Bachelor of Science (Marine and Freshwater Biology)

Edith Cowan University

About

This course is designed to enable students to make a positive contribution to the management and understanding of marine and freshwater environments.

The program focuses on both the theoretical and practical dimensions of aquatic environments.

Structure

Year 1 - Semester 1

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCI1125 * Professional Science Essentials 15
SCI1187 Form and Function in Biology 15
SCI1193 Introduction to Environmental Science 15
Select 1 unit from:
SCC1123 ^ Chemistry for the Life Sciences 15
SCC1111 ^ General Chemistry 15

Note: Students who have completed Chemistry ATAR or equivalent should enrol in SCC1111 General Chemistry, while those that have not completed Chemistry ATAR should enrol in SCC1123 Chemistry for the Life Sciences.

Year 1 - Semester 2

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCI1182 Case Studies in Science 15
SCI1183 Origins and Evolution of Life 15
SCI1185 Ecology 15
SCI1192 Physical Environments 15

Year 2 - Semester 1

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
MAT1114 Introductory Statistics 15
SCM2110 Marine and Freshwater Processes 15
SCM2201 * Soil and Land Processes 15
Elective Unit x1 15

Year 2 - Semester 2

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCI2111 Marine and Fisheries Biology 15
SCI2116 Diversity of Life 15
Elective Unit x 2 30

For students who are NOT undertaking a Work Integrated Learning Placement

Year 3 - Semester 1

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCI3210 Marine and Coastal Ecosystems 15
Elective Unit x 3 45

Year 3 - Semester 2

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCB3201 Studies in Ecology 15
SCI3150 Science Project 15
SCI3113 Freshwater Ecosystems 15
Elective Unit x 1 15

For students who ARE undertaking a Work Integrated Learning Placement

Year 3 - Semester 1

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCI3210 Marine and Coastal Ecosystems 15
Elective Unit x 1 15

Year 3 - Semester 2

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCB3201 Studies in Ecology 15
SCI3113 Freshwater Ecosystems 15

Year 3 - Summer

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
CSI3345 Work Experience Project 60

RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCI2118 Australian Biota 15
SCI2371 Sustainable Water 15
SCI3102 Environmental Study Tour 15
SCI3114 Ecophysiology 15
SCI3206 Environmental Investigation and Monitoring 15
SCI3453 Sustainable Natural Resource Management 15
SCM2104 Geographical Information Systems 15
ACS2122 Aboriginal Perspectives on the Environment 15
MAT2110 Applied Statistics 15

^ Core Option * Students will be assessed to see if they have achieved the ECU minimum standard of English language proficiency in this unit. Students who don't meet the minimum standard will be provided with appropriate English language support and development.

Entry requirements

Admission requirement (Band 3)

All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

  • AQF Cert IV;
  • Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
  • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;
  • University Preparation Course;
  • Indigenous University Orientation Course;
  • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; or
  • Experience Based Entry Scheme.

English Language requirement (Band 3)

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

  • Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
  • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;
  • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
  • Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
  • University Preparation Course;
  • Indigenous University Orientation Course;
  • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment;
  • AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
  • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
  • Other tests, courses or programs as defined in the Admissions Policy.

Learning outcomes

  1. Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical marine and/or freshwater science situations.
  2. Think critically to analyse, interpret complex marine and/or freshwater science problems and devise strategies for their solution.
  3. Think creatively to anticipate challenges and design strategies to address marine or freshwater problems.
  4. Apply ecological and digital literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources.
  5. Communicate marine and freshwater science knowledge and values in professional and public contexts.
  6. Demonstrate a global outlook on organismal diversity.
  7. Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values, including Indigenous cultural competence.
  8. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional practice.

Institution