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Bachelor of Science

If you are fascinated by science, this comprehensive degree could be your passport to an exciting future in one of many diverse areas. Tailor this course to your specific career destination and interests. Majors include Biochemistry, Biological Science, Molecular Biology, Behavioural Science, Chemistry, Ecology, Environmental Restoration, Food Science, Geoscience (double major), Health and Nutrition, Mathematics, Microbiology and Molecular Biology.
This course is offered at multiple locations, select your prefered campus to see when it is offered.
Ballarat - Mt Helen
Berwick
Gippsland - Churchill
On-line Learning
Location
Semester 1
Semester 2
Other intakes
Ballarat - Mt Helen
Semester 1
Semester 2
Other intakes
-
Berwick
Semester 1
Semester 2
Other intakes
-
Gippsland - Churchill
Semester 1
Semester 2
Other intakes
-
On-line Learning
Semester 1
Semester 2
Other intakes
-
View all semester start dates
Length
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
(360 credit points = 3.0 EFTSL)
ATAR
Guaranteed ATAR 60.00
 Lowest Adjusted ATAR 50.00

The Bachelor of Science provides a foundation in scientific practice and a specialisation in at least one discipline area chosen from thirteen major study areas.The course is delivered in small applied laboratory classes and workshops allowing the development of advanced skills sought by employers. The emphasis is on acquiring skills in scientific communication data analysis and quantitative literacy problem solving and research skills and a comprehensive understanding of the scientific and ethical framework of at least one major study area.Graduates have the opportunity to undertake a research-based honours course to enhance their employment prospects and postgraduate study opportunities. Course majors include Biochemistry, Biological Science, Behavioural Science Chemistry, Ecology, Environmental Restoration, Food Science, Geoscience (double major available), Health and Nutrition,  Mathematics, Microbiology and Molecular Biology. Minors include all of the above areas as well as Information Technology. 

The Federation University Co-operative Model will accelerate your career by putting you at the heart of education and industry. 
Federation Co-op creates a direct connection between students and employers, via paid placements, career preparation and workplace skill development, supported by a leader in student support, skills development and social equity. 
Our industry stakeholders are excited about Federation Co-op as it addresses skill shortages by inviting them to collaborate on our courses, to identify the real skills that our students need to succeed in their chosen industry. 
Co-op means you can succeed wherever you start on your study journey. 
Federation has the know-how to deliver Co-op through our award-winning relationships with industry, including our 25+ year partnership with IBM, and our extensive research into the co-op model’s success in the USA, Canada and Europe for generations of students. 
• Work and world ready graduates.  We prepare our students through mandatory career development units, so you will be ready to enter the workforce during your co-operative placements, and through transferable World Ready Skills, so you are workforce ready when you graduate, regardless of your background before going to uni. 
• Real experience in your chosen profession. Every Co-op student completes a minimum of 60 days’ paid placement relevant to their course – contributing directly to course credits – either full time over one semester, part time over an extended period or in blocks embedded into your subjects. Co-op offers flexibility to suit our students’ commitments and course. 
• Co-design, co-develop and co-delivered with industry. We work with employers, industry, students and alumni to co-design, co-develop and co-deliver a comprehensive set of structured, assessed Co-operative Experiential Learning activities. 
 

  • Biologist
  • Laboratory worker
  • Research scientist
  • Strategic planner
  • Chemist
  • Physical science technical officer
  • Resource analyst
  • Sustainability officer
  • Ethical advisor
  • Research assistant
  • Science field officer
  • University educator
  • Mineral processor
  • Immunologist
  • Geneticist
  • Cytologist
  • Pathologist
  • Laboratory technician
  • Laboratory assistant
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Exploration geologist
  • Mine geologist
  • Engineering geologist

Depending on your major, you may find government or private sector employment in medical science, earth science, environmental management, analytical laboratories, computer support, health, environmental planning and sustainability, consultancy or research.

The analytical skills of science graduates are also in high demand in education, marketing, administration and business management. Graduates may also choose from a range of specialist post-graduate research and study areas.

Sample structures are just one example of the many options available within your chosen course.  Please contact Federation University for further information on available options.

Please note this is a sample structure only and is not to be used for enrolment purposes.  To enrol, please refer to the information provided to you by Federation University for your individual course structure or view our enrolment information page.

To view current unit information and cost, click on the individual unit name below, or click here to view current unit information and cost for ALL units.

Year 1

Semester 1

PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY
SCBIO1001, 15 credit points
CHEMISTRY 1
SCCHM1001, 15 credit points
SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION
SCCOR1200, 15 credit points
YEAR1 SEM1 Elective

Semester 2

PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY (SCIENCE)
COOPC1026, 15 credit points
SCIENTIFIC PRACTICE
SCCOR1300, 15 credit points
SUSTAINABLE EARTH
SCSUS1500, 15 credit points
Year 1 SEM1 Elective A

Elective Year 1 (2)

Year 2

Semester 1

Elective 2nd/3rd (1)

Elective Courses (2)

Major Sequence Courses (1)

Minor Sequence Courses

Semester 2

Elective Courses (2)

Major Sequence Courses (1)

Minor Sequence Courses

Elective 2nd/3rd level (2)

Year 3

Semester 1

STATISTICAL METHODS
STATS1000, 15 credit points
Elective 2nd/3rd level (2)

Major Sequence Courses(2)

Semester 2

COOPC Electives

Elective 2nd/3rd (1)

Elective 3nd Year

Major Sequence Courses(2)

16 - 20 hours per week

Students will complete 60 days of co-operative industry placement.

Important for Yr 10 students

Entry requirements (year 12)

Admissions Criteria for current Year 12 students and recent secondary graduates (the past 2 years)

Prerequisites 

  • Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any English;
  • Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in one of any Mathematics or any Science.

This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.

Guaranteed ATAR

This program has a guaranteed ATAR.

If you meet the program pre-requisites and any ‘Essential Requirements for Admission’, we will guarantee you a place in this program with this ATAR. We use the adjusted ATAR, factoring in subject adjustments and SEAS as detailed below.

This is not a minimum ATAR or the lowest ATAR selection rank.

Subject Adjustments

A study score of 35 in Biology, Chemistry or Physics equals 3 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 5 points.

SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme)

Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply for the Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS). Depending on eligibility and your circumstances, a SEAS application may provide support for your course application.

 

Entry requirements (non year 12)


Admission criteria for applicants with a Higher Education Study

This course uses the applicants’ entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

Compulsory:  Previous higher education studies with results at a pass level, including any 'single subjects of study', or successful completion of a tertiary preparatory program such as the FedUni Foundation Access Studies Program (FAST).

 

Admission criteria for applications with a Vocational Education and Training study

This course uses the applicants’ entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

Compulsory: Successful completion of a relevant VET qualification at Certificate III level or higher.

 

Admission criteria for applications with work and life experience

Minimum requirements

Applicants who have not completed secondary education, or undertaken any TAFE or university studies will not be eligible for entry into this program. Applicants in this category should consider a pathway program such as Foundation Access Studies (FAST) Program

English language requirement

Overall Academic IELTS band score of 6.0, with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent

The application method varies depending on your circumstances, please visit our How to apply page for further information.

VTAC application: Yes

VTAC code: 3700537001 (Mt Helen), 3700737001 (Churchill), 3700837001 (On-line Learning), 3701837001 (Berwick)

Direct application: Yes

Federation University code: SC5

2024 Indicative Fees

Fee Type: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

$8,948 student contribution amount

A Commonwealth Supported Place is subsidised by the Australian Government.  Your fees (student contribution amount) are set on an annual basis by the government and are determined by the discipline area and band of your individual units, not the overall course.  Each unit falls into a band which determines the student contribution.

2024 annual student contribution amounts for 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) range between $4,445 Band 1 to $16,323 Band 4.  To find the Band, EFTSL and contribution amount for each unit, check the Sample Structure or refer to the 2024 unit listing.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and the indicative amount should be used as a guide only.  It is based on a typical enrolment for a student undertaking the first year of study in this course.  For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses the certificate fee is displayed.  Total cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.

Other fees

You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Other study costs

Lab coat and safety glasses. Some major study areas may also have field trip costs.

Excursion costs may also be incurred.

Fee assistance

You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.  You may also be eligible to defer payment of your SSAF through a SA-HELP loan.

Scholarships

Our scholarships and grants can help with your study costs.  Explore our scholarships to find an opportunity that's right for you.

Can your studies count towards a degree with us? Use our online Credit Search to get the details on completing your studies sooner.

TAFE: Diploma graduates

  • Applicants who have completed VCE or its equivalent and who are applying with a science-based diploma will be considered. Applicants who have not completed VCE but have completed a science-based diploma will also be considered. Credits may be considered for TAFE awards relevant to the course. Consider the Diploma of Conservation and Land Management.

Certificate IV graduates

  • Science-based certificate IV level studies will be considered. For applicants who have also completed VCE, both qualifications will be considered. No credit is granted for these studies. Consider the Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology

Foundation Access Studies (FAST) Program - designed to provide you with an alternative entry method into tertiary study.

Further study options

  • Bachelor of Science (Honours)

 

Depending on your chosen major, you may be eligible to join the following professional bodies:

  • Royal Australian Chemical Institute
  • Australian Society for Microbiology
  • Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand

The Bachelor of Science program is designed for maximum flexibility and hence will enable students interested in science to design their own program. You must complete 24 units, consisting of five core units, six major units, four minor units and nine professional development units.

This program is available via Online Learning, in combination with one to two weeks (depending on your program) of compulsory on-campus laboratory sessions. These lab sessions are held in semester one and semester two in each year of your program. You will also be required to complete examinations either on-campus, or at an approved remote exam location in your region, under supervision.

 

To help you get the most from your online learning experience, it's important that you own or have frequent access to a fast and reliable computer that's ideally not more than two years old.

You will also need frequent access to a reliable high-speed internet connection.  You should expect to use approximately 5GB of data each month, per unit, just for study use.

For further information, visit the Minimum IT requirements for studying online webpage.

A range of student services are available at most campuses. For further information on these services or for course information, please contact us on 1800 333 864.

The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.

All information contained in this course overview including the availability of courses and fees, is correct at the time of being published, however the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Students should check for any amendment prior to enrolment.

CRICOS Provider No.00103D
Please note: This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
National RTO Code: 4909

School department

Science

Course co-ordinator

Ballarat - Mt Helen - Alison Green
Berwick - Alison Green
Gippsland - Churchill - David Smith
Online Delivery - David Smith