Course

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Diploma in Science/Bachelor of Science

Approved Abbreviation: DipSc/BSc

Western Sydney University Course Code: 6043.2

AQF Level: 7

CRICOS Code: 096968E

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 is 2022 or later.

Units may be revised or replaced to ensure students are provided with up to date curriculum throughout their studies, and this may result in a new course version. Refer to the Check My Course Progress page in MySR for the most up to date information for your course.

For Commencement Year 2020 to 2021 - please refer to: 6043.1 Diploma in Science/Bachelor of Science

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 MT3031 Environmental Health testamur major must complete a compulsory work placement of 100 hours.

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.

Work Integrated Learning

Western Sydney University seeks to enhance student learning experiences by enabling students to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline. This course includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience.

There is a mandatory work component required for completion of this course. Please contact the Course Advisor listed above for information.

Work integrated learning is a component of many units in the core of the course and testamur majors. Additionally, students will be allocated to one of two specific work integrated learning units.

The first of these, Complex Case Studies in Science, is designed to provide students with opportunities for personal development, industry and civic engagement and to develop career readiness. The unit assures that students can critically analyse and logically argue complex scientific issues whilst taking into account multiple competing perspectives and builds on employability and communication skills developed in earlier units.

In the second specific work integrated learning unit, Work Internship for Science Professionals, students undertake a one hundred hour industry placement. This unit will only be undertaken by students studying MT3031 Environmental Health to meet accreditation requirements. The placement will allow students to observe and develop professional skills and behaviour and integrate theoretical and practical science knowledge and conventions into a real world setting. Student placements are unpaid and are undertaken in accordance with the requirements of Western Sydney University’s Placement Policy. Students who are in relevant employment may apply for this experience to be recognised for advanced standing purposes. Students should consult the Advanced Standing Policy.

Placement Policy

Advanced Standing Policy.

International students should also refer to the 'Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students' website for more information and a link to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students

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.

There are two exceptions to this: 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 flexible units.

Students selecting MT2022 Forensic Science must use their flexible units to complete M3120 Crime Scene Investigation to meet industry requirements.

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.

Units are 10 credit points each unless otherwise indicated.

Year1 College units

Standard 3 term (90 credit points)

Preparatory unit:

700043

Chemistry (WSTC Prep)

8 University Level units comprising:

700125

Cell Biology (WSTC)

700333

Essential Chemistry (WSTC)

700124

Scientific Literacy (WSTC)

700155

Introductory Chemistry (WSTC)

700095

Biodiversity (WSTC)

700123

Quantitative Thinking (WSTC)

Choose two of (depending on the testamur major chosen)

700266

Concepts in Human Anatomy (WSTC)

700334

Introduction to Food Science (WSTC)

700061

Introduction to Human Biology (WSTC)

700295

Concepts in Human Physiology (WSTC)

700297

Management of Aquatic Environments (WSTC)

700296

Environmental Issues and Solutions (WSTC)

700329

Digital Forensic Photography (WSTC)

700330

Forensic Science (WSTC)

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 Two may also be awarded the Diploma if they gain a passing grade in all of the above units.

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

Students must pass at least 70 credit points of University level units in Year One before progressing to the Year Two 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

200028

Advanced Calculus

301460

Biochemistry

300843

Forensic and Environmental Analysis

301445

Science Research Methods

300832

Analytical Chemistry

300872

Epidemiology

Choose one of

301261

Complex Case Studies in Science

301259

Work Internship for Science Professionals

(only available to students in MT3031 Environmental Health)

Choose one of

300883

Laboratory Quality Management

300913

Field Project 1

300855

Conservation Biology

300893

Topics in Medical Science

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

AgriFood

Animal Science

Applied Physics

Biology

Chemistry

Environmental Health

Forensic Science

Innovative Foods

Sustainable Environmental Futures

MT3014

Zoology

Elective Units

Students may use their elective units to complete a second major (80 credit points) or one or more sub-majors (40 credit points each) from the same or another discipline area, or up to 80 credit points from the wide range of units offered by Western Sydney University.

Students may complete a second testamur major chosen from the list below

AgriFood

Animal Science

Applied Physics

Biology

Chemistry

Environmental Health

Forensic Science

Innovative Foods

Sustainable Environmental Futures

MT3014

Zoology

MT3028

Anatomy and Physiology

MT3030

Biomedical Science

MT3044

Human Nutrition

NOTE: Students must seek advice from their Academic Course Advisor before selecting a second testamur major (or major) to ensure course requirements are met

Suggested sub-majors

SM3113

Environmental Health

SM3114

Infectious Diseases

SM3044

Microbiology

Students taking a pathway to teaching sub-major must first seek academic advice before selecting electives or sub-majors.

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 700333 Essential Chemistry (depending on testamur major chosen) will be considered an elective unit.