Bachelor of Science

2018 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2018 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]
Year2018 course information
Award granted Bachelor of Science
Course Map

If you started your course before 2018, please refer to the plan your study page or contact a Student Adviser.

Campus
Cloud CampusNo
Duration3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code083996G Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Deakin course codeS320
Approval statusThis course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Science at Deakin is a flexible degree that allows you to explore a diverse range of science-related study areas before you choose to specialise in at least one area of interest as you progress through the course. The degree is about more than just laboratory work, and prepares you for a diverse range of real-life settings in which today's science graduates work. Majors are available in Animal Biology, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Chemistry and Materials Science, Environmental Science, Genomics, Geography, Human Biology, Mathematical Modelling, Natural History and Plant Biology.

Throughout the course you’ll gain experience through practical programs undertaken in modern teaching laboratories, complete a Community Science Project and have an opportunity to undertake an Industry-Based Learning placement, which will provide you with valuable work experience before you graduate.

This course is available as a single degree or as a combined degree course with Arts, Commerce, Law and Teaching.

Units in the course may include assessment hurdle requirements.

Indicative student workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Career opportunities

Graduates of this course may find career opportunities in government institutions, in roles such as quality assurance, occupational health and safety, research, planning, management or marketing; science related industries, working in pharmaceutical production or pharmaceutical sales; biomedical science areas such as research or hospital and laboratory science; quality assurance in analytical and diagnostic laboratories; the food industry in quality control; environment and natural resources, fisheries resource management, aquaculture management, teaching, information technology, mathematics or science journalism to name a few.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.


Attendance requirements

You may be required to complete units in Trimester 3 depending on your chosen major. Please refer to the Handbook for unit offering patterns.

Elective units may be selected that may include compulsory placement, study tours, work-based training or collaborative research training arrangements.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, your fee category and the year you started. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of the scientific disciplines of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and the environment within the chosen major area(s) of study to demonstrate a deep understanding of scientific facts, scientific practices and the edifice of science.

Apply technical knowledge and skills and use them in a range of activities, in a professional and/or academic setting within the major area(s) of study; this application of technical knowledge and skills being characterised by demonstrable in-depth knowledge of scientific methods and tools, and demonstrable proficiency in the utilisation of chosen major area(s) knowledge.

Use hypotheses, laws, facts and theories to investigate, test, analyse, and evaluate scientific data and demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement and responsibility to argue about characteristics and aspects of scientific theory in the advancement of science.

Communication

Demonstrate listening skills and the ability to use a range of communication skills to accommodate, encourage and answer audience questions.Articulate the boundaries or limits of scientific information, experimental or field data, discuss error, probability, uncertainty, conclusions and arguments.

Judge how well to present essential details of scientific procedures, key observations, results and conclusions in a professional manner using appropriate style, language and references including local, national, and international contributions or contexts.

Digital literacy

Use well-developed technical skills, judgement and responsibility to independently locate, analyse, evaluate the merits of, synthesise and disseminate scientific literature, information, data and results.

Critical thinking

Locate and evaluate scientific information from multiple sources and use scientific methods and frameworks to structure and plan observations, experimentation or fieldwork investigations.

Use critical and analytical thinking and judgement to analyse, synthesise and generate an integrated knowledge, formulate hypotheses and test them against evidence-based scientific concepts and principles.

Problem solving

Use initiative and creativity in planning, identifying and using multiple approaches to recognise, clarify, construct and solve problems taking into account relevant contextual factors.

Advocate scientific methodologies, hypotheses, laws, facts and principles to create solutions to authentic real world problems. 

Self-management

Take personal, professional and social responsibility within changing professional science contexts to develop autonomy as learners and evaluate own performance.

Work autonomously, responsibly and safely to solve unstructured problems and actively apply knowledge of regulatory frameworks and scientific methodologies to make informed choices.

Teamwork

Work independently and collaboratively as a team to contribute towards achieving team goals and thereby demonstrate interpersonal skills including the ability to brainstorm, negotiate, resolve conflicts, managing difficult and awkward conversations, provide constructive feedback and work in diverse professional, social and cultural contexts.

Global citizenship

Apply scientific knowledge and skills with a high level of autonomy, judgement, responsibility and accountability in collaboration with others to articulate the place and importance of science in the local and global community.

 Approved by Faculty Board 27 July 2017

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Science, students must attain 24 credit points. Most units (think of units as ‘subjects’) are equal to 1 credit point. So that means in order to gain 24 credit points, you’ll need to study 24 units (AKA ‘subjects’) over your entire degree. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.

The 24 credit points include 8 core units (these are compulsory), 10 elective units (you can choose which ones to study) and 6 units from a major study (you will be required to complete at least one major).

The course comprises a total of 24 credit points, which must include the following:

  • at least 16 credit points from science course grouped units
  • 8 core science units
  • At least one 6 credit point approved Science major sequence
  • Completion of SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit-point compulsory unit)
  • Completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
  • Completion of STP010 Introduction to Work Placements (0 credit-point compulsory unit)
  • Level 1 – up to 10 credit points
  • Level 3 - at least 6 credit points (at least 4 must be Science course grouped)
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.

Major sequences

Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
Students must complete at least one major from the following areas:

Course structure

Electives

Select from a range of elective units offered across many courses. In some cases you may even be able to choose elective units from a completely different discipline area (subject to meeting unit requirements).

Course structure

Core

STP050Unit description is currently unavailable (0 credit points)

SLE010Unit description is currently unavailable (0 credit points)

STP010Unit description is currently unavailable (0 credit points)

SLE111Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE103Unit description is currently unavailable

SIT191Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE123Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE209Unit description is currently unavailable

EES200Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE352Unit description is currently unavailable #

Chemistry - choose one from:

SLE133Unit description is currently unavailable ^

SLE155Unit description is currently unavailable ^

^Note: Students who have not completed Year 12 Chemistry or equivalent may choose to do SLE133 Chemistry in Our World in Trimester 1.  Students who have completed Year 12 Chemistry or equivalent may choose to do SLE155 Chemistry for the Professional Sciences in Trimester 2.

# Must have successfully completed STP010 Introduction to Work Placements (0 credit point unit)

Work experience

You will have an opportunity to undertake a discipline-specific Industry-Based Learning placement as part of your course. This will provide you with the opportunity to apply and consolidate what you are learning in your course, experience workplace culture and workplace practices, explore career options and develop a professional network before you graduate. deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil.

Details of major sequences

Genomics

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-S000075

Overview

Genomics is the study of the genetic code of plants, animals and bacteria. This major sequence provides an introduction to the nature of genes and genomes, how they are structured, function and evolve. You will also learn about DNA sequencing and analysis and how an understanding of genomics relates to human health and wellbeing, the environment, biodiversity management and food production systems.

Units

SLE234Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE254Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE208Unit description is currently unavailable ^

SLE340Unit description is currently unavailable *

SLE321Unit description is currently unavailable ~

SLE341Unit description is currently unavailable *

^ Available at the Melbourne Burwood Campus from 2019

* Available at the Melbourne Burwood Campus from 2020

~ Available at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus from 2020

Details of major sequences

Geography

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne)

Unit set code

MJ-S000074

Overview

This major sequence is ideally suited to students with an interest in human and physical geography. Human geographers focus on economic, social and cultural dimensions that shape our relationship with the environment. Physical geographers seek to explore and understand the planet's many natural environments, as well as the distribution of plants and animals.

Units

SLE102Unit description is currently unavailable

AIG103Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE202Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE237Unit description is currently unavailable (Tri-3)

SLE328Unit description is currently unavailable #

AIG300Unit description is currently unavailable

# available from 2019

Details of major sequences

Fisheries and Aquaculture

Campus

Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-S000072

Overview

This major sequence provides you with comprehensive training in fisheries resource management, aquaculture management, and fisheries biology, with a focus on environmental sustainability, particularly renewable resource exploitation and culture of marine and freshwater species. You will learn about fisheries and aquaculture from a global perspective, including topics such as fish markets, nutrition and farm certification processes, the history of Australian fisheries, fisheries methods and impacts of fishing.

Units

SLE134Unit description is currently unavailable (Tri-3)

SLE262Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE261Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE217Unit description is currently unavailable #

SLE329Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE343Unit description is currently unavailable *

# available from 2019

* not available in 2018

Details of major sequences

Natural History

Campus

Burwood (Melbourne)

Unit set code

MJ-S000069

Overview

Natural history involves the study of plants and animals in their natural environment, and leans more towards observational than experimental study methods. This major sequence emphasises the biological aspects of natural history, and includes studies in zoology, botany and palaeontology.

Units

SLE136Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE204Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE203Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE237Unit description is currently unavailable (Tri-3)

SLE370Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE395Unit description is currently unavailable

Details of major sequences

Mathematical Modelling

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Cloud (online), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-S000007

Overview

Studies in mathematical modelling provide you with a strong critical knowledge base and develops powers of analysis, logical thinking and problem solving, as well as a high level of numerical ability.

Units

SIT192Unit description is currently unavailable

SIT194Unit description is currently unavailable

SIT291Unit description is currently unavailable

SIT292Unit description is currently unavailable

SIT396Unit description is currently unavailable

SIT399Unit description is currently unavailable

Mathematical Modelling sub-major sequence for E377 Bachelor of Health and Physical Education, D304 Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary), and pipelining D347 Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts and D351 Bachelor of Teaching (Science)/Bachelor of Science students:

For students who have completed VCE Mathematical Methods 3 & 4

SIT191Unit description is currently unavailable

SIT192Unit description is currently unavailable

SIT194Unit description is currently unavailable

SIT291Unit description is currently unavailable

SIT292Unit description is currently unavailable

or

SIT281Unit description is currently unavailable

For students who have not completed VCE Mathematical Methods 3 & 4

SIT191Unit description is currently unavailable

SIT192Unit description is currently unavailable

SIT190Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE251Unit description is currently unavailable

SIT292Unit description is currently unavailable

or

SIT281Unit description is currently unavailable

Details of major sequences

Human Biology

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-S000068

Overview

This major sequence enables you to discover how the body works and why it works that way through studies covering a broad range of areas relevant to human biology, including physiology and genetics, and their relationship to human disease.

Units

SLE132Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE254Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE211Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE221Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE323Unit description is currently unavailable

plus

SLE339Unit description is currently unavailable ~ or

SLE340Unit description is currently unavailable *

 

* Available at the Melbourne Burwood Campus from 2020

~ Available at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus from 2020

Details of major sequences

Freshwater Biology

Campus

Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-S000067

Overview

Freshwater biology is the study of freshwater ecosystems and the relationships between freshwater organisms and their physical and chemical environment. Focused on understanding and managing rivers, lakes and wetlands, you will develop the knowledge and skills to manage freshwater ecosystems and resources, whilst participating in fieldwork opportunities and industry placements. Offered as a major sequence within the Bachelor of Science, freshwater biology at Deakin focuses on real-world problem-solving, and addresses the challenges facing Australia’s freshwater systems.

Units

SLE263Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE244Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE223Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE348Unit description is currently unavailable #

SEV322Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE304Unit description is currently unavailable #

# Available at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus from 2019

Details of major sequences

Environmental Science

Campus

Burwood (Melbourne)

Unit set code

MJ-S000011

Overview

This major sequence focuses on the technical aspects of environmental science, and aims to provide a balance between environmental studies on the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.

Units

SLE102Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE239Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE231Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE202Unit description is currently unavailable

SHD301Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE322Unit description is currently unavailable

Details of major sequences

Chemistry and Materials Science

Campus

Burwood (Melbourne)

Unit set code

MJ-S000066

Overview

This major sequence provides students with an initial grounding in chemistry and builds towards specialised skills in materials chemistry (which involves the study and design of new materials) and electrochemistry (which deals with the interaction between electrical energy and chemical change).

Units

SLE210Unit description is currently unavailable *

SLE214Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE235Unit description is currently unavailable (Tri-3)

SLE212Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE330Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE338Unit description is currently unavailable

* prerequisite unit applies (SLE155 Chemistry for the Professional Sciences)

Details of major sequences

Chemistry

Campus

Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-S000009

Overview

This major sequence provides an introduction to the synthesis, separation, detection and measurement of chemical substances, their properties and reactions.

Units

SLE210Unit description is currently unavailable *

SLE213Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE214Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE229Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE316Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE318Unit description is currently unavailable

* prerequisite unit applies (SLE155 Chemistry for the Professional Sciences)

Details of major sequences

Cell Biology

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-S000065

Overview

This major sequence provides an introduction to the molecular and biochemical basis of cells, including their physiological properties, development, function and interaction with their environment. Students will also learn about the molecular basis of disease.

Units

SLE212Unit description is currently unavailable ^

SLE254Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE206Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE222Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE346Unit description is currently unavailable

plus

SLE340Unit description is currently unavailable * or

SLE321Unit description is currently unavailable ~

^ prerequisite unit applies (SLE155 Chemistry for the Professional Sciences)

~ Available at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus from 2020

* Available at the Melbourne Burwood Campus from 2020

Details of major sequences

Animal Biology

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-S000064

Overview

This major sequence provides an introduction to different aspects of animal biology including animal structure and function, evolution and evolutionary biology.

Units

SLE132Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE204Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE205Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE315Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE307Unit description is currently unavailable (Tri-3)

plus

SLE370Unit description is currently unavailable or

SLE372Unit description is currently unavailable

Plant Biology

Campus

Burwood (Melbourne)

Unit set code

MJ-S000070

Overview

This major sequence is ideally suited to those interested in botany and includes studies in plant morphology, identification, reproduction and evolution, as well as vegetation management and biogeography.

Units

SLE132Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE203Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE237Unit description is currently unavailable (Tri-3)

SLE310Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE317Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE370Unit description is currently unavailable


Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.


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Other learning experiences

To broaden your experience of the world, you will have an opportunity to participate in overseas placements and study tours as an elective option in your course.