Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science

2023 Deakin University Handbook

Course sub-headings

• Course overview
• Professional recognition
• Career opportunities
• Participation requirements
• Mandatory student checks
• Alternative exits
• Fees and charges
• Course Learning Outcomes
• Course rules
• Course structure
• Work experience
• Research and research-related study

Course overview

Gain a competitive edge in the job market by studying the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science double degree. Complement your understanding of science with invaluable skills like critical thinking and strong communication and open a world of exciting career options once you graduate.

You don’t need to have a defined career path mapped out when you start this combined course. Choose from a wide range of science and arts study areas and discover what disciplines you love as you progress.

The freedom to create your own study journey is a highlight of the course. So too is the extensive practical experience on offer. There are opportunities to gain a global perspective of arts with a range of international experiences. Plus, you’ll get hands-on training in world-class science labs and plenty of industry experience through community science projects and professional placements.

Want to secure your future with a combined course that prepares you for work in any industry?

More than just a qualification that demonstrates your expertise across a broad spectrum of fields, the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science lets you create a unique degree that highlights your skills and passions.

In the arts stream, you will develop specialist knowledge in your chosen disciplines and learn how to apply creative and strategic thinking to solve real-world issues. You will also develop transferable skills such as communication, research, critical thinking, and problem-solving, making you highly employable within a range of industries.

Learning from teaching staff who are active in their fields and recognised as leading practitioners, you’ll gain hands-on experience relevant to your chosen disciplines in our world-class purpose-built facilities.

Benefit from the many work placements we offer, and you will graduate ready to take your studies beyond the classroom and into the real world. Advance your job-readiness and gain a competitive edge by undertaking a study tour, internationally focused internship in Australia or overseas, language study, or longer study abroad exchange experience *.

The science stream will train you to be a scientific explorer, ready to solve tomorrow’s global issues through science and discovery. You’ll build your foundational knowledge through a range of science-related study areas before focusing on one of 10 majors:

• animal biology
• cell biology and genomics
• chemistry
• environmental science
• human biology
• mathematical modelling
• plant biology.

Best of all, learning extends beyond the classroom. Throughout your science units, you will gain practical experience through programs in modern science laboratories, completion of a community science project and undertaking an industry-based learning placement. All of this prepares you for real-life science environments and scenarios, so you can confidently enter the workforce with the industry experience needed to thrive.

*Overseas study programs to be confirmed in 2022 and beyond, subject to government travel restrictions.

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

Deakin’s Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science allows you to explore the relationships between various areas of study, combining them in innovative ways to prepare yourself for a broad range of career opportunities in industry, government and research. The types of opportunities available will depend on the major sequences taken within the course. For more detailed information on career outcomes for this combined course, see the entries for the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science.

For more information go to DeakinTALENT

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

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.

Alternative exits

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year, the units you choose and 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.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. Further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods is available on our Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Please refer to the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) of the single degree.

Course rules

In order to qualify for the award of Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (D311), students must complete 32 credit points (16 credit points in the Faculty of Arts and Education and 16 credit points in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, which must include the following:

• Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science must be satisfied.
• Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Bachelor of Arts

• Two major sequences of at least 8 credit points each. Majors must comprise 2 credit points at level 1 and a minimum of 2 credit points at level 3 (unless otherwise stated); or
• One major of at least 8 credit points and one minor of at least 4 credit points consisting of units and level combinations as specified within the selected minor
• (the remaining 4 credit points may be used to undertake an additional minor sequence, or to take electives chosen from the Bachelor of Arts); plus
• A minimum of 4 credit points at level 3; and
• AAI018 Academic Integrity (0 credit-point compulsory unit)

Bachelor of Science

• At least 16 credit points from science course grouped units, including:
• 9 core science units;
• At least one 6 credit point approved Science major sequence;
• Level 3 - a minimum of 4 Science units
• SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit-point compulsory unit)
• STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit-point compulsory unit)

Course structure

Work experience

Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

Other course information

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

Research and research-related study

Independent research components are embedded across a number of units.