Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science

This combined degree allows students to pursue interests in both the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and the Physical Sciences.

Course Aims

The Bachelor of Arts component provides students with a broad range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies from across the University, with a strong focus on aspects of human culture and achievement. The Bachelor of Arts can also be undertaken in conjunction with a range of other degrees in the University.The course aims to provide students with:(i) a depth and breadth of knowledge in their chosen areas of study;(ii) the ability to apply the knowledge they have acquired;(iii) skills in critical analysis, critical thinking and critical enquiry;(iv) self-reliance, especially in regards to the acquisition of information, the ability to assess evidence, convey complex ideas and answer complex questions;(v) the ability to communicate effectively in a range of ways;(vi) the ability to work both independently and collaboratively;(vii) the diverse skills to connect across geographical, disciplinary, social and cultural boundaries;(viii) an understanding of the value of ethical behaviour; and(ix) the essential skills demanded by employers in a global jobs market enabling them to achieve exciting and rewarding career outcomes.The Bachelor of Science component provides students with an understanding that:(i) Science encompasses both a body of knowledge and a reliable process of discovery. It is founded upon the recognition of fundamental laws that make nature systematic and reproducible. (ii) Scientists observe, measure, classify and perform experiments upon the natural world. They employ scientific methods to test hypotheses, and use empirical evidence to support or refute their hypotheses. The natural variability, or uncertainty, inherent in the natural world means that scientific conclusions are reliable but contestable: they may be revised or modified as new evidence emerges. Scientists are curious about the natural world and are creative in formulating hypotheses and in designing approaches to problem solving. (iii) Mathematics is used in science to model real-world systems and scientific data are often analysed using statistical methods. (iv) Science operates within a paradigm of peer review and replication that provides a collective responsibility for the reliability of scientific knowledge. Scientists have a responsibility to communicate the outcomes of their work accurately and without bias to their peers and to society.(v) Science is embedded within a context that reflects both the history of scientific endeavour and the culture of present society. Scientists generate and build knowledge, develop technologies, investigate and solve problems.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: BA component: demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of selected fields of study in core disciplines and areas of study in the arts, humanities and social sciences and apply that knowledge in diverse contexts; demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of theories, factual content and research procedures and ethical practice in their major or extended major and other fields of study; analyse, critically evaluate and communicate ideas and solve problems with intellectual independence in their major or extended major and other fields of study including the ability to exhibit key employment and lifelong learning skills; act as informed and critically discriminating participants within the community of scholars; and display highly developed communication skills and, in the case of those students undertaking a language major or extended major, read, write and speak another language with fluency and understand its cultural context. BSc component: demonstrate a coherent understanding of science by articulating the methods of science and explaining why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry and the role and relevance of science in society; exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge by demonstrating well-developed knowledge in at least one disciplinary area with an ability to extend knowledge into one other disciplinary area; critically analyse and solve scientific problems by gathering, synthesising and critically evaluating information from a range of sources, designing and planning an investigation and selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation thereby collecting, accurately recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from scientific data; be effective communicators of science by communicating scientific results, information or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes and using a variety of modes; and be accountable for their own learning and scientific work by being independent and self-directed learners; working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context; demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to their disciplinary area and personally practising ethical conduct.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline BA component: Graduates will possess depth and breadth of knowledge relevant to their fields of study, and have a well developed understanding of the key principles, practices, and boundaries of their discipline. They will also understand the need to adopt transnational and multicultural approaches to the understanding of issues in these fields. BSc component: Graduates will understand ways of scientific thinking and the nature of science as a broad discipline. They will also have specialised knowledge in at least one sub-disciplinary area of science. They will understand and be able to articulate, aspects of the place and importance of science in the local and wider community. Communication Skills BA component: Graduates will have skills that enable them to investigate, synthesise and communicate the ideas and information acquired from their areas of study, including, where applicable, the possession of these skills in languages other than English. Students will recognise the importance of continuing to develop their communication skills, and be able to use appropriate communication technologies. BSc component: Graduates will be able to communicate scientific results, information or arguments, to a range of audiences and for a range of purposes. Problem Solving BA component: Graduates will have a sound understanding of key problem solving strategies in their fields of study and be able to apply these skills to develop their own responses to particular problems on diverse topics and issues in a range of different environments. BSc component: Graduates will be able to investigate and solve problems by using recognised methods of science and appropriate practical techniques and tools. Also, by formulating hypotheses, collecting valid and reliable data, and incorporating quantitative evidence into arguments. Information Literacy BA component: Graduates will be taught how to recognise relevant information and to use appropriate media, tools and methodologies to locate, access and use information. They will learn how to critically evaluate the sources, values, and validity of information, as well as to use information in critical and creative thinking. BSc component: Graduates will be able to communicate scientific results, information or arguments, to a range of audiences and for a range of purposes. They will also be able to synthesise and evaluate information from a range of sources, using a range of technologies. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility BA component: Graduates will be taught to understand and practise the highest standards of ethical behaviour associated with their discipline or profession. They will understand and be open-minded about social, cultural and linguistic diversity in Australia and the world, and appreciate their ethical responsibilities towards colleagues, research subjects, the wider community, and the environment. BSc component: Graduates will be able to take social responsibility by recognising the relevant ethical frameworks within which science is practised and show a capacity for working responsibly and safely in both individual and team environments. Lifelong Learning BA component: Graduates will have the skills to continue to research, critically evaluate and discuss issues and as well acquire further learning. The development of intellectual capacity and critical thinking skills will enable students to be able to research, write about and discuss a range issues. These skills are transferable and essential lifelong skills. BSc component: Graduates will be able to take personal responsibility for lifelong learning by demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning. Independence and Collaboration BA component: Graduates will develop skills in independent study as well as the ability to work collaboratively. They will learn the importance of participating in discussions in a professional, respectful and ethical manner. BSc component: Elements of each unit in the program of study require students to work independently. The units in this program, with a practical component, may require students to work collaboratively as part of a team.