Course

Diploma in Science/Bachelor of Science

Approved Abbreviation: DipSc/BSc

Western Sydney University Course Code: 6043.1

AQF Level: 7

CRICOS Code: 096968E

Science asks questions about how the natural world works and the impact of humans at its interface. It does so in a systematic, yet rigorously creative way based on inquiry and evidence. A Bachelor of Science will prepare you to take part in this process of inquiry, by both contributing to it and by using scientific knowledge to solve current problems in broad settings. Students will learn core concepts and skills investigating the natural world, proposing and testing ideas by experimentation and observation; quantifying and modelling processes; communicating findings, thinking independently and critically. Students can enrol in this degree and select from a range of scientific disciplines with the option of expanding learning into other areas outside of science.

Students choosing MT3021 Nutrition and Food Science will be required to complete a compulsory work placement of a minimum 100 hours. Students choosing any other testamur major may also elect to complete a work placement.

All students must complete 60 credit points of study at Level 3 to meet course requirements. Depending on the specialisation selected, students may need to select at least 10 credit points of elective study at Level 3 to meet this requirement.

Students need to note that different majors are offered on different campuses, and not all majors will be offered at every campus.

The first year of this course is delivered by Western Sydney University The College as an agent of Western Sydney University via extended face-to-face hours in smaller learning environments. A Diploma in Science exit point is also available at the end of the first year of the course.

For more information on Western Sydney University, The College, please refer to their web site.

Western Sydney University, The College

Study Mode
Three years full-time or six years part-time.

Admission

For more information on applying please see link to The College admission pages below.

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/thecollege/how_to_apply

Domestic students are required to have:

Completed an English unit in the NSW Higher School Certificate, or

Competency in English at IELTS academic 6.0 equivalent (unless a native speaker) or

Passed The College English test with 70% or higher or

Passed The College Foundation Studies Academic English unit at C grade level or higher.

Students are also assumed to have completed some study in Mathematics and Science at a senior high school level or equivalent.

Met other entry requirements such as:

An ATAR identified prior to the offer of a place, or

Completed The College Foundation Studies course with a Grade Point Average of 5.5 or higher.

International students must satisfy one of the following language requirements:

IELTS 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each sub band or

Completed the College EAP 4 course with a 50% pass or

Passed The College English test at IELTS academic 6.0 equivalent or

Passed The College Foundation Studies Academic English unit at C grade level or higher for which advanced standing can be applied for.

Academic Entry Requirements vary according to country of origin. However, in general:

Completion of Year 12 or its equivalent is the minimum entry requirement or

Completed The College Foundation Studies course with a Grade Point Average of 5.5 or higher.

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the completion of 250 credit points which includes: 90 credit points of core units, 80 credit points taken as a Science specialisation plus 80 credit points of elective units.

For MT3031 Environmental Health specialisation, students must complete 80 credit points of core units plus 120 credit points of Environmental Health units plus 40 credit points of elective units.

Students must complete at least 60 credit points at level 3 or above. Depending on the specialisation selected, students may need to select at least 10 credit points of elective study at Level 3 to meet this requirement.

Year1 College units

Standard 3 term (90 credit points)

First Term of Study

700043

Chemistry (WSTC Prep)

700124

Scientific Literacy (WSTC)

700095

Biodiversity (WSTC)

Second Term of Study

700123

Quantitative Thinking (WSTC)

700125

Cell Biology (WSTC)

700122

Essential Chemistry 2 (WSTC)

Third Term of Study

700155

Introductory Chemistry (WSTC)

Choose two of the following (depending on the testamur major chosen.

700295

Concepts in Human Physiology (WSTC)

700297

Management of Aquatic Environments (WSTC)

700061

Introduction to Human Biology (WSTC)

700296

Environmental Issues and Solutions (WSTC)

700266

Concepts in Human Anatomy (WSTC)

700298

Water Quality Assessment and Management (WSTC)

700265

Food Science 1 (WSTC)

Students must pass all College Preparatory units before progressing to the Year 2 units.

Students may exit at this point and graduate with the Diploma in Science following a passing grade in all of the above units. Students who progress to Year 2 may also be awarded the Diploma if they gain a passing grade in all of the above units.

Students must pass at least 70 credit points of University level units in Year 1 before progressing to the Year 2 units.

Years 2 and 3

Western Sydney University Units

160 credit points as per the rules of the Bachelor of Science (3754)

Core Units

Choose one of

300580

Programming Fundamentals

300936

Functional Proteins and Genes

300843

Forensic and Environmental Analysis

300932

Natural Science Research Methods

300832

Analytical Chemistry

From 2021 students will also be able to choose

300872

Epidemiology

Work Integrated Learning

All students can choose one of these two units:

301259

Work Internship for Science Professionals

301261

Complex Case Studies in Science

Note: Students undertaking either MT3021 Nutrition and Food Science or MT3031 Environmental Health must choose 301259 Work Internship for Science Professionals.

Choose one of (see note below)

300883

Laboratory Quality Management

300909

Biological Adaptation to Climate Change

200022

Mathematical Modelling

301110

Applications of Big Data

300913

Field Project 1

300922

Quality Assurance and Food Analysis

Note: Students are allocated a core unit from these areas depending on the specialisation chosen. Students should consult the sequence of units identified for each specialisation.

Specialisations

Students are required to complete eight specialisation core units from one of the following testamur majors.

Students selecting MT3031 Environmental Health are required to complete twelve specialisation core units.

Students may only select one testamur major.

Animal Science

Applied Physics

Biology

Chemistry

Environmental Health

Forensic Science

If selecting MT3022 Forensic Science, please see note under the Electives heading

MT3025

Mathematics

MT3021

Nutrition and Food Science

MT3043

Sustainable Environmental Futures

MT3014

Zoology

From 2021 the following specialisations are not available to commencing students:

Biology

Data Science

Ecology

Environmental Futures

MT3024

Forensic Biology

MT3023

Forensic Chemistry

MT3019

Microbiology

Elective Units

Students may use their elective units to complete one of the following:

Suggested Elective Sub-majors

SM3044

Microbiology

SM3113

Environmental Health

SM3114

Infectious Diseases

Students may use their elective units to complete an additional specialisation or choose from the wide range of units offered by Western Sydney University.

Note: Students selecting MT3022 Forensic Science must use their elective units to complete M3120.1 Crime Scene Investigation to meet industry requirements.

M3120

Crime Scene Investigation

This major can only be taken with MT3022 Forensic Science

Enrolment in elective units is subject to meeting any required criteria for individual units, such as co-requisites and pre-requisites. Students should note that either 700125 Cell Biology or 700122 Essential Chemistry 2 (depending on testamur major chosen) will be considered an elective unit.