Faculty of Science : Guide to courses

3. Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Table of Contents

 3. Bachelor of Science (BSc)

 3.1. Course objectives

Bachelor of Science graduates:

• have a broad knowledge of science across a range of disciplines, with a higher level of understanding in one or more of these disciplines;

• when solving scientific problems:

  • are capable of applying appropriate knowledge,

  • are able to access relevant information,

  • understand the principles of project and experimental design,

  • have a capacity to apply practical skills and technology;

• are able to communicate the results of their studies in both written and oral form;

• have an appreciation of the historical background and evolution of scientific concepts;

• have the knowledge, skill and attitude to enable adaptation to scientific, technological and social change, have a sense of intellectual curiosity and a desire for life-long learning, and a capacity to be creative and innovative.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) graduates should, in addition to the above, be able to define and solve problems relating to their speciality and be capable of conducting supervised research in their field.

 3.2. Duration

Students enrolled full-time usually take three years to complete the BSc course.

 3.3. Course requirements

A minimum of 300 points is required, which must include at least 237.5 science points, comprising:

• between 75 and 125 points at the 100-level;

• completion of 50 points of a prescribed science major at the 300-level.

Note that:

• at least 75 science points at 100-level must be completed;

• at least 50 points at the 100-level must be completed before proceeding to 200-level subjects;

• there are no 200-level requirements;

• the 300 points can include up to 62.5 non-science points. Of the 62.5 non-science points, up to 25 points can be at the 100-level. The only exception to this is if students undertake a sequence of 100-level language subjects: in these cases the 62.5 non-science points can include up to 37.5 points at the 100-level.

• students completing a major in Psychology must complete 50 science points at 300-level. (37.5 points of prescribed 300-level Psychology subjects plus an additional 12.5 points of 300-level science subjects).

• BSc single degree students wishing to qualify for entry in the BSc (Hons) course must normally complete at least 50 science points at the 300-level. These students would maximize their chances of meeting the Faculty's BSc (Hons) entry requirements by completing at least 87.5 science points at the 300-level. Students planning to apply for entry into the BSc (Hons) should refer to Bachelor of Science (Honours) and Bachelor of Information Systems (Honours) for further details.

See Science and non-Science subjects for discussion as to what constitutes subjects earning science points.

 3.3.1. Students who commenced prior to 1999

Students who first enrolled in the BSc before 1999 must complete the requirements set out above except they need to complete 50 science points at the 300-level of subjects of their choice rather than a prescribed science major.

 3.3.2. Selection into BSc (Hons)

Students planning to apply for entry into the BSc (Hons) should refer to Bachelor of Science (Honours) and Bachelor of Information Systems (Honours) for further details.

Status:                   Official 2001
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