Bachelor of Biological Science

Course summary for international students

Award granted Bachelor of Biological Science
CampusOffered at Melbourne Burwood Campus
Off-campusNo
Length3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Next available intake

March (Trimester 1), July (Trimester 2)

Indicative annual fee 2014$27,850* AUD
LevelUndergraduate
CRICOS course code001841F
IELTS Requirement

Overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0 (or equivalent). More information is available at www.ielts.org

Deakin course code S321
VTAC Codes1400516063 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
Faculty contactsDeakin International
Tel +61 3 9627 4877
Online enquiry

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.

Fees and charges

Fee paying place - International (IFP)
A Fee paying place is one for which the University does not receive any government funding. As such, students enrolled in these places are required to contribute the full cost of their course.

Fees for international students apply to persons living in Australia with Temporary Resident status, provided that there is no limitation on study and persons living abroad who are not Australian citizens and do not have Permanent Resident status in Australia.

Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL)
EFTSL is the standard annual full time load. Eight credit points is the standard full time load for one year of study.

* The 'indicative annual course fee' cited has been provided as a guide only. It has been calculated on the basis of a typical enrolment of a student undertaking the course in 2014, and reflects the cost involved in undertaking a full-time quota of units within the specified discipline.
The actual fees charged by Deakin University will depend upon the discipline from which each individual unit is chosen, and may vary from the indicative course fee cited, particularly if units are chosen from a number of disciplines. The cost of each unit offered in 2014 can be viewed from the Unit Search.
Please note that the fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and service.
Deakin assumes no responsibility for persons relying on 'indicative course fees' to calculate the total future cost of their course.

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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.

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Course rules

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

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Course structure

Level 1

Trimester 1

SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program  *

SLE111 Cells and Genes  

SLE133 Chemistry in Our World  ^

SLE103 Ecology and the Environment  

SLE115 Essential Skills in Bioscience  

 

Trimester 2

SLE132 Biology: Form and Function  

SLE136 History of Life  

 

One unit from:

SEP122 Physics for the Life Sciences  

SLE155 Chemistry for the Professional Sciences  ^

SLE102 Physical Geography  

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

SLE203 Plant Biology  

SLE204 Animal Diversity  

SLE234 Microbiology  

SLE251 Research Methods and Data Analysis  

 

Trimester 2

SLE254 Genetics  

SLE206 Molecular Cell Biology  

plus two elective units

 

Level 3

Trimester 1

SLE370 Evolution  

plus three elective units

 

Trimester 2

One unit from:

SLE390 Professional Practice in Bioscience  #

SLE314 Research Project  ^

SLE352 Community Science Project  

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)

 

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

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:

SLE111 Cells and Genes  *

SLE155 Chemistry for the Professional Sciences  

SLE206 Molecular Cell Biology  *

SLE212 Biochemistry  

SLE222 Biochemical Metabolism  

SLE234 Microbiology  *

SLE321 Molecular Biology Techniques  

SLE339 Genetics of Disease  

 

Note: pre-requisites apply.

 

* Core units within the course

 

Zoology Major: unit set code MJ-S000054

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:

SLE111 Cells and Genes  *

SLE132 Biology: Form and Function  *

SLE204 Animal Diversity  *

SLE205 Vertebrate Structure and Function  

SLE237 Biogeography  

SLE360 Australian Invertebrates  

SLE395 Palaeobiology  

 

Plus unit one from:

SLE350 Marine Wildlife  

SLE307 Behavioural Ecology  

 

* Core units within the course



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Entry requirements - general

General admission requirements for entry into undergraduate courses for international students at Deakin are summarised in the undergraduate admission requirements table (194kb).
Some courses may have additional entry requirements.
Students must also meet the undergraduate English language requirements.

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Credit for prior learning - general

If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit for prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit for prior learning.
Your credit for prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

You can also refer to the Credit for Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.

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How to apply

Tracking your application
If you have already applied and wish to enquire about your application please refer to the relevant area through which you originally applied.