Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science at Southern Cross University is a flexible, multidimensional degree that allows you to incorporate a wide range of subjects with career-focused science specialisations. You can focus on an area of professional practice by choosing a specialisation in Earth and Environmental Systems, Marine Systems, Forestry Systems or…
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Bachelor of Science at Southern Cross University is a flexible, multidimensional degree that allows you to incorporate a wide range of subjects with career-focused science specialisations.
You can focus on an area of professional practice by choosing a specialisation in Earth and Environmental Systems, Marine Systems, Forestry Systems or Regenerative Agriculture. These specialisations are identified on your graduating testamur. Alternatively, you can choose a major from Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Environmental Solutions or a shared major from disciplines across the University.
You can effectively design your own science degree. All students study seven core units that provide a strong foundation in science, including field and laboratory experimentation and analytical techniques, as well as socio-ecological systems, management and critical thinking. Core skills and knowledge are reinforced and expanded across the three-year program, finishing with capstone research projects in Impactful Science and Practice.
The Bachelor of Science is characterised by a high level of practical and field experience in all years, making use of our easy access to a variety of subtropical terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems.
Major areas of study
Specialisations
Specialisations are a group of units which develop specialist skills and knowledge. All specialisations provide capstone units that reinforce your chosen field via research and applied practice.
Earth and Environmental Systems Specialisation develops your skills in and understanding of environmental science to address how we interact with Earth systems in the Anthropocene. You will study units covering ecology, ecosystem regeneration, biogeochemistry, modelling and resource management (including water, catchments and waste/resources in the circular economy). You can choose a shared major as part of this specialisation or choose from a range of elective units, including ecological economics, wildlife conservation, and protected area management.
Marine Systems Specialisation builds on introductory earth systems knowledge by studying units at our National Marine Science Centre adjacent to the Solitary Islands. These cover oceanography, marine ecology, fish and aquaculture, reefs, fisheries and marine parks management. You can choose a shared major as part of this specialisation or choose from a range of elective units including marine megafauna, ocean change biology, drone technology and special analysis, and coastal fluvial hydrodynamics.
Forestry Systems Specialisation covers the vital roles forest play in natural and managed systems. Building on core science principles you will study units addressing native forest silviculture, fire ecology and management, planted trees and forests, wood science and utilisation, forest operations and technology. You can choose a shared major as part of this specialisation or choose eight from a range of elective units including modelling natural systems, plant and disease management, agriculture and forest value chains, and plant biology.
Regenerative Agriculture Specialisation is the only undergraduate specialisation addressing regenerative agriculture in Australia and globally. You will study human ecology, soil processes, regenerative strategies and soil management as well as the planning of rural landscapes, developing specialist knowledge and taking a holistic approach to food production and farm management. A key aspect of this practice specialisation are on-farm residential schools. You can choose seven units from any other specialisation.
Majors
Chemistry
Biology
Mathematics
Environmental Solutions
or choose a shared major from different disciplines.
REQUIREMENTS
For undergraduate degrees, the required entry score uses the Australian Year 12 qualification.
Academic scores may vary from country by country.
Applicants must have IELTS – 6.0 with no band less than 5.5; CPE – 52; CAE – 52; TOEFL PBT – 550 min 4.5 (TWE); TOEFL iBT- 60 with no less than 17 in writing and speaking, no less than 11 in reading and listening; PTE – 50 with no communicative score less than 46; ISPLR – 3+ or better in all 4 skills; CEFR – B2.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Southern Cross University is a vibrant, contemporary Australian university with campuses at the Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour, and branch campuses in Sydney and Melbourne. The University offers industry-relevant degrees with a strong practical component that enables students to generate and apply knowledge. Southern Cross University was ranked in the Top 100 in the Times Higher Education 150 under 50 Rankings 2016. It is a research intensive university and was evaluated at ‘well above world standard’ in nine key areas in the Australian Research Council’s 2015 Excellence in Research Australia Report . Its SCU International Student Support team has been recognised for their outstanding international student support in the International Student Barometer (ISB) survey 2016 .
