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CU18 - Bachelor of Science

Overview

Compulsory Residential School

Some units in this course require you to attend a compulsory Residential School or Work Integrated Learning. Please see Course Features in the Getting Started tab for further information.

Course Overview

The degree course 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 course, 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 units in their area of specialisation which enables them to pursue a wide range of career options.

Applied Biology Major

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

Applied Chemistry Major

This major includes advanced units in forensic science, environmental chemistry, molecular biology, nanotechnology, biomaterials, food chemistry and genetics which enable students to pursue a wide range of career options in the fields of applied chemistry, including analytical science, biotechnology, forensic science, food safety and food technology.

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 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 - 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

Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
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.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.

Domestic Availability

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
Show All

International Availability

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
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
What do I need to start?
Entry Scores
Rank Threshold SR 60 | ATAR 60
Entry Requirements

Domestic students - English (4, SA);

International students - refer to the international student section.

Assumed Knowledge

Biology, Chemistry & Maths B.

Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards Not applicable
Exit Awards CV93 - Diploma of Science CV94 - Associate Degree of Science
Accreditation
  • Core

    Not applicable

Residential School Requirements

Compulsory Residential School - Students studying via distance education 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. They will report on their experience in an appropriate format, identifying the nature of the work and activities undertaken. In this report, 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
2024 63
2023 72
2022 73
2021 90
2020 83
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.

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.

Ethical Behaviour

Examples are: 

  • Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures and 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
COVID-19 Vaccination Advice

Effective 25 September 2023, updates have been made to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for Queensland Health sites and the Queensland Ambulance Service. While Queensland Health does not currently mandate evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, it's essential to recognise that other organisations may enforce their own vaccination specific criteria. This situation is similar across other states and territories, with the exception of Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, where COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all healthcare students.    

Core Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Applied Biology Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Demonstrate broad theoretical and technical knowledge of the basic concepts of science with a focus on the chosen major area of study.
  • 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 chosen major area of study.
  • 4. Review, comprehend and evaluate new information, concepts and evidence from a range of sources in the chosen major area of study.
  • 5. Use relevant field and laboratory techniques in a range of contexts.
  • 6. Undertake self-directed learning and develop skills for life-long learning.
  • 7. Exhibit interpersonal and teamwork skills and ethical practice.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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
Applied Chemistry Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Demonstrate broad theoretical and technical knowledge of the basic concepts of science with a focus on the chosen major area of study.
  • 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 chosen major area of study.
  • 4. Review, comprehend and evaluate new information, concepts and evidence from a range of sources in the chosen major area of study.
  • 5. Use relevant field and laboratory techniques in a range of contexts.
  • 6. Undertake self-directed learning and develop skills for life-long learning.
  • 7. Exhibit interpersonal and teamwork skills and ethical practice.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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 Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 1 major
Number of units: 7 Total credit points: 42

Students must take no more than 10 Level One units.

Year 1 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BIOL11099 Living Systems
CHEM11041 Chemistry for the Life Sciences
SCIE11023 Scientific Research Fundamentals
ENVR11011 Modern Environmental Issues
Year 1 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
ENVR11012 Applications of Environmental Science
BIOL11100 Functional Biology
SCIE11024 Science Investigation

Applied Biology Major

Number of units: 17 Total credit points: 102

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

Year 2 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BIOL12105 Scientific Analysis and Statistics
BOTN12010 Botany of Aquatic Environments
ZOOL19002 Australian Vertebrate Fauna
MBIO19013 Environmental Microbiology

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:
EVST13014 Freshwater and Marine Systems
ZOOL19004 Integrated Pest Management
ZOOL13015 Environmental Physiology of Animals
BOTN13002 Plants and the Environment

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

In addition to the above, students must complete three (3) electives from the following list OR from the B Sc (Applied Chemistry) major.

Available units
Students may choose to do any of the following:
EVST19023 Water Resource Management
BIOL12107 Genomes, Genetics & Evolution
EVST19021 Sustainability Issues and Solutions
EVST13015 Mining, Urban & Industrial Lands Rehabilitation
GEOG19021 Geographic Information Systems

Applied Chemistry Major

Number of units: 17 Total credit points: 102

Year 1 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BMSC11005 Foundations of Biochemistry
Year 2 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BMED19007 Forensic Science
CHEM19085 Environmental Chemistry
MBIO19012 Microbiology
Year 2 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BIOL12105 Scientific Analysis and Statistics
BIOL12109 Technology and Instrumentation
CHEM12077 Food Science & Analysis
BMSC12010 Clinical Biochemistry
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
CHEM13082 Nanotechnology: Health and the environment
BMSC13002 Advanced Clinical Biochemistry
Year 3 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
CHEM13080 Analytical Science
CHEM13081 Biomaterials: Environmental and Medical Applications

In addition to the above, students must complete three (3) electives from the following list OR from the B Sc (Applied Biology) major.

Available units
Students may choose to do any of the following:
BMSC13010 Pharmacology
EVST19023 Water Resource Management
More Details

Not Applicable