP, STP and HPS; and the units SHD201/SHD301. Students should seek advice from their enrolment officer for specific details.
The course structure offers students the flexibility to articulate into a combined Bachelor of Science course, such as the Bachelor of Teaching (Science)/Bachelor of Science at Melbourne after the first year of the course.
The Professional Practice stream, plus the optional industry-based learning placement allows students to gain valuable work experience, giving them the opportunity to apply and consolidate knowledge gained in their course, experience workplace culture and workplace practices, explore career options and develop a professional network.
Major sequences
Biological Chemistry (B)
Biotechnology (G)
Chemistry (G)
Earth Science (B)
Environmental Science (B)
Forensic Biology (G)
Information Technology (B, G)
Mathematical Modelling (B, G)
Multimedia Technology (B)
Nanotechnology (G)
Psychology (B, G)
Zoology (G)
The various science majors may also be taken as part of any other course allowing 8 credit points of elective units.
Details of major sequences
Biology (B, G) - unit set code MJ-S000008
There are a broad range of biology units available, which allow students to focus on one or more of the following areas: animal/plant biology, physiology/cell biology, or biochemistry/molecular biology.
Level 1
| SLE111 | Cells and Genes (B, G, W) |
| SLE132 | Biology: Form and Function (B, G) |
| SLE010 | Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (B, G, W) |
Level 2
Minimum of two units from:
SBB2-coded units
SQB2-coded units*
Level 3
Minimum of two units from:
SBB3-coded units
SQB3-coded units*
| SLE311 | Chemical Hazards (X) |
| SLE312 | Toxicology (X) |
| SLE314 | Research Project (B, G, W) |
*Students may complete a maximum of two SQB units as part of the 8 credit point Biology major sequence. Students are required to complete a minimum total of six units from levels 2 and 3 within the major which may include a maximum of 2 SQB units at levels 2 and 3. Prerequisites apply.
Biological Chemistry (B) - unit set code MJ-SU00012
The Biological Chemistry major provides the fundamental language of chemistry and chemistry arithmetic essential for students wishing to understand the more chemically oriented facets of modern biology.
Level 1
| SLE131 | Principles of Chemistry |
| SLE152 | Chemistry of Life |
| SLE010 | Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (B, G, W) |
Level 2
| SLE212 | Biochemistry (B, G) |
| SLE222 | Biochemical Metabolism (B, G) |
One of:
| SLE214 | Organic Chemistry (B, G) |
| SBC232 | Unit description is currently unavailable * |
One of:
| SLE213 | Introduction to Spectroscopic Principles (G) |
| SBC231 | Unit description is currently unavailable ^ |
Level 3
| SLE311 | Chemical Hazards (X) |
| SLE312 | Toxicology (X) |
* Not offered in 2011
^ Not offered in 2010 and 2011
Biotechnology (G) - unit set code MJ-S000026
The Biotechnology major is designed such that students will learn how to apply aspects of modern genetics and microbiology to areas of increased importance such as the production of medicine, foods and feed stocks, chemicals, diagnosis of disease and the management of wastes.
Level 1
| SLE152 | Chemistry of Life |
| SLE010 | Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (B, G, W) |
Level 2
| SEV216 | Unit description is currently unavailable * |
| SLE212 | Biochemistry (B, G) |
| SLE254 | Genetics (B, G, W) |
| SLE234 | Microbiology (B, G) |
Level 3
| SLE321 | Molecular Biology Techniques (B) |
| SLE333 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| SLE335 | Industrial Applications of Science |
* Not offered in 2011
Chemistry (G) - unit set code MJ-S000009
The Chemistry major introduces students to the four major sub-disciplines of chemistry; analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Students should note that the following major sequence does not qualify students for professional registration with the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).
Level 1
| SLE131 | Principles of Chemistry |
| SLE152 | Chemistry of Life |
| SLE010 | Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (B, G, W) |
Level 2
Choose two or more units from the following: prerequisites apply:
| SLE212 | Biochemistry (B, G) |
| SLE222 | Biochemical Metabolism (B, G) |
| SLE213 | Introduction to Spectroscopic Principles (G) |
| SLE214 | Organic Chemistry (B, G) |
| SLE229 | Introduction to Separation Science (G) |
Level 3
Choose two or more units from the following: prerequisites apply:
| SLE311 | Chemical Hazards (X) |
| SLE312 | Toxicology (X) |
| SLE316 | Analytical Chemistry (G) |
| SLE318 | Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry (G) |
Note: A minimum of six of the above units must be chosen from levels 2 and 3 within the major.
Earth Science (B) - unit set code MJ-S000010
The Earth Science major involves an integrated study of our planet and its environments, both past and present; an understanding of the interacting natural systems that operate on and within our planet; and an examination of the evolution of our planet over the immense perspective of time.
Level 1
| SLE136 | History of Life (B) |
| SLE102 | Physical Geography (B, G) |
Level 2
SLE231 Hydrology and Water Resources Management (B)
| SLE237 | Biogeography (B) |
| SLE239 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (B) |
Level 3
| SLE395 | Palaeobiology (B, X) |
| SLE305 | Catchment and Coastal Management (B) |
| SLE342 | Risks to Healthy Environments (B) |
Environmental Science (B) - unit set code MJ-S000011
There are a broad range of Ecology and Environmental Science units available, including areas such as plant and animal conservation, environmental assessment and monitoring, property management planning, natural resource management and land rehabilitation, marine and freshwater biology, integrated pest management, environmental economics, fisheries management and aquaculture. Note that many of the units/areas of study are campus specific.
Level 1
Any two level 1 SQA/SQB/SQE-coded units
Level 2
Any two level 2 SQA/SQB/SQE-coded units
Level 3
Any two level 3 SQA/SQB/SQE-coded units
Plus an additional two level 2 or level 3 SQA/SQB/SQE coded units.
Note: Prerequisites apply.
Forensic Biology (G) - unit set code MJ-S000024
The Forensic Biology major incorporates an integrated study of biology with laboratory techniques, which are of relevance to forensic investigators.
Level 1
| SLE112 | Fundamentals of Forensic Science (G) |
| SLE132 | Biology: Form and Function (B, G) |
| SLE010 | Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (B, G, W) |
Level 2
| SLE211 | Principles of Physiology (B, G) |
| SLE221 | Anatomy and Physiology (B, G) |
| SLE254 | Genetics (B, G, W) |
| SLE208 | Forensic Biology (G) |
Level 3
| SLE321 | Molecular Biology Techniques (B) |
| SLE312 | Toxicology (X) |
Note: prerequisites apply.
Information Technology (B, G, X) - unit set code MJ-S000029
The Information Technology major allows students to gain a thorough grounding in the basic skills of computing, such as computer programming and software engineering. At the same time the program provides theoretical understanding and experience necessary to enable graduates to keep abreast of the rapidly changing field.
Level 1
| SIT101 | Fundamentals of Information Technology (B, G, X) |
| SIT103 | Introduction to Database Design (B, G, X) |
Level 2
| MSC228 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| SIT202 | Computer Networks (B, G, X) |
plus any level 2 SIT-coded unit
Level 3
| SIT301 | IT Practice |
| SIT302 | Project (B, G, X) |
plus any level 3 SIT-coded unit
Mathematical Modelling (B, G*, X) - unit set code MJ-S000007
The Mathematical Modelling major study may be included in any undergraduate degree which allows 8 credit points to be undertaken outside of the specified degree. A Mathematical Modelling major can be studied independently in the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.
Level 1
| SIT192 | Discrete Mathematics (B, G, X) |
| SIT194 | Introduction to Mathematical Modelling (B, G, X) |
Level 2
| SIT281 | Cryptography (B, G, X) |
| SIT291 | Mathematical Methods for Information Modelling (B, X) |
| SIT292 | Linear Algebra and Applications to Data Communications (B, X) |
Level 3
| SIT302 | Project (B, G, X) |
| SIT392 | Public-Key Cryptography (B, X) |
| SIT399 | Advanced Topics in Mathematics (B, X) |
* Note: Students at Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus will need to take some units in off-campus mode.
Multimedia Technology (B) - unit set code MJ-S000048
Multimedia technology is a growing area of technology that deals with designing, authoring, communicating and using multimedia information.
Level 1
| SIT161 | Principles of Interactive Media (B) |
| SIT162 | Interactive Media Systems (B, X) |
Level 2
| SIT253 | Audio and Visual Game Elements (B, G, X) |
| SIT263 | Interface Design (B, X) |
Level 3
| SIT361 | Multimedia Systems and Technology (B) |
| SIT362 | Advances in Interactive Media |
| SIT363 | Authoring of Interactive Media (B) |
| SIT364 | Multimedia Delivery Systems (B) |
Nanotechnology (G) - unit set code MJ-S000027
Nanotechnology is an emerging science that involves manipulating molecules like tiny 'building blocks' to develop new materials. The science will change the way we live, having an enormous impact on medicine, health, electronics, new materials and the environment. Students gain a fundamental understanding of materials science, chemistry and biology in the context of nanoscale applications. The focus is on problem-solving and manipulating molecules to help design new products.
Level 1
| SEK101 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| SEM111 | Engineering Materials 1 (G, X) |
| SLE010 | Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (B, G, W) |
Level 2
| SEK211 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| SEK212 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| SEK203 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
Level 3
| SEK301 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| SEK302 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| SEK320 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
Psychology (B, G) - unit set code MJ-SH00008
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science degree may undertake an 8 credit-point major sequence in psychology offered by the Faculty of Health. For details of the Psychology major sequence, please refer to H300 Bachelor of Health Sciences.
Zoology (G) - unit set code MJ-S000025
Students taking this major will study the biology of animals from a number of aspects ranging from an understanding of how animals work, their evolution and their relationship with the environment.
Level 1
| SLE111 | Cells and Genes (B, G, W) |
| SLE132 | Biology: Form and Function (B, G) |
| SLE010 | Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (B, G, W) |
Level 2
| SLE204 | Animal Diversity (B, G) |
| SLE254 | Genetics (B, G, W) |
| SLE263 | Marine and Coastal Ecosystems (G, W) |
Level 3
| SLE315 | Comparative Animal Physiology (W, X) |
| SLE397 | Sensory Neurobiology and Behaviour (G) |
| SLE370 | Evolution (B, X) |
