Bachelor of Science

2027 Deakin University Handbook

Year

2027 course information

Award granted Bachelor of Science
Course credit points24
Deakin course codeS320
Course version4
Faculty

Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment

Course information

For students who commenced from 2015 onwards

CampusOffered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
OnlineNo
Duration3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Course map - enrolment planning tool

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2027

Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.

CRICOS code083996G 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

Prepare to enter the exciting world of scientific discovery with Deakin’s Bachelor of Science. Designed for curious and ambitious minds, this degree empowers you to explore diverse scientific disciplines and tailor your studies to align with your passions, strengths and career goals.

In your first year, you will build a strong foundation across key scientific fields before progressing into a specialised major of your choice. You will develop transferable skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, teamwork and professional communication.

Gain hands-on experience through state-of-the-art laboratories and real-world learning opportunities. Work-integrated learning is a core component of the course, allowing you to collaborate with industry and community partners on authentic projects. Graduate ready for careers in health, environment, biotechnology, food, agriculture and emerging technologies

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 are encouraged to apply for membership with their local RACI branch.

Career opportunities

Graduates of this course can pursue various career paths in both public and private sectors. You might explore opportunities in government institutions, where roles span across quality assurance, occupational health and safety, research, planning, management and marketing. Additionally, you 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 available in analytical and diagnostic laboratories, while the food industry offers positions in quality control. Opportunities extend to environmental and natural resources sectors. Graduates might also 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.

Articulated courses

Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) (S494)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) (S400)

Course learning outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Science you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:

  • DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your 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).

Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

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

You are required to complete nine core units (these are essential units for this degree).

In your first trimester you must also complete three 0-credit point units which are compulsory for this degree.

DAI001Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)

SLE010Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)

STP010Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)

SLE111Cells and Genes

SLE103Ecology and the Environment

SLE115Essential Skills in Science

SLE123Physics for the Life Sciences

SLE209Science and Society

SLE200Communicating Science Ideas #

Choose one from:

SLE352Community Science Project # or

SLE301Professional Practice #

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

∼ Mathematics - choose one from:

SIT190Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs

SIT191Introduction 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.
  • Students in D304 Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary) intending to take Mathematical Modelling as the 5 credit points of course electives from a second Science major, please check the unit combinations listed in the major below (5cp from a 2nd Science major listing for D304). Units vary depending on your prior Mathematics experience at VCE level.

Chemistry - choose one from:

SLE133Chemistry in Our World

SLE155Chemistry 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.

Open electives

You can choose up to nine open elective units from across the University, including from a completely different study area (subject to meeting unit prerequisites).

Alternatively, these electives may be used to complete a second major sequence.

Work experience

You will have the opportunity to undertake a discipline-specific industry- based learning placement as part of your course. This valuable experience allows you to apply and consolidate what you are learning, gain insight into workplace culture and 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

SLE132Biology: Form and Function

SLE204Animal Diversity

SLE205Vertebrate Structure and Function

SLE350Marine Wildlife (Tri-3)

SLE370Evolution

A choose one unit from

SLE307Behavioural Ecology (Tri-1, B)
OR

SLE397Sensory 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 . Students will also learn about the molecular basis of disease.

Units

SLE212Biochemistry ^

SLE254Genetics and Genomics

HMM202Molecular Diagnostics

SLE357Advanced Cell Biology

SLE339Human Genetics and Genomics

SLE340Genomes 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

SLE210Chemistry the Enabling Science *

SLE213The Analytical Chemist's Toolbox

SLE214Organic Chemistry

SLE361Inorganic Chemistry

SLE316Analytical Chemistry and the Environment

SLE318Synthetic 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

SLE102Physical Geography

SLE245Marine Geographic Information Systems

SLE231Hydrology and Water Resources Management

SLE202Landscapes and Their Management

SLE317Australian Vegetation and Its Management

SLE395Earth 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 project.

Units

HSN010Food and Nutrition Laboratory Safety

HSN106Food Fundamentals

HSN206Food Analysis and Quality Assurance

HSN204Food Safety

HSN223Sensory Evaluation of Food

HSN315Food Manufacturing and Process Innovation

HSN320Trends 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

HBS109Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

SLE254Genetics and Genomics

SLE211Principles of Physiology

SLE221Systems Physiology

SLE323Applications of Biomedical Science

SLE339Human 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

SIT192Discrete Mathematics

SIT194Introduction to Mathematical Modelling

SIT291Mathematical Methods for Information Modelling

SIT292Linear Algebra for Data Analysis

SIT396Complex Analysis

SIT399Optimization Modelling and Decision Analysis

For D304 Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary) students undertaking Mathematical Modelling as their five credit point second science major refer to the following.

For students who have completed VCE Mathematical Methods 3 & 4

SIT191Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis

SIT192Discrete Mathematics

SIT194Introduction to Mathematical Modelling

SIT291Mathematical Methods for Information Modelling

SIT292Linear Algebra for Data Analysis

or

SIT281Cryptography

 

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

SIT191Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis

SIT192Discrete Mathematics

SIT190Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs

SLE251Research Methods and Data Analysis

SIT292Linear Algebra for Data Analysis

or

SIT281Cryptography

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

SLE132Biology: Form and Function

SLE203Environmental Botany

SLE237Biogeography (Tri-3)

SLE317Australian Vegetation and Its Management

SLE332Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Scientists

SLE366Bushfire Management

*Enrolment in a Trimester 3 study period is compulsory


Course duration

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

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.

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

Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.

Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.

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

Estimate your fees

Further information

Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.

Contact Student Central