CU18 - Bachelor of Science

Showing: Term 3 2013
Overview

Course Overview

The degree program aims to produce high quality graduates with the advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for further research or employment in the field of specialisation.  In the first year of the program, students develop a broad foundation in biology, chemistry and environmental science and the opportunity to develop practical skills in scientific investigation.  Students then build on this foundation with advanced courses in their area of specialisation which enables them to pursue a wide range of career options.

  

Ecology and Conservation Biology Specialisation

This specialisation includes advanced courses in invertebrate and vertebrate biology, ecology, microbiology and management of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which enables students to pursue a wide range of career options in the fields of fields of ecosystem management and rehabilitation, environmental monitoring and conservation of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

 

Analytical and Molecular Science

This specialisation includes advanced courses in forensic science, environmental chemistry, molecular biology and genetics which enables students to pursue a wide range of career options in the fields of analytical science including, biotechnology, forensic science, food safety and food technology.  

 

Agricultural and Food Science

This specialisation includes advanced courses in plant science, pest management, microbiology and agricultural industry management which enable students to pursue a wide range of career options in the field of food production.

Career Information

Knowledge and skills in science are the prerequisite for entry into many professional careers and Bachelor of Science Graduates find employment in areas as diverse as chemical and material production, medicine, mining and metals, power industry, environmental science and ecology, food technology and forensic analysis, as well as careers in research and development in the private and public sector. The two specialisations in the Bachelor of Science course are designed to deliver not only a solid foundation in scientific skills and knowledge but also the flexibility to focus on specific areas of study that are relevant to the career and employment options chosen by each student.

Course Details
Duration 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time
Credit Points that Must be Earned 144
Number of Units Required CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24).
Expected Hours of Study Each unit at this level, typically requires 144 hours of student commitment over a period of 12 weeks.
Course Type Undergraduate Award
Qualification (post nominal) BSc
AQF Level Level 7: Bachelor Degree
Course Fees
Indicative Year - 2026
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $12,500
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $30,100
Indicative Year - 2025
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $12,192
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $25,839
Indicative Year - 2024
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $10,788
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $24,819
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $19,140
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $37,740
Indicative Year - 2023
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $7,774
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $18,720
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $37,440
Indicative Year - 2022
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $7,512

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes
International Students
CRICOS Codes 		Not Applicable
Where and when can I start?

Domestic Availability

  • Term 2 - 2027
    Online Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2027
    Online Rockhampton
  • Term 2 - 2026
    Online Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2026
    Online Rockhampton
  • Term 2 - 2025
    Online Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2025
    Online Rockhampton
  • Term 2 - 2024
    Online Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2024
    Online Rockhampton
  • Term 2 - 2023
    Online Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2023
    Online Rockhampton
  • Term 2 - 2022
    Online Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2022
    Online Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2021
    Online Rockhampton
  • Term 2 - 2020
    Bundaberg Online Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2020
    Bundaberg Online Rockhampton
  • Term 2 - 2019
    Bundaberg Online Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2019
    Bundaberg Online Rockhampton
  • Term 2 - 2018
    Bundaberg Distance Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2018
    Bundaberg Distance Rockhampton
  • Term 2 - 2017
    Bundaberg Distance Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2017
    Bundaberg Distance Rockhampton
  • Term 2 - 2016
    Bundaberg Distance Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2016
    Bundaberg Distance Rockhampton
  • Term 2 - 2015
    Bundaberg Distance Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2015
    Bundaberg Distance Rockhampton
  • Term 2 - 2014
    Bundaberg Distance Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2014
    Bundaberg Distance Rockhampton

International Availability

  • Term 2 - 2027
    Sorry, no international availabilities found.
  • Term 1 - 2027
    Sorry, no international availabilities found.
  • Term 2 - 2026
    Sorry, no international availabilities found.
  • Term 1 - 2026
    Sorry, no international availabilities found.
  • Term 2 - 2025
    Sorry, no international availabilities found.
  • Term 1 - 2025
    Sorry, no international availabilities found.
  • Term 2 - 2024
    Sorry, no international availabilities found.
  • Term 1 - 2024
    Sorry, no international availabilities found.
  • Term 2 - 2023
    Sorry, no international availabilities found.
  • Term 1 - 2023
    Sorry, no international availabilities found.
  • Term 2 - 2022
    Sorry, no international availabilities found.
  • Term 1 - 2022
    Sorry, no international availabilities found.
  • Term 1 - 2021
    Sorry, no international availabilities found.
  • Term 2 - 2020
    Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2020
    Rockhampton
  • Term 2 - 2019
    Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2019
    Rockhampton
  • Term 2 - 2018
    Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2018
    Rockhampton
  • Term 2 - 2017
    Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2017
    Rockhampton
  • Term 2 - 2016
    Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2016
    Rockhampton
  • Term 2 - 2015
    Bundaberg Distance Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2015
    Bundaberg Distance Rockhampton
  • Term 2 - 2014
    Distance Rockhampton
  • Term 1 - 2014
    Bundaberg Distance Rockhampton
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at https://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
Entry Requirements - What do I need to start?
Entry Scores
Rank Threshold SR 60 | ATAR 60
Academic Requirements

Domestic students - English (4, SA); 

International students - refer to the international student section.

Assumed Knowledge

Biology, Chemistry & Maths B.

Fees and Charges
Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards Not applicable
Exit Awards Not applicable
Accreditation
  • Core

    Not applicable

Residential School Requirements

Optional Residential School Students studying via distance education will be required to attend compulsory residential schools for some courses.
Click here to view all Residential Schools

Practicum/Work Placement

- Students studying the Analytical & Molecular Science and Agricultural & Food Science specialisation must undertake compulsory work placement. Students studying the Ecology & Conservation Biology specialisation will have the opportunity to undertake optional work placement if they choose. Refer to More Details for further information.

Previous and Current Enrolments

Year Number of Students
2025 81
2024 63
2023 72
2022 73
2021 90
Inherent Requirements
Ethical Behaviour

Examples are: 

  • Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Conduct Policy and Procedures, and the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
  • Complying with the University Ethics Committees directions when undertaking research.
  • Respecting an individual's/group's diversity by demonstrating sensitivity to religious, cultural and individual differences.
  • Demonstrating an ability to adhere to ethics policies and reflecting on ethical dilemmas and issues concerning to practice as well as taking responsibility for ensuring ethical and professional behaviour including when dealing with animals.
  • Participating in activities where it may be necessary to humanely destroy animals (e.g. feral cats and other Class 1 pests captured during trapping activities) or to use dead animals and animal materials in laboratory learning activities (dissections).
Behavioural Stability

Examples are: 

  • Interacting positively and effectively with other students, while attending all activities related to the course including field work.
  • Being receptive and responding appropriately to different viewpoints, to constructive feedback and to direction from academics and other staff.
  • Coping effectively with your own emotions, responses and behaviour, when dealing with challenging situations.
Legal Compliance

Examples are: 

  • Understanding and adhering to professional policy around Occupational Health and Safety including appropriate use of social media.
  • Knowing, understanding and complying with safety requirements which are necessary pre-requisites during field and laboratory work, especially when dealing with chemicals, animals and plants, in order to reduce the risk of harm to self and others.
Communication Skills (Verbal, Non-verbal, Written and Technology)

Examples are: 

  • Actively participating in discussion activities related to the course.
  • Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual or group.
  • Verbally communicating your knowledge and skills with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness.
  • Present scientific work to various audiences.
  • Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of peers and others and responding appropriately.
  • Having access to a computer and having some computer skills to engage in on-line learning, reading and responding to emails, and completing relevant tasks and assessments for the course.
  • Constructing your assessment work to academic standards with attention to correct grammar and punctuation.
  • Constructing fluent summarised written text from complex and detailed information.
  • Constructing legible reports in a timely manner to meet professional standards and clearly communicating the intended message.
  • Having access to a computer for your studies.
  • Regularly accessing the Internet for research and email for communication with peers and lecturers.
  • Analysing, manipulating and displaying scientific information using a variety of specific courses.
Cognitive Abilities (Knowledge and Cognitive Skills, Literacy and Numeracy)

Examples are: 

  • Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
  • Performing your duties within set time-frames.
  • Summarising, paraphrasing and referencing in accordance with appropriate academic conventions.
  • Actively listening to information within a variety of academic and professional settings.
  • Reading and accurately interpreting scientific information.
  • Completing documentation that is accurate, clear and concise.
  • Demonstrating competency in applying basic mathematics knowledge and skills when reading scientific information and equipment.
  • Demonstrating effective use of numeracy skills to record accurate measurements during field and laboratory work.
  • Applying numeracy skills to interpret and solve problems in a range of settings and situations.
  • Interpreting graphical information when reading scientific publications.
Sensory Abilities (Visual, Auditory, Tactile)

Examples are: 

  • Focussing on and recognising objects that are either near or far.
  • Observing and detecting subtle differences and changes in colours, including interpreting aerial photographs and analysing biological and geological samples.
  • Safely operating electronic equipment.
  • Looking through optical equipment such as microscopes.
  • Observing and detecting subtle differences and changes in the physical environment, such as flora, fauna, water, atmosphere, soils geology and the built environment.
  • Sufficiently hearing verbal communication from other students and lecturers during activities related to the course.
  • Having sufficient auditory ability to consistently and accurately monitor, assess and manage electronic instruments.
Relational Skills

Examples are: 

  • Having the capacity to relate positively and effectively to a wide variety of stakeholders (e.g. Indigenous Australians, landowners, concerned citizens, industry and government representatives) to enable constructive relationships. 
  • Rapidly building rapport with other students, peers and patients in order to engage them professionally.
  • Displaying empathy and respecting multiple points of view.
Reflective Skills

Examples are: 

  • Reflecting on topics taught during the course of study, including on situations that may be difficult or sensitive, yet still require reflective processing, judgement or action.
  • Identifying, reflecting and learning from successful situations as well as opportunities for improvement.
  • Identifying when one's actions may be negatively affected by personal experience and/or reactions, and be able to reflect and learn from this experience.
Sustainable Performance

Examples are: 

  • Actively participating in activities related to the course with adequate, sustained levels of physical energy and concentration.
  • Actively participating in laboratory and field activities.
Strength and Mobility (Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills)

Examples are: 

  • Incorporating a range of gross motor skills while participating effectively in activities related to the course, including transporting and operating field and laboratory equipment.
  • Maintaining balance while safely transferring delicate equipment.
  • Moving with ease around equipment items while performing various tasks.
  • Safely retrieving and utilising stock and equipment.
  • Physically manipulating material, systems and processes, including mixing concrete, sieving soil, and collecting and transporting samples of flora, fauna, water, gas, soil and rocks.
  • Manipulating delicate, breakable equipment with ease and care.
  • Handling test tubes, Petri dishes and other breakable equipment with care.
  • Handling animals both in field and laboratory situations.
  • Handling potentially harmful chemicals.
Interpersonal Engagement

Examples are: 

  • Interacting respectfully and constructively with Indigenous Australians, landowners, concerned citizens, industry and government representatives, and all other relevant stakeholders.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Abilities

Examples are: 

  • Using computers to prepare and submit scientific reports electronically.
  • Analysing instrumentation data accessible via a computer interface.
  • Analysing and processing data either sourced from a computer or generated externally.
  • Liaising with peers and academic staff in regards to learning and assessments.
Compulsory Requirements
Core Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Agricultural and Food Science Specialisation Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of the basic concepts of science with an in-depth knowledge of agricultural and food science.
  • 2. Present concepts, arguments and results in the field of agricultural and food science to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes and using a variety of modes.
  • 3. Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to issues in agricultural and food science
  • 4. Comprehend and evaluate new information, concepts and evidence in the field of agricultural and food science from a range of sources
  • 5. Review, consolidate, extend and apply general and specific knowledge and concepts in the field of agricultural and food science
  • 6. Apply relevant field and laboratory techniques to extend knowledge in a diverse range of contexts in agricultural and food science
  • 7. Undertake self-directed learning and develop an interest in life-long learning
  • 8. Exhibit interpersonal and teamwork skills in a context of ethical practice
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner
Analytical and Molecular Science Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of the basic concepts of science with an in-depth knowledge of molecular and analytical science.
  • 2. Present concepts, arguments and results in the field of molecular and analytical science to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes and using a variety of modes.
  • 3. Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to issues in molecular and analytical science
  • 4. Comprehend and evaluate new information, concepts and evidence in the field of molecular and analytical science from a range of sources
  • 5. Review, consolidate, extend and apply general and specific knowledge and concepts in the field of molecular and analytical science
  • 6. Apply relevant field and laboratory techniques to extend knowledge in a diverse range of contexts in molecular and analytical science
  • 7. Undertake self-directed learning and develop an interest in life-long learning
  • 8. Exhibit interpersonal and teamwork skills in a context of ethical practice
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner
Ecology and Conservation Biology Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of the basic concepts of science with an in-depth knowledge in ecology and conservation biology
  • 2. Present ecological concepts, arguments and results to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes and using a variety of modes.
  • 3. Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to issues in ecology and conservation biology
  • 4. Comprehend and evaluate new information, concepts and evidence in the field of ecology and conservation biology from a range of sources
  • 5. Review, consolidate, extend and apply general and specific knowledge and concepts in the field of ecology and conservation biology
  • 6. Apply relevant field and laboratory techniques to extend knowledge in a diverse range of contexts in ecology and conservation biology
  • 7. Undertake self-directed learning and develop an interest in life-long learning
  • 8. Exhibit interpersonal and teamwork skills in a context of ethical practice
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner
Course Requirements
Core Structure View Full Course Structure
Number of units: 8 Total credit points: 48

Year 1 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BIOL11099 Living Systems
CHEM11041 Chemistry for the Life Sciences
ENVR11011 Modern Environmental Issues
SCIE11023 Scientific Research Fundamentals
Year 1 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BIOL11100 Functional Biology
BIOL11101 Field and Farm Ecology
ENVR11012 Applications of Environmental Science
SCIE11024 Science Investigation
Agricultural and Food Science Specialisation Major View Full Course Structure
Number of units: 16 Total credit points: 96

Year 2 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BOTN19001 Australian Botany
CHEM19085 Environmental Chemistry
MBIO19012 Microbiology
Year 2 - Term 1
Students must complete 1 from the following units:
MRKT11029 Marketing Fundamentals
HRMT11010 Organisational Behaviour
Year 2 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BIOL12105 Scientific Analysis and Statistics
BIOL12108 Agricultural Value Chain Management
BIOL12109 Technology and Instrumentation

Students must complete 1 Elective in Year 2 Term 2

Year 2 - Term 3
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BIOL12050 Professional Placement or Project
Year 3 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BIOL13084 Industry Analysis
BOTN13002 Plants and the Environment
ZOOL19004 Integrated Pest Management
Year 3 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BIOL13085 Professional Skills in Industry
EVST13015 Mining, Urban & Industrial Lands Rehabilitation
MBIO19013 Environmental Microbiology

Students must complete 1 Elective in Year 3 Term 2

Analytical and Molecular Science Major View Full Course Structure
Number of units: 16 Total credit points: 96

Year 2 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BMED19007 Forensic Science
CHEM19085 Environmental Chemistry
MBIO19012 Microbiology

Studnets must complete 1 Elective in Year 2 Term 1.

Year 2 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BIOL12105 Scientific Analysis and Statistics
BMED19010 Macromolecules and Cell Function
CHEM13080 Analytical Science
OCHS12005 Risk Management and Safety Technology CQ26
Year 2 - Term 3
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BIOL12050 Professional Placement or Project
Year 3 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BIOL12106 Molecular Biology

Studnets must complete 2 Elective in Year 3 Term 1.

Year 3 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BIOL12107 Genomes, Genetics & Evolution
BIOL12109 Technology and Instrumentation

Studnets must complete 2 Elective in Year 3 Term 2.

Ecology and Conservation Biology Major View Full Course Structure
Number of units: 16 Total credit points: 96

Year 2 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
ZOOL12009 Invertebrate Zoology
BOTN19001 Australian Botany
MBIO19012 Microbiology

 Students must complete 1 Elective in Year 2 Term 1.

Year 2 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BIOL12105 Scientific Analysis and Statistics
BOTN12010 Botany of Aquatic Environments
EVST13015 Mining, Urban & Industrial Lands Rehabilitation
ZOOL19002 Australian Vertebrate Fauna
Year 3 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
EVST13014 Freshwater and Marine Systems
ZOOL19004 Integrated Pest Management

 Students must complete 2  Elective in Year 3 Term 1.

Year 3 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BIOL13031 Ecology: Theory and Application
MARN13007 Coastal Marine Resources
ZOOL13015 Environmental Physiology of Animals

 Students must complete 1  Elective in Year 3 Term 2.

More Details

Not Applicable