Undergraduate - Course0050 - Bachelor of Science

The course provides students with a broad, general science education, as well as specialist training in one or more science disciplines. The flexibility of the course and the wide range of areas of specialisation allows students to explore new areas, further develop their strengths in science and to pursue their interests. The emphasis on generic skills - quantitative literacy, data analysis, information literacy, problem solving, communication and presentation skills, and the capacity to work in teams - and specialisation in at least one discipline ensures a firm foundation for a career in science. Graduates will be equipped for a variety of careers or for honours and postgraduate study, leading to global employment opportunities in any of the traditional and emerging careers for scientists.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://opvclt.monash.edu.au/curriculum-by-design/aligning-course-outcomes-with-aqf-bologna.html).

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate broad knowledge and technical skills in at least one area of science, and a basic understanding of science disciplines other than those in which they specialise
• develop, apply, integrate and generate scientific knowledge in professional contexts to analyse challenges and to develop effective solutions
• demonstrate understanding of the importance of science to the human endeavour
• collect, organise, analyse and interpret data meaningfully, using mathematical and statistical tools as appropriate to the discipline of specialisation
• convey ideas and results effectively to diverse audiences and in a variety of formats
• work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives
• exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

Course progression requirements

Students must complete the level one sequences and the mathematics/statistics requirement at stage one before enrolling in level two science units.

This course consists of a major sequence in an area of science, along with a specified number and type of science units including a level one mathematics or statistics unit, a level two science core unit covering scientific practice and communication, and elective units.

Students must complete 144 credit points, including a minimum of 96 credit points of science units covering all of the following:

(1.) at least six level-one science units (36 points) including:

(a.) a minimum of two level-one science approved sequences. The approved level one sequences are listed in the section Approved level one sequences in ScienceApproved level one sequences in Science (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2014handbooks/undergrad/sci-sequences.html).

(b.) at least one level-one mathematics or statistics unit from:

• MTH1020 Analysis of change
• MTH1030 Techniques for modelling
• SCI1020 Introduction to statistical reasoning
• STA1010 Statistical methods for science

(2.) one major sequence in a science area of study (48 points). The science major sequence must be chosen from the science areas of study for the campus on which the student is enrolled and are listed in the section Science areas of study and sequencesScience areas of study and sequences (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2014handbooks/undergrad/sci-01a.html) in this Handbook.

(3.) the core unit SCI2010 Scientific practice and communication or SCI2015 Scientific practice and communication (advanced)

(4.) a minimum of ten science units (60 points) at level two and three (including either SCI2010 or SCI2015), with at least four science units at level three

(5.) additional units (science or non-science electives) to take the total credit points to 144.

When selecting additional units, these can be identified using the browse units toolbrowse units tool (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/search) and indexes of unitsindexes of units (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/) in the current edition of the Handbook. The level of the unit is indicated by the first number in the unit code; undergraduate units are those that commence with the numbers 1-3. Note: Some non-science units may require permission from the owning faculty.

Notes:

• A maximum of eight elective units (48 points) offered by another faculty can be taken overall, subject to meeting unit and any entry requirements of that faculty.
• A maximum of 10 level-one units (60 points) can be taken overall.

Stage one

Students must complete six level-one science units including the level one mathematics or statistics unit along with at least two level-one approved science sequenceslevel-one approved science sequences (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2014handbooks/undergrad/sci-sequences.html).

The choice of level-one sequences influences the choice of units at stages two and three and lay the foundation for further study in an area of science. To ensure that the maximum choice of science areas of study are available at level two, it is recommended that three level-one sequences in science are completed.

The level one mathematics/statistics unit taken will depend on a student's mathematics background and interests:

• The statistics units SCI1020 (Introduction to statistical reasoning) and STA1010 (Statistical methods for science) are normally recommended for students planning to study areas where experimental design and data analysis skills are particularly important, such as the life sciences.
• SCI1020 is for students without a strong mathematics background, while STA1010 requires students to have studied VCE Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 (or equivalent).
• The mathematical methods units MTH1020 and MTH1030 are recommended for students with an interest in mathematics and/or physics. MTH1020 requires students to have studied VCE Mathematical Methods (or equivalent). MTH1030 requires students to have studied VCE Mathematical Methods (or equivalent) or MTH1020.
• Students with a strong mathematics background and a keen interest in the subject could replace the units MTH1030 and MTH2010 with their advanced versions MTH1035 and MTH2015 respectively. Students will need to seek permission to enrol in these units at the Faculty of Science, Student Academic Services officeStudent Academic Services office (http://monash.edu/science/current/undergraduate/help/).

Stage two

Students must complete the level two units towards their proposed major sequence together with the core unit SCI2010 or SCI2015. It is important that the units studied at stage two provide the prerequisites for the level three units within the major sequence. It is recommended that students consider completing units at level two in more than one area of science to maximise the choice of major sequences at level three.

The units studied at stage two should take into account the course requirement of a minimum of ten science units at level two and three with at least four units at level three.

Stage three

Students must complete their science major sequence and any remaining units needed to complete any outstanding course requirements. The level two and level three science units studied at stage three should take into account the overall course requirement of a minimum of ten science units at level two and three with at least four units at level three. Additional considerations include the option of completing a second major sequence or a double major in science sequence within the 144 credit points.

Students intending to undertake honours should ensure they complete the specific units required for honours in their chosen area of study.

To be eligible to apply for entry into the Honours degree of Bachelor of Science, students must obtain a distinction grade average (70 per cent) or above in 24 points of studies in relevant units at level three, which will normally include at least 18 points of units in the area of study in which they wish to undertake honours.

Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science (Biomolecular Processing)
Bachelor of Science (Chemical Biotechnology)
Bachelor of Science (Materials and Nanotechnology)
Bachelor of Science (Medical Biotechnology)
Bachelor of Science (Pharmacological Chemistry)
Bachelor of Science (Plant and Animal Biotechnology)

Where more than one award is listed the actual award(s) conferred may depend on units/majors/streams/specialisations studied, the level of academic merit achieved, or other factors relevant to the individual student's program of study.