Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences)
Edith Cowan University
About
This course is designed for students with a strong interest in the living world.
It covers such areas as cellular and molecular biology, genetics, zoology, botany, animal and plant physiology and ecology.
The course also has a strong emphasis on biodiversity and evolution.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| SCI2117 | Genetics | 15 |
| SCM2201 * | Soil and Land Processes | 15 |
| MAT1114 | Introductory Statistics | 15 |
| Elective Unit | 15 |
Year 2 - Semester 2
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SCI2112 | Molecular Biology and Biochemistry | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| SCI3112 | Evolution and Systematics | 15 |
| SCI3114 | Ecophysiology | 15 |
| Elective Unit | x 2 | 30 |
Year 3 - Semester 2
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SCB3201 | Studies in Ecology | 15 |
| SCI3150 | Science Project | 15 |
| Elective Unit | x 2 | 30 |
For students who ARE undertaking a Work Integrated Learning Placement
Year 3 - Semester 1
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SCI3112 | Evolution and Systematics | 15 |
| SCI3114 | Ecophysiology | 15 |
Year 3 - Semester 2
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SCB3201 | Studies in Ecology | 15 |
| Elective Unit | x 1 | 15 |
Year 3 - Summer
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CSI3345 | Work Experience Project | 60 |
RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SCC1226 | Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry | 15 |
| SCC1111 | General Chemistry | 15 |
| SCC2301 | Forensic and Analytical Chemistry | 15 |
| SCC2211 | Organic Chemistry | 15 |
| SCI2118 | Australian Biota | 15 |
| SCM2104 | Geographical Information Systems | 15 |
| SCI3102 | Environmental Study Tour | 15 |
| SCI3115 | Wildlife Management | 15 |
| SCM3201 | Conservation Biology | 15 |
| ACS2122 | Aboriginal Perspectives on the Environment | 15 |
| MAT2110 | Applied Statistics | 15 |
| SCH2226 | Human Molecular Genetics | 15 |
| SCH2235 * | Applied Microbiology | 15 |
Note: It is recommended that students complete at least one non-science elective, MAT2110 Applied Statistics and/or ACS2122 Aboriginal Perspectives on the Environment.
^ 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
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional practice.
- Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical biological situations.
- Think critically to analyse, construct field or experimental approaches and interpret results to complex biological problems.
- Think creatively to generate solutions/responses to biological questions.
- Use experimental and digital technologies and literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources.
- Communicate disciplinary knowledge and values in professional and public contexts.
- Demonstrate a global outlook on organismal diversity.
- Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values, including indigenous cultural competence.
Institution
