Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences)

Effective from 01-JAN-2019 : Code Y18

This course is designed for students with a strong interest in the living world. It covers such areas as cellular and molecular biology, genetics, zoology, botany, animal and plant physiology and ecology. The course also has a strong emphasis on biodiversity and evolution.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Work Experience Option

Students have the opportunity to seek a semester long Work Integrated Learning placement with an industry partner relevant to the Biological Science discipline.

Duty of care

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.

Attendance requirements

Students are required to complete a placement which is equivalent to one semester of full-time study, or approximately 450 hours. Whilst attendance is negotiated with the WIL host organisation, typically students will be expected to attend 5 days a week for 12 weeks.

Prerequisites

Students are required to have successfully completed all core units (except SCI3150). Students must also have a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 65 per cent or higher across their course, or have a WAM of 70 per cent or higher for the semester preceding their application. Successful applicants for the work placement must enrol in and complete the requirements for the unit CSI3345 Work Experience Project (in place of SCI3150 Science Project + 3 electives). It is the responsibility of the student to conserve appropriate elective credit leading into their final year and to check any course duration issues that may occur from undertaking WIL in the summer school enrolment period.

Application process

Students are required to apply in writing to the Work Integrated Learning Coordinator (the student's Course Coordinator can advise who is the responsible staff member) upon successful completion of 240 credit points of study. Students should seek the advice of their Course Coordinator and the WIL Coordinator as to the appropriateness of pursuing the work placement option within their course structure, and also as to their eligibility to be considered. The WIL placement will take place in the summer school enrolment period.

Enrolment process

Students require written permission from the Work Integrated Learning coordinator to enrol in CSI3345 for the summer school enrolment period. Students are also advised not to enrol in any additional units whilst undertaking their Work Integrated Learning placement.

Implications of failing

Failure to successfully complete CSI3345 Work Experience Project will necessitate completing SCI3150 Science Project + 3 electives in the semester(s) following the unsuccessful placement.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical biological situations.
2. Communicate disciplinary knowledge and values in professional and public contexts.
3. Demonstrate a global outlook on organismal diversity.
4. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional practice.
5. Think creatively to generate solutions/responses to biological questions.
6. Think critically to analyse, construct field or experimental approaches and interpret results to complex biological problems.
7. Use experimental and digital technologies and literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources.
8. Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values, including indigenous cultural competence.

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 3)

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);
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course;
• Aboriginal Student Intake Test; or
• Experience Based Entry Scheme.

English Language requirement (Band 3)

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 Student Intake Test;
• 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 as defined in the Admissions Policy.

Course Duration

• Full Time: 3 Years
• Part Time: 6 Years

Course Delivery

• Joondalup: Full Time, Part Time

Course Coordinator

Dr Robert Allyn DAVIS

Course Structure

Note: Students who have completed Chemistry ATAR or equivalent should enrol in SCC1111 General Chemistry, while those that have not completed Chemistry ATAR should enrol in SCC1123 Chemistry for the Life Sciences.

For students who are NOT undertaking a Work Integrated Learning Placement

For students who ARE undertaking a Work Integrated Learning Placement

Note: It is recommended that students complete at least one non-science elective, MAT2110 Applied Statistics and/or ACS2122 Aboriginal Perspectives on the Environment.

^ Core Option
* Students will be assessed to see if they have achieved the ECU minimum standard of English language proficiency in this unit. Students who don't meet the minimum standard will be provided with appropriate English language support and development.