- Program summary
- Program overview
- Career opportunities
- Special features
- Advanced standing, recognition of prior learning, credit and articulation
- Program structure
- Program requirements and notes
- Enquiries
- Recommended enrolment patterns
Program summary
QTAC code: 013001
OP/Rank for 2009 entry: OP-18 / Rank-64
Award abbreviation: BSc
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type 2009: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288 units (normally 24 courses)
Recommended prior study: English, Maths and one or more of the Sciences, preferably Chemistry
CRICOS code: 022804D
Program overview
In the Bachelor of Science, you choose from a wide variety of specialisations to design a degree that suits your interests and career ambitions. You can undertake science-based studies entirely within the Faculty of Science, Health and Education, or incorporate courses from the faculties of Arts and Social Sciences and Business.
You will study first-year science courses in biology, chemistry, environment and health, biodiversity, cell metabolism, research design and data analysis, and physics, as well as two core University courses. You will then choose a major (eight courses) in one of the following areas:
In the Biomedical Science major you will study required courses in physiology, biochemistry, microbiology and pathophysiology, along with electives in such areas as pharmacology, immunology, microbial pathogenesis, nutrition therapy for chronic diseases, epidemiology and biostatistics, and exercise physiology.
The Biotechnology major includes studies in immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, food microbiology and fermentation, and molecular biotechnology.*
The Environmental Science major includes required courses in Australian vegetation and wildlife, weather and climate, geographical information systems, and integrated catchment management.*
In the Sport and Exercise Science major, you will undertake required courses in coaching science, sports psychology, motor control and learning, functional anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, exercise prescription and programming, and introductory sports medicine.
In the Sustainability major, you will learn about where you’ve come from, the kind of a future you’d like, and the tools and processes to get you there. You will also choose sustainability-related elective courses from any of the three USC faculties to learn how to make a difference and become a sustainability innovator in your chosen field.
USC also offers the Bachelor of Science as a combined degree with other USC programs in arts, business and education. You can also apply to complete an additional year of study to earn a Bachelor of Science (Honours).
Career opportunities
Graduate’s specialist skills in major and minor areas of study will support employment in these fields. Alternatively, graduates may apply their general science knowledge to a wide variety of roles. Common areas include:
- biomedical research/education
- biotechnology
- community health
- environmental education/health/protection
- medical marketing
- sport and exercise research
- sports promotion
- waste and pollution control
Special features
- program structure allows transfer between science degree programs in the first year
- develops a broad knowledge that is applicable to a range of occupations
Program structure
Core courses
Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
Introductory courses
4 required courses:
LFS100 Cell Biology
MTH101 Introduction to Mathematics
SCI105 Chemistry
SCI110 Science Research Methods
Plus select at least 2 courses from: #
LFS112 Human Physiology
LFS122 Human Anatomy
SCI102 Biodiversity and Ecology
SCI107 Physics
SUS101 Foundations of Sustainability
or 2 introductory courses from the Faculty of Science, Health and Education.
# some majors may require some of these courses
Advanced courses
Select a major consisting of 8 courses from:
Plus select at least 2 science courses.
Plus select up to 6 introductory or advanced courses from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business)
Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program
As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
Program requirements and notes
- A maximum of 10 introductory (100 level) courses must be chosen, including the core courses.
- A minimum of 14 advanced (200 and 300 level) courses must be chosen, 5 of which must be 300 level science courses.
- Refer to the Academic Rules.
- Refer to explanation of terms.
- Refer to recommended enrolment patterns.
- International students need to refer to the English language requirements.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including; namely essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
How to apply
Apply for an undergraduate program.
Enquiries
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au