Bachelor of Advanced Science

JCU Advanced Science graduates are highly-skilled professionals who find employment in a variety of industries.Graduates pursue careers in areas including marine biology, aquaculture, earth science, chemistry, mathematics, molecular and cell biology, physics, and zoology and ecology.You could find employment as a research assistant, laboratory technician, scientific journalist, environmental scientist, physicist, teacher, or patent lawyer.

Or you could continue onto further studies with the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours).Advanced Science graduates may also choose to apply for graduate entry into science, medicine, veterinary science, physiotherapy, dentistry, or other health sciences.Graduates who major in Chemistry may be eligible to register for non-corporate membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).

With an additional three years of Chemistry experience, you may be eligible to register as a Chartered Chemist with Corporate Membership of RACI.

CORE SUBJECTS

Level 1

MA1000:03 Mathematical Foundations

MA1003:03 Mathematical Techniques

SC1101:03 Science, Technology and Truth

SC1109:03 Modelling Natural Systems-Advanced

Level 2

SC2209:03 Quantitative Methods in Science-Advanced

PLUS

Select 3 credit points of subjects from List 1 (Skill Subjects)

Level 3

SC3003:03 Science Research Internship or SC3008:03 Professional Placement

PLUS

Select 3 credit points of subjects from List 2 (Advanced Skill Subjects)

PLUS

Select a major from Table A

OPTIONS

Select one of the following Options

Option 1 (Second Major)

Select a second major from Table A

or

Option 2 (Minors and/or Electives)

Select a primary Science Minor from Table B that is different to your major

or

Select 9 credit points of any Level 2, 3 or 5 Science subjects PLUS 3 credit points of any Level 3 or Level 5 Science subjects

PLUS

Select 6 credit points of any* Level 1, 2, 3 or 5 subjects PLUS 6 credit points of any Level 2, 3 or 5 subjects

or

Select a Minor from Table B

*Students who wish to complete the Chemistry or Molecular and Cell Biology Majors and have not completed high school level Chemistry must undertake CH1020 Preparatory Chemistry

NOTE: Students choosing the Physics Major must select 3 credit points of a Level 3 or Level 5 subject

List 1 (Skill Subjects)

Select a subject which is not already in your Major

BC2013:03 Principles of Biochemistry

CH2103:03 Analytical Chemistry

CP2404:03 Database Modelling

EV2502:03 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

MA2000:03 Mathematics for Scientists and Engineers

MA2210:03 Linear Algebra

List 2 (Advanced Skill Subjects)

BC5203:03 Advanced Bioinformatics

BS5260:03 Modelling Ecological Dynamics

CH5002:03 Research Skills and Communication in Chemistry (Advanced)

EA5409:03 Mineralogy and Geophysics

PH5014:03 Research Skills and Communication in Physics (Advanced)

SC5502:03 Design and Analyses in Ecological Studies

TABLE A (MAJORS)

TABLE B (MINORS)

Develop your passion for discovery and choose from nine different majors. You will also choose from a set of core advanced skill subjects to develop analytical and modelling skills that are highly sought-after by future employers.

Apply your skills and knowledge to real-world research projects and have the opportunity to be published in international scientific journals. Go on overseas exchange programs and study natural environments in other parts of the world. Use your degree as a pathway to other health professions or higher research.

Become a science and research leader. JCU Advanced Science graduates are elite, innovative professionals who are equipped for the future. Additional information

• View the Handbook for a detailed overview of available subjects.

Majors

You can choose from nine different Science majors.

Aquaculture Science and Technology

Benefit from access to the Marine and Aquaculture Research Facility for the hands-on discovery of the sustainable practices of aquaculture.

Students explore the scientific and practical applications of breeding, rearing and harvesting of plants and animals in all types of water environments. JCU graduates have a deep understanding of the biodiversity of species, the design of aquaculture systems and the basics of nutrition.

Chemistry

With award-winning laboratories at the JCU Science Place and access to industry leaders, students benefit from small class sizes and the personalised approach of lecturers.

Accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), a JCU Chemistry major provides skills in analytical chemistry, synthetic, organic and inorganic chemistry, and kinetics and mechanisms of chemical reactions.

Data Science

Experience the power of data visualisation, Big Data and machine learning. Learn how to develop sophisticated algorithms and create innovation solutions to contemporary problems.

Mastermind database systems, programs, models and projects. Learn from experts in the field and become part of the exponentially growing field of Data Science. Be at the forefront of the Data Science revolution with a Data Science major.

Earth Science

With access to state-of-the-art facilities like JCU Fletcherview Field Station, JCU students gain practical skills studying and assessing the unique biodiverse region of North Queensland.

Build your understanding of the effect of humans on the natural environment and build skills to develop solutions to lessen the impact. Graduates have a thorough understanding of how to develop cost-effective and innovative techniques for environmental management.

Marine Biology

Benefit from access to one of the most diverse and fragile marine ecosystems in the world, the Great Barrier Reef. With opportunities to do hands-on research at world-class JCU Orpheus Island Field Station, You will learn from expert lecturers and benefit from researchers’ strong links with industry.

Be equipped to address critical challenges facing marine and coastal ecosystems. Graduates deeply understand humans’ impact on the marine environment and how the oceans and atmosphere interact.

Mathematics

Develop highly sought after problem-solving, analytical and quantitative reasoning skills. You will gain a thorough understanding of various mathematical techniques, data analysis, and multivariate statistical methods.

JCU graduates have the skills to formulate mathematical models, illustrating science and engineering problems, and use various techniques to help find solutions.

Molecular and Cell Biology

Gain hands-on experience using cutting-edge equipment and techniques. Develop an in-depth understanding of molecular genetics. Learn how to amplify and edit DNA sequences and conduct laboratory-based and field-based projects.

JCU students study the basis of health and disease at a molecular level and analyse the functions of a whole cell. Graduates have the foundations needed to work towards developments of modern medicine and biotechnology.

Physics

Develop the expertise to explore some of the universe’s most challenging questions. Accredited by the Australian Institute of Physics, a Physics major at JCU provides you with knowledge and skills across multiple physics disciplines.

Students learn the fundamentals of energy, quantum mechanics, relativity, antimatter, weather, and climate. The ability to think critically and be experimental is built by exploring biophysics, molecular electronics, and organic solar cells. You will study the structure of matter, atomic and nuclear physics, quantum physics, oceanography and meteorology, and thermodynamics.

Zoology and Ecology

Study amazing rainforests and diverse species. Go on field trips to Borneo or the Galapagos Islands. Access the JCU Daintree Rainforest Observatory to learn about biosecurity, behavioural ecology, conservation biology and ecological modelling. Perform research in one of the most biodiverse regions in Australia.

JCU students learn from world experts, studying the science of the biology of plants and animals and the natural world that they live in.

Honours

An Honours degree is an additional one-year study program (full-time or equivalent) that includes the development of a personal research project and thesis. The three-year Bachelor of Advanced Science is ideal preparation for the rigours of an Honours year, and Advanced Science students are encouraged to consider this option. Honours is especially recommended for students who wish to pursue a career with significant involvement in scientific research. An Honours degree is usually essential for entry to research higher degrees.