Bachelor of Science

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Science
Deakin course code	S320
Faculty	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Online	No
Duration	3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Course Map - enrolment planning tool	This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2025 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
CRICOS course code	083996G Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
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

Deakin’s Bachelor of Science prepares you to enter the exciting world of scientific discovery, while allowing you to forge your own unique path by choosing from a wide range of disciplines. The course is about more than just laboratory work – it equips you for the diverse, innovation-driven real-life settings in which today's science graduates work. With this industry-led degree, you can follow your curiosity into any field of science that inspires you.

You will explore a range of science disciplines at the beginning of your degree, before specialising in the discipline you enjoy the most. Deakin science graduates enter the workforce with confidence because of the extensive practical experience we offer. You will get hands-on training in our science labs, as well as opportunities to apply your skills in the real world through industry placements and community science projects.

Ready to see how far your curiosity can take you?

The Bachelor of Science trains you to be a scientific explorer, ready to solve tomorrow’s global issues through science and discovery. Graduates are increasingly expected to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability and this degree equips you with the ability to find creative solutions to everyday problems. You will build your foundational knowledge by studying a diverse range of science-related study areas before focusing on a major of your choosing.

Our broad spectrum of majors allows you to tailor your degree to your unique career aspirations. Follow a lifelong passion and get more out of your degree by learning more about the things that matter to you.

Best of all, learning isn’t confined to the classroom. Throughout the course you will gain practical experience through programs undertaken in modern teaching laboratories, completing a Community Science Project or undertaking an industry-based learning placement.

All of this prepares you for real-life science environments and scenarios, meaning you can confidently enter the workforce with the industry experience needed to thrive.

Importantly, you will be guided every step of the way by experts who are leaders in their field. Our teaching staff are active contributors to the science industry, putting them right at the forefront of scientific research and making them well-placed to pass on the skills that are most valued by employers.

The Bachelor of Science is available as a single degree, or as a combined course with arts, commerce, law or teaching.

Indicative student workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lecturers, 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.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Science (chemistry major) has been professionally accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI). Graduates of this course are encouraged to apply for membership of the respective local branch of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.

Career opportunities

Graduates of this course can pursue various career paths in both public and private sectors. They may explore opportunities in government institutions, where roles span across quality assurance, occupational health and safety, research, planning, management, and marketing. Additionally, they could find positions in science-related industries, specialising in pharmaceutical production or sales. Other avenues include biomedical science, involving research or working in hospital and laboratory settings. Quality assurance roles are also available in analytical and diagnostic laboratories, while the food industry offers positions in quality control. Opportunities extend to environmental and natural resources sectors, encompassing fisheries resource management and aquaculture management. Moreover, graduates can consider careers in teaching, information technology, mathematics, or science journalism, among others.

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.

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.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Science students must pass 24 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
9 credit points of core units
1 major (6 credit points)
9 credit points of open elective units
a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3 (including a minimum of 4 Science SLE* units)

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.

Majors

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

Students wishing to gain credit for a double major combination in the BSc cannot count more than 2 units in common for both majors.

*Enrolment in a Trimester 3 study period is compulsory

Course structure

Core Units

DAI001

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (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

SLE115

Essential Skills in Science

SLE123

Physics for the Life Sciences

SLE209

Science and Society

SLE200

Communicating Science Ideas #

Choose one from:

SLE352

Community Science Project # or

SLE301

Professional Practice #

# Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)

∼ Mathematics - choose one from:

SIT190

Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs

SIT191

Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis

∼ Please note:

It is recommended that students intending to take the Chemistry, Human Biology, Cell Biology and Genomics, Animal Biology, Plant Biology or Environmental Science majors undertake SIT191 Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis.
students intending to take the Chemistry major and who have not previously completed VCE Maths Methods (units 3 and 4) are advised to alternatively undertake SIT190 Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs.
students intending to take the Mathematical Modelling major who have not completed VCE Maths Methods (units 3 and 4) are strongly advised to first complete SIT190 Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs.
Students intending to take the Mathematical Modelling major are not required to complete SIT190 Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs or SIT191 Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis, however, they are able to undertake SIT190/ SIT191 as electives.

Chemistry - choose one from:

SLE133

Chemistry in Our World

SLE155

Chemistry for the Professional Sciences ^

^Assumed knowledge: SLE133 Chemistry in our World or high achievement in VCE Chemistry 3 and 4 (or equivalent).

Please note: SLE155 Chemistry for the Professional Sciences is a required prerequisite when undertaking the Cell Biology and Genomics and Chemistry majors.

Electives

Select from a range of open elective units, 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. Explore the SEBE WIL program.

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

SLE350

Marine Wildlife

SLE370

Evolution

A choose one unit from

SLE307

Behavioural Ecology (Tri-1, B)

SLE397

Sensory Ecology (Tri-1, G)

*Enrolment in a Trimester 3 study period is compulsory

Cell Biology and Genomics

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-S000077

Overview

This major sequence provides an introduction to the nature of genes, genomes and the molecular and biochemical basis of cells - including their physiological properties, development, function and interaction with their environment. You will also learn about DNA sequencing and analysis, as well as how an understanding of genomics relates to human health and wellbeing, the environment, biodiversity management and food production systems. Students will also learn about the molecular basis of disease.

Units

SLE212

Biochemistry ^

SLE254

Genetics and Genomics

HMM202

Molecular Diagnostics

SLE357

Advanced Cell Biology

SLE339

Human Genetics and Genomics

SLE340

Genomes and Bioinformatics

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

Chemistry

Campus

Burwood (Melbourne), 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 their reactions.

Units

SLE210

Chemistry the Enabling Science *

SLE213

The Analytical Chemist's Toolbox

SLE214

Organic Chemistry

SLE361

Inorganic Chemistry

SLE316

Analytical Chemistry and the Environment

SLE318

Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry

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

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

SLE245

Marine Geographic Information Systems

SLE231

Hydrology and Water Resources Management

SLE202

Landscapes and Their Management

SLE317

Australian Vegetation and Its Management

SLE395

Earth Environments and Climate Interpretation

Food Science

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne)

Unit set code

MJ-S000098

Overview

The Food Science major equips students with the necessary skills for a career in the food industry. It covers various aspects such as food composition, quality and safety, and consumer and sensory evaluation - finishing with a product development and project.

Units

HSN010

Food and Nutrition Laboratory Safety

HSN106

Food Fundamentals

HSN206

Food Analysis and Quality Assurance

HSN204

Food Safety

HSN223

Sensory Evaluation of Food

HSN315

Food Manufacturing and Process Innovation

HSN320

Trends in Product Development

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. This includes physiology and genetics, and their relationship to human disease.

Units

HBS109

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

SLE254

Genetics and Genomics

SLE211

Principles of Physiology

SLE221

Systems Physiology

SLE323

Applications of Biomedical Science

SLE339

Human Genetics and Genomics

Mathematical Modelling

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online, Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-S000007

Overview

Studies in mathematical modelling provide you with a strong critical knowledge base and develop 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

SIT281

Cryptography

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

SIT191

Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis

SIT192

Discrete Mathematics

SIT190

Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs

SLE251

Research Methods and Data Analysis

SIT292

Linear Algebra for Data Analysis

SIT281

Cryptography

^ E377 Bachelor of Health and Physical Education – Select a maximum of two credit points at level one, including SIT192 Discrete Mathematics.

Plant Biology*

Campus

Burwood (Melbourne)

Unit set code

MJ-S000070

Overview

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

Units

SLE132

Biology: Form and Function

Environmental Botany

Biogeography

Bushfire Management

Australian Vegetation and Its Management

SLE332

Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Scientists

*Enrolment in a Trimester 3 study period is compulsory

Course duration

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

Other course information

In addition to student contribution fees, students may be required to meet their own expenses in connection with travel, food and accommodation while on fieldwork.

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.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.