Course code M04
Bachelor of Science
Creative thinkers made here.
Creative thinkers made here.
Choose your science major
In our Science degree you can choose majors like horticulture, environmental management, data science and sustainability.
View majorsWhy study at ECU?
-
A great student experience
As an ECU undergraduate, you can expect the best overall student experience of any of the 38 public universities in Australia. More about QILT.
-
The highest quality teaching
ECU is one of the best unis in Australia for teaching. We've had 17 straight years of 5-star ratings in the Good Universities Guide to prove it!
-
One of the world's young guns
We're ranked one of the world's best universities under 50 years old, and we've already established a global reputation for such a young institution.
Toggle between study options for Domestic or International students
About this Course
Have a favourite science subject? In this course, you can major in one of nine diverse subjects, and choose a minor area of study from a range of options.
Create a unique course and study what you love. Or use your first year to find out what you really like. In your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to gain work experience via a semester long professional placement, the only one of its kind in Australia! This course also provides a strong pathway into the Master of Teaching course for those aspiring to becomes science or mathematics teachers.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code M04
Entry requirements
70 Indicative ATAR
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $7,850
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | FT PT | FT PT |
| Mount Lawley | ||
| South West | FT PT | FT PT |
| Online |
Location
This course requires attendance at more than one campus or location. See Course Notes.
About this Course
Have a favourite science subject? In this course, you can major in one of nine diverse subjects, and choose a minor area of study from a range of options.
Create a unique course and study what you love. Or use your first year to find out what you really like. In your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to gain work experience via a semester long professional placement, the only one of its kind in Australia! This course also provides a strong pathway into the Master of Teaching course for those aspiring to becomes science or mathematics teachers.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code M04
CRICOS code 106397D
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $40,450
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | FT | FT |
| Mount Lawley | ||
| South West | FT | FT |
| Online |
Location
This course requires attendance at more than one campus or location. See Course Notes.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
One or more of the majors in this course has admission requirements. Refer to the major for more information.
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
One or more of the majors in this course has admission requirements. Refer to the major for more information.
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup, South West
Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup, South West
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup, South West
Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup, South West
Course Structure
Students are required to undertake 4 core units, a 12-unit Major, 4 elective units (or a 4-unit Minor) and either the Science Portfolio unit and 2 elective units or the Work Experience Project unit in the final semester.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SCI1125 | Professional Science Essentials | 15 |
| MAT1114 | Introductory Statistics | 15 |
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#1) | 15 |
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#2) | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SCI1182 | Case Studies in Science | 15 |
| SCI1210 | Diverse Voices in Science | 15 |
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#3) | 15 |
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#4) | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#5) | 15 |
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#6) | 15 |
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#7) | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 1 | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#8) | 15 |
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#9) | 15 |
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#10) | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 1 | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#11) | 15 |
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#12) | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 1 | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 1 | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| For students who are NOT undertaking a Work Integrated Learning Placement | ||
| SCI3152 ^ | Science Portfolio | 30 |
| Elective Unit | x 1 | 15 |
| Elective Unit | x 1 | 15 |
| For students who ARE undertaking a Work Integrated Learning Placement | ||
| SCI3600 ^ | Professional Placement (Science and Mathematics) | 60 |
The sequencing of major and elective units in the second and third year may vary from the above structure for some majors.
^ Core Option
M04|4
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookMajors you can study in this course
Course notes
Important course notes
-
Students studying on the South West (Bunbury) campus can select a major in Conservation Biology or Environmental Management, and minors in Conservation Biology, Data Science or Environmental Management. Units undertaken at the South West campus will be delivered as a series of lectures and weekly laboratory classes, supported by technology enhanced learning and digital content. There are also practicum weeks in which fieldwork activities are carried out.
-
Students have the opportunity to seek a semester long Work Integrated Learning placement with an industry partner relevant to the Science and Mathematics discipline.
Attendance requirements
Students are required to complete a placement which is equivalent to one semester of full-time study. Whilst attendance is negotiated with the WIL host organisation, typically students will be expected to undertake a minimum of 300 hours over a maximum of 17 weeks. Typical full-time placements usually comprise 450 hours of professional placement.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
Students, the WIL host organisation and the school's WIL Coordinator must complete a WIL documentation pack (which includes all required OSH and Risk Assessment documents) before the placement can commence. WIL host organisations may have additional clearance requirements of applicants, including evidence of police clearance or non-disclosure agreements.
There may also be vaccination or other similar requirements, including those imposed by government or third-party placement hosts, that apply to Professional Placements which form part of your course. Please consider this requirement before applying for Professional Placement and speak with the WIL and Course Coordinator if this raises any concerns. You may not be able to complete the Professional Placement unit if you are unable to meet the placement requirements.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical science situations.
- Analyse field, experimental and/or theoretical data using a range of scientific approaches.
- Draw conclusions from field, experimental and/or theoretical approaches to generate solutions to scientific problems.
- Synthesise relevant information from multiple sources using digital technologies.
- Communicate disciplinary knowledge and values in professional and public contexts.
- Incorporate diverse perspectives into scientific practice, applying a global outlook and including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural perspectives.
- Work collaboratively with others, encompassing social, sustainable, and ethical values into scientific practice.
- Apply own learning to professional practice.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup, South West
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup, South West
Course Structure
Students are required to undertake 4 core units, a 12-unit Major, 4 elective units (or a 4-unit Minor) and either the Science Portfolio unit and 2 elective units or the Work Experience Project unit in the final semester.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SCI1125 | Professional Science Essentials | 15 |
| MAT1114 | Introductory Statistics | 15 |
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#1) | 15 |
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#2) | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SCI1182 | Case Studies in Science | 15 |
| SCI1210 | Diverse Voices in Science | 15 |
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#3) | 15 |
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#4) | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#5) | 15 |
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#6) | 15 |
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#7) | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 1 | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#8) | 15 |
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#9) | 15 |
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#10) | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 1 | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#11) | 15 |
| Unit from Major | Unit from selected Major (#12) | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 1 | 15 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 1 | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| For students who are NOT undertaking a Work Integrated Learning Placement | ||
| SCI3152 ^ | Science Portfolio | 30 |
| Elective Unit | x 1 | 15 |
| Elective Unit | x 1 | 15 |
| For students who ARE undertaking a Work Integrated Learning Placement | ||
| SCI3600 ^ | Professional Placement (Science and Mathematics) | 60 |
The sequencing of major and elective units in the second and third year may vary from the above structure for some majors.
^ Core Option
M04|4
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookMajors you can study in this course
Course notes
Important course notes
-
Students studying on the South West (Bunbury) campus can select a major in Conservation Biology or Environmental Management, and minors in Conservation Biology, Data Science or Environmental Management. Units undertaken at the South West campus will be delivered as a series of lectures and weekly laboratory classes, supported by technology enhanced learning and digital content. There are also practicum weeks in which fieldwork activities are carried out.
-
Students have the opportunity to seek a semester long Work Integrated Learning placement with an industry partner relevant to the Science and Mathematics discipline.
Attendance requirements
Students are required to complete a placement which is equivalent to one semester of full-time study. Whilst attendance is negotiated with the WIL host organisation, typically students will be expected to undertake a minimum of 300 hours over a maximum of 17 weeks. Typical full-time placements usually comprise 450 hours of professional placement.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
Students, the WIL host organisation and the school's WIL Coordinator must complete a WIL documentation pack (which includes all required OSH and Risk Assessment documents) before the placement can commence. WIL host organisations may have additional clearance requirements of applicants, including evidence of police clearance or non-disclosure agreements.
There may also be vaccination or other similar requirements, including those imposed by government or third-party placement hosts, that apply to Professional Placements which form part of your course. Please consider this requirement before applying for Professional Placement and speak with the WIL and Course Coordinator if this raises any concerns. You may not be able to complete the Professional Placement unit if you are unable to meet the placement requirements.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical science situations.
- Analyse field, experimental and/or theoretical data using a range of scientific approaches.
- Draw conclusions from field, experimental and/or theoretical approaches to generate solutions to scientific problems.
- Synthesise relevant information from multiple sources using digital technologies.
- Communicate disciplinary knowledge and values in professional and public contexts.
- Incorporate diverse perspectives into scientific practice, applying a global outlook and including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural perspectives.
- Work collaboratively with others, encompassing social, sustainable, and ethical values into scientific practice.
- Apply own learning to professional practice.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $7,850 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Science graduates are employed across a wide range of organisations. These include agrochemical companies, automotive and aerospace industries, banking, computing, consultancies, conservation organisations, defence, education, energy, environmental departments, environmental consulting, export, government, health, healthcare, IT, land and water management, materials, meteorology, mining, natural heritage, parks and gardens, sport, technology, industries deal with conservation of biodiversity, environmental impact assessment and management and rehabilitation of specific ecosystems (such as wetlands, forests, coastlines and arid regions), species conservation programs, environmental planning
Possible future job titles
Analytical Chemist, Forensic Chemist, Government Scientist, Industrial Chemist, Instrumentation Consultant, Medical Chemist, Biodiversity Manager, Botanist, Conservation Biologist, Environmental Consultant
Similar courses to consider
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $40,450 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Science graduates are employed across a wide range of organisations. These include agrochemical companies, automotive and aerospace industries, banking, computing, consultancies, conservation organisations, defence, education, energy, environmental departments, environmental consulting, export, government, health, healthcare, IT, land and water management, materials, meteorology, mining, natural heritage, parks and gardens, sport, technology, industries deal with conservation of biodiversity, environmental impact assessment and management and rehabilitation of specific ecosystems (such as wetlands, forests, coastlines and arid regions), species conservation programs, environmental planning
Possible future job titles
Analytical Chemist, Forensic Chemist, Government Scientist, Industrial Chemist, Instrumentation Consultant, Medical Chemist, Biodiversity Manager, Botanist, Conservation Biologist, Environmental Consultant
Similar courses to consider
Need some help deciding what to study?
Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.
Creative thinkers start here
Explore your options
Explore your options through the following media
If you're thinking about studying Science at university but aren't sure what to specialise in, check out ECU's Bachelor of Science degree.
Creative thinkers start here
Explore your options
Explore your options through the following media
If you're thinking about studying Science at university but aren't sure what to specialise in, check out ECU's Bachelor of Science degree.
Student stories
-
Rebecca MacMillan
ECU Science graduate
Anything is achievable
Coming from a farming background, I was always interested in studying biology. So I made the decision to move here and begin my studies at ECU.
ECU offered me a course with exciting fieldwork and lecturers who were so welcoming. They even helped me find work experience positions! I have completed volunteer work at the Western Australian Herbarium.
I've learned that anything is achievable if you set your mind to it and focus on your goals and dreams.
-
Zoe Mputhia
ECU Biological Sciences
What amazed me is the amount of practical units my course has
I've always been passionate about wildlife and the environment, so I chose to study Biological Sciences at ECU. Before starting my studies, I didn't know how hands on my course would be.
I've participated in a lot of lab work, been able to use modern equipment and even gone on camps as well. The lecturers have been amazing. They are so enthusiastic about the subjects they teach and are extremely knowledgeable.
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-