Bachelor of Biological Science
Course summary for local students
Student Information Centre
Tel 1300 334 733
enquire@deakin.edu.au
G = Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus
S = Geelong Waterfront Campus
W =Warrnambool Campus
X = Off campus
| Award granted | Bachelor of Biological Science | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Campus | Offered at Melbourne Burwood Campus | ||
| Off-campus | No | ||
| Length | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent | ||
| Next available intake | March (Trimester 1), July (Trimester 2) | ||
| Indicative annual fee 2014 | $8,600* - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) | ||
| Faculty contacts | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment | ||
| Level | Undergraduate | ||
| Clearly-in ATAR |
| ||
| CRICOS course code | 001841F | ||
| VTAC Codes | 1400516061 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) | ||
| Deakin course code | S321 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Fees and charges
- Career opportunities
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Entry requirements - general
- Entry requirements - specific
- Credit for prior learning - general
- Credit for prior learning - specific
- How to apply
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
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.
Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
A Commonwealth supported place is one for which the university receives some government funding. As such, students enrolled in these places are required to contribute only part of the cost of their course. To be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place you must be an Australian citizen, or a New Zealand citizen or holder of a permanent visa who will be residing in Australia for the duration of your unit/s 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.
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
| 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
Entry requirements - general
Deakin University offers admission to undergraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicant's previous academic record.
For more information on the Deakin Admissions Policy visit The Guide.
Entry requirements - specific
Applicants should have successfully completed VCE or equivalent. Refer to the VTAC Guide for the latest pre-requisite information www.vtac.edu.au
Those aged 21 or over on 1 January and who do not hold VCE or equivalent should apply under Alternative Admission. This category is open to those who do not satisfy normal entrance requirements, but can demonstrate relevant work or life experience.
Credit for prior learning - general
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.You can also refer to the Credit for Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Credit for prior learning - specific
The Faculty may give credit towards the Bachelor of Biological Science for previous tertiary study and other approved forms of post-secondary study or experience. This previous study need not have led to a complete qualification; for example, a student may be given credit after completing the first year of a course at another institution. All applications for advanced standing must be made initially to the Selection/Enrolment Officer who will advise students of the necessary procedures at enrolment day.All applications are considered on merit and usually no credit will be given for subjects/courses/units completed more than seven years prior to the request. For the Bachelor of Biological Science the maximum credit for prior learning that can be granted is 16 credit points. This may include up to 8 credits for non-science studies.
How to apply
Applications for on and off campus study for Trimester 1 must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre (VTAC). For more information refer to VTAC (external site).
Applications for Trimester 2 and Trimester 3 must be made directly to the University through the Applicant Portal. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the Apply web page. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
