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Course Overview
Science underpins every aspect of human civilisation and is crucial for solving current and future medical, environmental, industrial and technological problems. In the Bachelor of Science, you will study a range of scientific units and develop of a body of knowledge and set of skills that enable you to think critically and solve complex problems. Your first year of study will incorporate skills-focused units that develop field and laboratory competencies that lead into higher degree research and are useful to careers in industry and government. You may choose from the Applied Chemistry or Applied Biology Major, and both incorporate aspects of environmental studies. In the Applied Chemistry Major, you will explore the emerging fields of nanotechnology, organic chemistry and biomaterials centered around an analytical chemistry focus. In the Applied Biology major you will focus on the study of botany and zoology and focus on Australian plants and animals, their identification, behaviour and ecophysiology.
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.
| 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 | One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term. |
| Course Type | Undergraduate Award |
| Qualification (post nominal) | BSc |
| AQF Level | Level 7: Bachelor Degree |
| Course Fees |
Indicative Year - 2026
Indicative Year - 2025
Indicative Year - 2024
Indicative Year - 2023
Indicative Year - 2022
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Admission Codes
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
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International Students CRICOS Codes |
Not Applicable |
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
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Domestic Availability
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Term 2 - 2027
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Term 1 - 2027
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Term 2 - 2026
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Term 1 - 2026
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Term 2 - 2025
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Term 1 - 2025
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Term 2 - 2024
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Term 1 - 2024
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Term 2 - 2023
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Term 1 - 2023
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Term 2 - 2022
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Term 1 - 2022
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Term 1 - 2021
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Term 2 - 2020
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Term 1 - 2020
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Term 2 - 2019
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Term 1 - 2019
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Term 2 - 2018
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Term 1 - 2018
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Term 2 - 2017
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Term 1 - 2017
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Term 2 - 2016
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Term 1 - 2016
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Term 2 - 2015
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Term 1 - 2015
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Term 2 - 2014
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Term 1 - 2014
International Availability
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Term 2 - 2027
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Term 1 - 2027
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Term 2 - 2026
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Term 1 - 2026
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Term 2 - 2025
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Term 1 - 2025
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Term 2 - 2024
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Term 1 - 2024
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Term 2 - 2023
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Term 1 - 2023
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Term 2 - 2022
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Term 1 - 2022
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Term 1 - 2021
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Term 2 - 2020
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Term 1 - 2020
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Term 2 - 2019
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Term 1 - 2019
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Term 2 - 2018
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Term 1 - 2018
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Term 2 - 2017
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Term 1 - 2017
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Term 2 - 2016
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Term 1 - 2016
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Term 2 - 2015
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Term 1 - 2015
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Term 2 - 2014
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Term 1 - 2014
| Rank Threshold | SR 60 | ATAR 60 |
English (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent
English Language Proficiency Requirements
If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.
Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:
- A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
- An Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma level qualification, or
- Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0
completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.
If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:
- An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Requires 550 or better overall and minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 75 or better overall and no score less than 17 (Internet Based Test); or
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or
- An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.
English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study and must appear on a single result certificate.
If you are an international student, visit our international student information for more details.
Each student will be assessed individually.
Biology, Chemistry & Maths B.
Awards and Accreditation
| Interim Awards | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Exit Awards | CV93 - Diploma of Science CV94 - Associate Degree of Science |
| Accreditation |
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Residential School Requirements
| Compulsory Residential School | Students studying via mixed mode will be required to attend compulsory residential schools for some units. |
|---|---|
| Click here to view all Residential Schools | |
Practicum/Work Placement
| BIOL12050 - BIOL12050 - This unit provides students with an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge and practical skills attained in their degree course to the professional work environment. Students will undertake either a) an industry placement, or b) a short research project for 120 hours. They will report on their experience in an appropriate format, identifying the nature of the work and activities undertaken. They will also reflect on how the knowledge gained and the skills developed during placement relate to their course of study and their future career. |
Previous and Current Enrolments
| Year | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 81 |
| 2024 | 63 |
| 2023 | 72 |
| 2022 | 73 |
| 2021 | 90 |
Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.
If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 1. Demonstrate broad theoretical and technical knowledge of the basic concepts of science
- 2. Communicate concepts, arguments and results to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, using a variety of modes
- 3. Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to issues in the field of science
- 4. Review, comprehend and evaluate new information, concepts and evidence from a range of sources in the field of science
- 5. Apply relevant field and laboratory techniques in a range of contexts
- 6. Interact professionally and ethically within teams.
| Course Learning Outcomes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 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 | ||||||
- 1. Demonstrate broad theoretical and technical knowledge of the basic concepts of science
- 2. Present concepts, arguments and results to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, using a variety of modes
- 3. Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to issues in the field of science
- 4. Review, comprehend and evaluate new information, concepts and evidence from a range of sources in the field of science
- 5. Use relevant field and laboratory techniques in a range of contexts
- 6. Interact professionally and ethically within teams.
| Course Learning Outcomes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 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 | ||||||
- Complete the core structure
- Complete 1 major
- Complete 2 minors
| Number of units: 8 | Total credit points: 48 |
|---|
The Bachelor of Science Course has eight compulsory units. One of the compulsory units, BIOL12050 Professional Placement or Project, provides students the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge and practical skills attained in their degree course to the professional work environment.
In addition to the eight compulsory units, students must study one major. The major can be either of the following two disciplines:
- Applied Biology - Major, 8 units, 48 credit points
- Applied Chemistry - Major, 8 units, 48 credit points
Students studying the Applied Biology Major must choose two minors, from the list below:
- Plant and Crop Systems – Minor, 4 Units, 24 Credits
- Entrepreneurship – Minor, 4 Units, 24 Credits
- Environmental Management – Minor, 4 Units, 24 Credits
- Chemistry Analytics – Minor, 4 Units, 24 Credits
Students studying the Applied Chemistry Major must choose two four units minors, or the eight unit minor only, from the list below:
- Plant and Crop Systems – Minor, 4 Units, 24 Credits
- Entrepreneurship – Minor, 4 Units, 24 Credits
- Environmental Management – Minor, 4 Units, 24 Credits
- Animal and Plant Biology in Depth – Minor, 8 Units, 48 Credits
The Bachelor of Science Course has eight compulsory units. One of the compulsory units, BIOL12050 Professional Placement or Project, provides students the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge and practical skills attained in their degree course to the professional work environment.
In addition to the eight compulsory units, students must study one major. The major can be either of the following two disciplines:
- Applied Biology - Major, 8 units, 48 credit points
- Applied Chemistry - Major, 8 units, 48 credit points
Students studying the Applied Biology Major must choose two minors, from the list below:
- Plant and Crop Systems – Minor, 4 Units, 24 Credits
- Entrepreneurship – Minor, 4 Units, 24 Credits
- Environmental Management – Minor, 4 Units, 24 Credits
- Chemistry Analytics – Minor, 4 Units, 24 Credits
Students studying the Applied Chemistry Major must choose two four units minors, or the eight unit minor only, from the list below:
- Plant and Crop Systems – Minor, 4 Units, 24 Credits
- Entrepreneurship – Minor, 4 Units, 24 Credits
- Environmental Management – Minor, 4 Units, 24 Credits
- Animal and Plant Biology in Depth – Minor, 8 Units, 48 Credits
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| BIOL11102 | Life Science Fundamentals | |
| CHEM11043 | Atoms, Molecules and Matter | |
| CHEM11044 | Chemical Reactions | |
| ENVR11014 | Environmental Monitoring | |
| SCIE11023 | Scientific Research Fundamentals | |
| BIOL12050 | Professional Placement or Project | |
| BIOL12105 | Scientific Analysis and Statistics | |
| EVST19007 | Environmental and Social Impact Assessment | |
| Number of units: 8 | Total credit points: 48 |
|---|
The Applied Biology major is available to students studying the Bachelor of Science. Students outside the Bachelor of Science who wish to study the Applied Biology major must study the prerequisite units: BIOL11102 Life Science Laboratory and ENVR11014 Environmental Monitoring.
Note - participation in compulsory residential schools is required in this major.
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| MBIO19013 | Environmental Microbiology | |
| BIOL12107 | Genomes, Genetics & Evolution | |
| BOTN19001 | Australian Botany | |
| BIOL12112 | Animal and Plant Physiology | |
| ZOOL19002 | Australian Vertebrate Fauna | |
| EVST19020 | Environmental Management Systems | |
| BOTN13002 | Plants and the Environment | |
| ZOOL13015 | Environmental Physiology of Animals | |
| Number of units: 8 | Total credit points: 48 |
|---|
The Applied Chemistry major is available to students studying the Bachelor of Science. Students outside the Bachelor of Science who wish to study the Applied Chemistry major must study the prerequisite units: CHEM11043 Atoms, Molecules and Matter and CHEM11044 Chemical Reactions.
Note - participation in compulsory residential schools is required in this Major.
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| CHEM11045 | Chemical Investigation and Theory | |
| CHEM12079 | Structure and Reactivity: Physical and Inorganic Chemistry | |
| CHEM12080 | Organic and Bio-Organic Chemistry | |
| CHEM19085 | Environmental Chemistry | |
| CHEM13083 | Physical Chemistry | |
| CHEM13080 | Analytical Science | |
| CHEM13081 | Biomaterials: Environmental and Medical Applications | |
| CHEM13082 | Nanotechnology and Biomaterials | |
| Number of units: 8 | Total credit points: 48 |
|---|
The Animal and Plant Biology in depth minor is available to students studying the Bachelor of Science. This minor can only be taken with the Applied Chemistry major and cannot be taken with the Applied Biology Major.
Students outside the Bachelor of Science who wish to study the Animal and Plant Biology in depth minor must study the prerequisite units: BIOL11102 Life Science Laboratory and ENVR11014 Environmental Monitoring.
Note - participation in compulsory residential schools is required in this minor.
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| AGRI11002 | Plant Science and Crop Production | |
| ENVR11011 | Modern Environmental Issues | |
| ENVR12002 | Applied Ecology | |
| BIOL12112 | Animal and Plant Physiology | |
| ZOOL19002 | Australian Vertebrate Fauna | |
| MBIO19013 | Environmental Microbiology | |
| ZOOL13015 | Environmental Physiology of Animals | |
| BOTN13002 | Plants and the Environment | |
| Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
|---|
The Chemistry Analytics minor is available to students studying the Bachelor of Science. This minor can only be taken with the Applied Biology major and cannot be taken with the Applied Chemistry major.
Students outside the Bachelor of Science who wish to study the Chemistry Analytics minor must study the prerequisite units: CHEM11043 Atoms, Molecules and Matter and CHEM11044 Chemical Reactions.
Note - participation in compulsory residential schools is required in this minor.
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| CHEM11045 | Chemical Investigation and Theory | |
| CHEM19085 | Environmental Chemistry | |
| CHEM12077 | Food Science & Analysis | |
| CHEM13080 | Analytical Science | |
| Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
|---|
The Entrepreneurship minor is available to students studying the Bachelor of Science. All prerequisites for the Entrepreneurship minor can be met within the four units of the minor.
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| MGMT11109 | Introduction to Business | |
| MRKT11029 | Marketing Fundamentals | |
| MRKT13014 | Marketing Innovation and New Product Development | |
| MGMT13151 | Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Start-ups | |
| Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
|---|
The Environmental Management minor is available to students studying the Bachelor of Science.
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| ENVR11011 | Modern Environmental Issues | |
| GEOG19021 | Geographic Information Systems | |
| GEOG12021 | Remote Sensing of Environment | |
| EVST19022 | Climate Change: Risk and Assessments | |
| Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
|---|
This minor has been designed to support credit, articulation agreements and transition arrangements. Students cannot opt-in to complete the Liberal Studies minor. Please contact Course Advice for further information.
| Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
|---|
The Plant and Crop Systems minor is available to students studying the Bachelor of Science. All prerequisites for the Plant and Crop Systems minor can be met within the four units of the minor.
Note - participation in compulsory residential schools is required in this minor.
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| AGRI11001 | Soil and Irrigation Management | |
| AGRI11002 | Plant Science and Crop Production | |
| AGRI12002 | Weeds, Pests and Plant Diseases | |
| AGRI13009 | Sustainable Agricultural Development: Local and Global | |
Not Applicable