Bachelor of Science

The course is designed to provide students with the skills and techniques necessary for solving problems associated with a broad range of issues.

The extensive range of majors available in established and emerging, generalist and specialist sciences, are all underpinned by cutting edge research.

In first year students are encouraged to establish a broad science base which allows for flexibility in choosing an appropriate major or majors coupled with the option of a minor.

The major completed will appear on the academic record and testamur.

A fourth year is required for Honours.

Course Aims

To have an understanding that· 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. · 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. · Mathematics is used in science to model real-world systems and scientific data are often analysed using statistical methods. · 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. · Science is embedded within a context that reflects both the history of scientific endeavor 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: 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 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 Graduates will be able to communicate scientific results, information or arguments, to a range of audiences and for a range of purposes. Problem Solving 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 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 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 Graduates will be able to take personal responsibility for lifelong learning by demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning. Independence and Collaboration 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.