Course

Bachelor of Science

Approved Abbreviation: BSc

Western Sydney University Course Code: 3640.1

AQF Level: 7

CRICOS Code: 041144M

Students should follow the course structure for the course version relevant to the year they commenced. This version applies to students whose commencement year in this course was 2009.

Please contact the Head of Program for the Key Program your enquiry relates to. The 11 Key Programs available in the Bachelor of Science and the Head of Program details are listed below under "Key Programs".

A Bachelor of Science prepares students for a professional career in science. Fundamental to this degree are the skills necessary for quantification and analysis, the capacity for critical analysis, problem solving, and independent thinking. Students may choose one of the available Key Programs, or they may elect to take a Bachelor of Science without a Key Program. Units from a range of scientific and other disciplines may be combined to suit a student's interests and educational aims. Students complete a core of basic science units, to which other science units and, if desired, non-science electives can be added.

Study Mode
Three years full-time. Students may study at a reduced load.

Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) is accredited by The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).

Admission

Applications are via UAC.

International applicants should contact the University's International Office for information on admission.

International Office

The following sets of Assumed Knowledge and Recommended Studies apply:

Agricultural Science - Assumed knowledge: Any two units of English and any two units of science. Recommended studies: One or more of Biology, Chemistry or Agriculture.

Animal Science- Assumed knowledge: Any two units of English and any two units of science. Recommended studies: One or more of Biology, Chemistry or Agriculture.

Biological Science - Recommended studies: Mathematics and Chemistry.

Biotechnology - Recommended studies: Chemistry.

Chemistry - Recommended studies: Chemistry.

Environmental Science - Assumed knowledge: Any two units of English and any two units of science (Biology or Chemistry recommended). Recommended studies: Geography.

Food Science - Recommended studies: Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics.

Mathematical Science- Recommended studies: Mathematics.

Nanotechnology - Recommended studies: Mathematics and Chemistry.

Nutrition and Food - Assumed knowledge: Mathematics and Biology. Recommended studies: Chemistry and Food Technology.

Plant Science- Assumed knowledge: At least two of Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics.

Science (No Key Program) - Assumed knowledge: At least two of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics.

Special Requirements Prerequisites
Students who do not satisfy the Assumed Knowledge for the Level 1 unit in mathematics, statistics or biometry will be advised to complete unit 300691 - Mathematical Reasoning as one of their electives, as preparation for this core requirement of the degree.

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 240 credit points with no more than 180 credit points at Level 1 and Level 2, including electives. A minimum of 60 credit points must be at Level 3 or above, of which 40 must be science-based units, including a Capstone Unit which draws the overall academic program together. The degree must include six core units from the Bachelor of Science Unit Pool (shown below), including one Level 1 unit in mathematics, statistics or biometry, plus at least one Level 1 unit from two of the following discipline areas: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geoscience and Physics.

Key Program in Agricultural Science

KT3015Agricultural Science

This key program equips graduates with specialised knowledge and understanding of agronomy, animal science and soil science underpinned by a sound background in biology, chemistry and biometry. Graduates will understand how agriculture impacts on the structure and function of production ecosystems in the context of nutrient, water and energy flows, carbon sequestration and use of introduced and genetically modified organisms. There is an emphasis on developing field and laboratory skills related to the major study areas that will prepare students for technical, production, research or advisory careers.

Key Program in Animal Science

KT3016Animal Science

This key program recognises the increased demand for knowledge of how to best care for and protect our animals, including scientific knowledge of companion animals, production animals and their products, as well as knowledge related to our native animals.

Key Program in Biological Science

KT3017Biological Science

This key program focuses on the areas of biology that are most relevant to industry and research: biochemistry, microbiology and molecular biology. Other areas of study include anatomy and physiology, environmental science, biotechnology, human biology and plant biology.

Key Program in Biotechnology

KT3018Biotechnology

This key program harnesses microbial, plant and animal cells to produce useful goods and services, including food, drink, medicines and chemicals. Biotechnology also plays an important role in dealing with waste materials, the removal of pollutants from the environment, and microbial control of plants, pests and diseases.

Key Program in Chemistry

KT3019Chemistry

This key program consists of core studies in analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. A major in geochemistry will prepare you for a career in the minerals and mining industries. A sub-major in biochemistry or microbiology will prepare you for a career in the pharmaceutical, health or food industries.

Key Program in Environmental Science

KT3020Environmental Science

This key program provides a strong background in key analytical techniques that have contemporary applications such as the handling and interpretation of data and the modelling of real world problems such as global warming.

Key Program in Food Science

KT3021Food Science

This key program recognises that the manufacture of food is vital to Australia in terms of investment, export income and jobs growth. Within this framework there is a strong demand for practical food scientists who have skills in chemistry and microbiology and who can apply this knowledge to food processing, ensuring a safe, nutritious and appetising food supply.

Key Program in Mathematical Science

KT3022Mathematical Science

Specialise in mathematics, statistics or a combination of both. You’ll develop skills that allow you to model and solve real world problems using mathematical techniques. Minor studies can be completed in science related areas such as computer science and the physical sciences or in areas such as marketing, management, accounting, economics and finance, arts, humanities and social sciences.

Key Program in Nanotechnology

KT3023Nanotechnology

This key program prepares you for a cutting-edge career, giving you the opportunity to revolutionise medicine, industry, electronics, defence, aerospace, communications, law enforcement, energy production and environmental sustainability. It combines real-life nanotechnology innovations, advanced theory in virtually all the sciences, and the opportunity to specialise in Nanophysics, Nanochemistry, Nanobiology, Materials Science or Nanoengineering.

Key Program in Nutrition and Food

KT3024Nutrition and Food

Healthy eating is a vital part of good health. Nutrition and Food covers a range of subjects from the nutritional benefits of particular foods to food safety and medical conditions affected by diet, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Key Program in Plant Science

KT3025Plant Science

FROM 2010 THIS KEY PROGAM IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE

At Western Sydney University, Plant Science includes how plants grow, what they need for growth, how they respond to their environment, how they evolved, and more.

Science (no Key Program)

KP3000Science (No Key Program)

Intended for students who do not wish to specialise in a single key area of study, but who want a versatile and flexible course of study in science, this program includes a core of basic science units including biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. You can then add units from a range of scientific and other disciplines to suit your interests and career aspirations.

Year 1 - Autumn Session

Three Level 1 units from the Bachelor of Science Unit Pool

And one elective

Year 1 - Spring session

Three Level 1 units from the Bachelor of Science Unit Pool

And one elective

Year 2 - Autumn Session

Three Level 2 units from the Bachelor of Science Unit Pool

And one elective

Year 2 - Spring session

Three Level 2 units from the Bachelor of Science Unit Pool

And one elective

Year 3 - Autumn Session

Two Level 3 units from the Bachelor of Science Unit Pool

And one Level 3 elective

And one elective

Year 3 - Spring session

Two Level 3 units from the Bachelor of Science Unit Pool

And one Level 3 elective

And one elective

Majors

M3016Animal Science
M3011Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
M3018Biotechnology
M3019Chemistry
M3023Computational Decision Making
M3012Conservation Biology
M3020Geochemistry
M3013General Biology
M3024Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining
M3021Mathematics
M3014Microbiology
M3017Nutrition and Physiology
M3015Plant Science
M3022Statistics

Sub-majors

SM3020Animal Science
SM3016Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
SM3027Computational Decision Making
SM3017Conservation Biology
SM3023Environmental Chemistry
SM3024Forensic Chemistry
SM3022Geochemistry
SM3011Entertainment Computing
SM3010Health Information Applications
SM3009Health Information Management
SM3028Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining
SM3025Mathematics
SM3018Microbiology
SM3008Networking
SM3021Nutrition and Physiology
SM3019Plant Science
SM3026Statistics
SM3007Web Application Development (for Non-Computing Students)

Bachelor of Science Unit Pool

Level 1

Biology Core Units

Choose one of:

300221Biology 1
300543Cell Biology

Choose one of:

300222Biology 2
300539Biodiversity

Chemistry Core Units

Choose one of:

300224Chemistry 1
300554Principles of Chemistry
300469Introductory Chemistry

Choose one of:

300225Chemistry 2
300550Medicinal Chemistry

Computing and Information Technology Core Units

300134Introduction to Information Technology
300580Programming Fundamentals

Geoscience Core Units

300232Introduction to Earth Sciences
300613Introductory Geochemistry: Earth, Resources and Environments

Mathematics and Statistics Core Units

200191Fundamentals of Mathematics
200025Discrete Mathematics
300672Mathematics 1A
300673Mathematics 1B

Choose one of:

200263Biometry
200192Statistics for Science
200032Statistics for Business

Physics Core Units

300558Physics 1
300559Physics 2

Professional Skills Core Unit

300497Professional Skills for Science

Professional Skills Alternate Unit

300661Integrated Science 1

Level 2

Biology Core Units

300321Microbiology 2

Choose one of:

300219Biochemistry 1
300555Proteins and Genes

Choose one of:

300220Biochemistry 2
300548Human Metabolism and Disease

Choose one of:

300300Microbiology 1
300331General Microbiology

Biology Alternate Units

300608Animal Physiology
300328Botany
300634Ecology
300658Endocrinology and Metabolism
300333Introductory Plant Physiology
300323Pathological Basis of Disease
300609Plant Physiology
300646Principles of Biotechnology

Choose one of:

300623Genetics
300547Human Genetics

Chemistry Core Units

300297Analytical Chemistry 2

Choose one of:

300230Inorganic Chemistry 2
300545Coordination Chemistry

Choose one of:

300301Organic Chemistry 2
300553Molecules of Life: Synthesis and Reactivity

Choose one of:

300236Physical Chemistry 2
300540Biomolecular Dynamics

Chemistry Alternate Units

300493Forensic and Environmental Analysis

Geoscience Alternate Units

300611Chemical Mineralogy
300612Geochemical Systems

Mathematics and Statistics Core Units

200028Advanced Calculus
200033Applied Statistics
200030Differential Equations
300606Foundations of Statistical Modelling and Decision Making
200042Introduction to Operations Research
200027Linear Algebra
200029Numerical Analysis

Level 3

Biology Alternate Units

300556Analytical Protein Science
300307Analytical Microbiology
300427Animal Production
300327Australian Plants
300465Aquatic Ecology
300542Biomolecular Science Project
300610Biotechnology
300644Biophysics
300544Cell Signalling
300617Conservation Biology
300607Environmental Biology
300647Environmental Biotechnology
300504Fermentation Science
300648Food and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
300656Laboratory Quality Management
300757Molecular Biology of the Immune System
300229Immunology
300408Mammalian Cell Biology and Biotechnology
300407Mammalian Molecular Medicine
300749Medical Microbiology
300621Plant Biotechnology
300615Science Research Project 1
300645Science Research Project 2
300470Vertebrate Biodiversity

Choose one of:

300234Molecular Biology
300549Human Molecular Biology

Chemistry Alternate Units

300218Applied Aspects of Inorganic Chemistry
300542Biomolecular Science Project
300557Molecular Spectroscopy
300615Science Research Project 1
300645Science Research Project 2

Choose one of:

300298Analytical Chemistry 3
300537Advanced Chemical Analysis

Choose one of:

300231Inorganic Chemistry 3
300538Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

Choose one of:

300235Organic Chemistry 3
300546Drug Design and Synthesis

Choose one of:

300303Physical Chemistry 3
300475Molecular Pharmacokinetics

Geoscience Alternate Units

300614Environmental Geochemistry

Mathematics and Statistics Alternate Units

200193Abstract Algebra
200023Analysis
200036Data Mining and Visualisation
200024Mathematical Finance
200022Mathematical Modelling
300670Optimisation Techniques
300671Principles and Practice of Decision Making
200040Probability & Stochastic Processes
200045Quantitative Project
200037Regression Analysis & Experimental Design
200044Simulation Techniques
200039Surveys and Multivariate Analysis
200038Time Series and Forecasting

Bachelor of Science Capstone Units

300530Advances in Agronomy
300427Animal Production
300542Biomolecular Science Project
300610Biotechnology
300617Conservation Biology
300648Food and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
300637Food Product Development Practicum
300656Laboratory Quality Management
300643Plant Protection
200045Quantitative Project
300615Science Research Project 1
300645Science Research Project 2

Major and Sub-major elective spaces

Elective units may be used toward obtaining an additional approved major (80 credit points) or sub-major (40 credit points).

Western Sydney University offers majors and sub-majors in a range of areas including Sustainability and Indigenous Studies.

Search for majors and sub-majors

Indigenous Australian Studies Major

Indigenous Australian Studies Sub-major

Indigenous Australian Creative Expressions Sub-major

Indigenous Economics Sub-major

Business Sustainability Sub-major

Students can apply for an elective major or sub-major via MySR.

MyStudentRecords (MySR)



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