Bachelor of Science
2020 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2020 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Science |
| Course Map | If you started your course before 2020, please refer to the plan your study page or contact a Student Adviser |
| Campus | |
| Cloud Campus | No |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| CRICOS course code | 083996G Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Deakin course code | S320 |
| Approval status | This 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
- Indicative student workload
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Fees and charges
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Major sequences
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Details of major sequences
- Other learning experiences
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 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.
Participation 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.
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.
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 7 June 2018
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:
- 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 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- Level 1 – up to 10 credit points
- Level 3 - at least 6 credit points (including a minimum of 4 Science units)
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:
- Animal Biology
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
- Chemistry and Materials Science*
- Environmental Science
- Genomics
- Geography*
- Human Biology
- Mathematical Modelling
- Plant Biology
*Offered to continuing students only
Course structure
Core Units
| STP050 | Academic Integrity (0 credit points) |
| SLE010 | Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit points) |
| STP010 | Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points) |
| SLE111 | Cells and Genes |
| SLE103 | Ecology and the Environment |
| SIT191 | Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis |
| SLE123 | Physics for the Life Sciences |
| SLE209 | Science and Society |
| SLE200 | Communicating Science Ideas # |
| SLE352 | Community Science Project # |
Chemistry - choose one from:
| SLE133 | Chemistry in Our World ^ |
| SLE155 | Chemistry for the Professional Sciences ^ |
^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 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)
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).
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
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
| SLE132 | Biology: Form and Function |
| SLE204 | Animal Diversity |
| SLE205 | Vertebrate Structure and Function |
| SLE315 | Marine Animal Physiology |
| SLE307 | Behavioural Ecology (Tri-3, B) |
| SLE370 | Evolution |
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
| SLE234 | Microbiology |
| SLE254 | Genetics and Genomics |
| SLE228 | Forensic Genomics |
| SLE340 | Genomes and Bioinformatics |
| SLE321 | Molecular Biology Techniques |
| SLE341 | Ecological and Conservation Genetics |
Details of major sequences
Geography
Note: Major only available to students that commenced prior to 2021.
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
| SLE102 | Physical Geography |
| AIG103 | People and Place: An Introduction to Human Geography |
| SLE202 | Landscape Evolution |
| SLE237 | Biogeography (Tri-3) |
| SLE328 | Oceans, Coasts and Climate Change * |
| AIG300 | Australian Urban Geography: National and International Perspectives |
* Available from 2021
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
| SIT192 | Discrete Mathematics |
| SIT194 | Introduction to Mathematical Modelling |
| SIT291 | Mathematical Methods for Information Modelling |
| SIT292 | Linear Algebra for Data Analysis |
| SIT396 | Complex Analysis |
| SIT399 | Optimization Modelling and Decision Analysis |
Mathematical Modelling sub-major sequence for:
E377 Bachelor of Health and Physical Education^
D304 Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary)
D347 Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts and D351 Bachelor of Teaching (Science)/Bachelor of Science students (pipelining)
For students who have completed VCE Mathematical Methods 3 & 4
| SIT191 | Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis |
| SIT192 | Discrete Mathematics |
| SIT194 | Introduction to Mathematical Modelling |
| SIT291 | Mathematical Methods for Information Modelling |
| SIT292 | Linear Algebra for Data Analysis |
or
| SIT281 | Cryptography |
For students who have not completed VCE Mathematical Methods 3 & 4
| SIT191 | Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis |
| SIT192 | Discrete Mathematics |
| SIT190 | Introductory Mathematical Methods |
| SLE251 | Research Methods and Data Analysis |
| SIT292 | Linear Algebra for Data Analysis |
or
| SIT281 | Cryptography |
^ E377 Bachelor of Health and Physical Education – Select a maximum of two credit points at level one, including SIT192 Discrete Mathematics.
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
| SLE132 | Biology: Form and Function |
| SLE254 | Genetics and Genomics |
| SLE211 | Principles of Physiology |
| SLE221 | Systems Physiology |
| SLE323 | Advanced Topics in Biomedical Science |
plus
| SLE339 | Human Genetics and Genomics or |
| SLE340 | Genomes and Bioinformatics |
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
| SLE102 | Physical Geography |
| SLE239 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems |
| SLE231 | Hydrology and Water Resources Management |
| SLE202 | Landscape Evolution |
| SLE342 | Risks to Healthy Environments |
| SLE322 | Landscape Ecology |
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
| SLE212 | Biochemistry ^ |
| SLE254 | Genetics and Genomics |
| SLE206 | Cell Biology |
| SLE222 | Biochemical Metabolism |
| SLE346 | Molecular Basis of Disease |
plus
| SLE340 | Genomes and Bioinformatics or |
| SLE321 | Molecular Biology Techniques |
^ 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
| SLE210 | Chemistry the Enabling Science * |
| SLE213 | Introduction to Spectroscopic Principles |
| SLE214 | Organic Chemistry |
| SLE229 | Introduction to Separation Science |
| SLE316 | Analytical Chemistry |
| SLE318 | Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry |
* prerequisite unit applies (SLE155 Chemistry for the Professional Sciences)
Details of major sequences
Chemistry and Materials Science
Note: Major only available to students that commenced prior to 2021.
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
| SLE210 | Chemistry the Enabling Science * |
| SLE214 | Organic Chemistry |
| SLE235 | Chemical Systems # |
| SLE212 | Biochemistry |
| SLE330 | Materials Chemistry # |
| SLE338 | Electrochemistry for a Sustainable Future # |
* prerequisite unit applies (SLE155 Chemistry for the Professional Sciences)
#SLE235 Chemical Systems (Tri 3) will be offered in 2020 for the last time. Alternative unit SLE213 The Analytical Chemist’s Toolbox available from 2021
#SLE330 Materials Chemistry – will be offered in 2020 for the last time. Alternative unit SLE318 Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry will be available from 2021.
#SLE338 Electrochemistry for a Sustainable Future – Alternative unit SLE361 Inorganic Chemistry available from 2021
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
| SLE132 | Biology: Form and Function |
| SLE203 | Environmental Botany |
| SLE237 | Biogeography (Tri-3) |
| SLE310 | Pest Plants and Animals |
| SLE317 | Australian Vegetation and Its Management |
| SLE370 | Evolution |
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Further information
Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.
- Contact Student Central
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.