Bachelor of Biological Science

2014 Deakin University Handbook

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Year2014 course information
Award granted Bachelor of Biological Science
CampusOffered at Burwood (Melbourne)
Cloud CampusNo
Duration3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code001841F Burwood (Melbourne)
Deakin course codeS321

Course sub-headings

Course overview

The Bachelor of Biological Science aims to produce high-quality graduates with generic skills, theoretical knowledge and relevant, wide-ranging practical experience in both the laboratory and the field, to gain employment either in the biological field, a related science field or to succeed in further study.

This recently revised course provides the opportunity to study and conduct research projects in zoology, cell and molecular biology, genetics, physiology or ecology to gain real-life experience in your profession. A series of professional practice units will introduce you to a career in biology, while a work placement gives you an insight into laboratory science, field science or an approved alternative. You will also have the opportunity to apply for an Industry Based Learning placement which will allow you to apply and consolidate knowledge gained in your course, experience workplace culture and workplaces practices, explore career options and develop a professional network.

This course has a first year of foundation units followed by a second year focusing on biodiversity and organismal biology. Using electives from second and third year, you are able to pursue a particular interest in biology either by selecting a major in Zoology or Cell and Molecular Biology, or by tailoring your degree with elective units which you may choose from a range of second and third-year biology units or units from any other faculty within the University.

 An honours year is available for high-achieving students upon completion of this degree.

Units in the course may include assessment hurdle requirements.

Career opportunities

Biological scientists are employed in a vast range of areas including those within the general health and medical industry (hospital scientists, analytical and diagnostic laboratory scientists and research scientists), food and agriculture-based industries, animal health, quarantine, wildlife biology, environmental consulting, museums, herbaria and the emerging biotechnology industries.

Course rules

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

  • 15 core units (including 1 restricted level 1 unit and 1 Professional Practice unit at level 3)
  • 9 elective units
  • Completion of SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit-point compulsory unit)
  • level 1 - up to 10 credit points
  • levels 2 and 3 - at least 14 credit points over both levels
  • level 3 - at least 6 credit points

Course structure

Level 1

Trimester 1

SLE010Unit description is currently unavailable *

SLE111Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE133Unit description is currently unavailable ^

SLE103Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE115Unit description is currently unavailable

Trimester 2

SLE132Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE136Unit description is currently unavailable

One unit from:

SEP122Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE155Unit description is currently unavailable ^

SLE102Unit description is currently unavailable

plus one elective unit

* SLE010 is a compulsory 0-credit-point unit.

^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.

Level 2

Trimester 1

SLE203Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE204Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE234Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE251Unit description is currently unavailable

Trimester 2

SLE254Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE206Unit description is currently unavailable

plus two elective units

Level 3

Trimester 1

SLE370Unit description is currently unavailable

plus three elective units

Trimester 2

One unit from:

SLE390Unit description is currently unavailable #

SLE314Unit description is currently unavailable ^

SLE352Unit description is currently unavailable

plus three elective units

^ SLE314 Research Project is also available in Trimesters 1 and 3 (students would normally be expected to have an approved academic standard of distinction average in level 2 studies, please contact your Course Advisor prior to enrolling in this unit).

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

Course structure

Course structure

Course structure

Zoology Major: unit set code MJ-S000054

Burwood (Melbourne)

Study the biology of animals from several aspects ranging from an understanding of how animals function, their evolution and their relationship with the environment.

Students can use their elective units to obtain a Zoology Major by completing the following units:

SLE111Unit description is currently unavailable *

SLE132Unit description is currently unavailable *

SLE204Unit description is currently unavailable *

SLE205Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE237Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE360Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE395Unit description is currently unavailable

Plus unit one from:

SLE350Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE307Unit description is currently unavailable

* Core units within the course

Course structure

Cell and Molecular Biology Major: unit set code MJ-S000031

Burwood (Melbourne)

The cell and molecular biology sequence is designed to provide a focused understanding of advanced molecular cell biology, microbiology and human molecular genetics. This sequence will also prepare you to focus and acquire theoretical and practical skills in molecular biology.

Students can use their elective units to obtain a Cell and Molecular Biology Major by completing the following units:

SLE111Unit description is currently unavailable *

SLE155Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE206Unit description is currently unavailable *

SLE212Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE222Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE234Unit description is currently unavailable *

SLE321Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE339Unit description is currently unavailable

Note: pre-requisites apply.

* Core units within the course

Course structure

Course structure

Course structure

Course structure

Course structure

Course structure

Course structure