ObjectivesThe Bachelor of Biological Science aims to produce high-quality graduates with generic skills, theoretical knowledge and relevant, wide-ranging practical experience in both the laboratory and the field, to gain employment either in the biological field, a related science field or to succeed in further study. This recently revised course provides the opportunity to study and conduct research projects in evolutionary biology, cell and molecular biology, genetics, physiology or ecology to gain real-life experience in your profession. A series of professional practice units will introduce you to a career in biology, while a work placement gives you an insight into laboratory science, field science or an approved alternative. You will also have the opportunity to apply for an Industry Based Learning placement which will allow you to apply and consolidate knowledge gained in your course, experience workplace culture and workplaces practices, explore career options and develop a professional network. This course has a first year of foundation units followed by a second year focusing on biodiversity and organism biology. Using electives from second and third year, you are able to pursue a particular interest in biology either by selecting one of the planned majors, or by tailoring your degree with elective units which you may choose from a range of second and third-year biology units or units from any other faculty within the University.
Entry requirementsApplicants should have successfully completed VCE or equivalent. Refer to the VTAC Guide for the latest pre-requisite information www.vtac.edu.au Those aged 21 or over on 1 January and who do not hold VCE or equivalent should apply under Alternative Admission. This category is open to those who do not satisfy normal entrance requirements, but can demonstrate relevant work or life experience.
Academic titleBachelor of Biological Science
Course descriptionFees and charges
Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL)
EFTSL is the standard annual full time load. Eight credit points is the standard full time load for one year of study.
Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
A Commonwealth supported place is one for which the university receives some government funding. As such, students enrolled in these places are required to contribute only part of the cost of their course. To be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place you must be an Australian citizen, or a New Zealand citizen or holder of a permanent visa who will be residing in Australia for the duration of your unit/s of study. All Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and holders of a permanent visa will receive a Student Learning Entitlement (SLE). The SLE entitles a student to the equivalent of 7 years of full time study in a Commonwealth supported place.
* The "indicative annual course fee" cited has been provided as a guide only. It has been calculated on the basis of a typical enrolment of a student undertaking the course in 2009, and reflects the cost involved in undertaking a full-time quota of units within the specified discipline.
The actual fees charged by Deakin University will depend upon the discipline from which each individual unit is chosen, and may vary from the indicative course fee cited, particularly if units are chosen from a number of disciplines.
Please note that the fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and service.
Deakin assumes no responsibility for persons relying on "indicative course fees" to calculate the total future cost of their course.
Career opportunities
Biological scientists are employed in a vast range of areas including those within the general health and medical industry (hospital scientists, analytical and diagnostic laboratory scientists and research scientists), food and agriculture-based industries, animal health, quarantine, wildlife biology, environmental consulting, museums, herbaria and the emerging biotechnology industries.
Course rules
To be awarded the Bachelor of Biological Science, students must complete:
* a total of 24 credit points
* 16 credit points of core units
* 8 credit points of electives
* SBS010 Laboratory Safety Induction Program (0cps)
* No more than 10 credit points at level 1
* At least 14 credits points at levels 2 and 3
* At least 6 credit points at level 3
* A least one wholly online unit.
Course structure
Year 1
Trimester 1
SBB111 Cells, Genes and Diversity
SBC131 Principles of Chemistry
SQE136 History of Life
SQA101 Ecology and the Environment
SBS010 Laboratory Safety Induction Program *
Trimester 2
SBB132 Biology: Form and Function
SBB114 Essential Skills for Biology
Two units from:
SBC152 Chemistry of Life
SQA102 The Physical Environment
SBB110 Human Heredity
* SBS010 is a compulsory 0-credit-point unit.
Year 2
Trimester 1
SBB203 Plant Biology
SBB204 Animal Biology
SBB234 Microbiology
plus one elective unit
Trimester 2
SBB253 Applications of Biology
SBB254 Genetics of Populations
SBB206 Molecular Cell Biology
plus one elective unit
Year 3
Trimester 1
SBB370 Evolution
Trimester 2
SBB390 Professional Practice in Bioscience
Students may tailor their choice of units to obtain a major in Evolutionary Biology or Cell and Molecular Biology.
Evolutionary Biology Major:
Students can use their elective units to obtain an Evolutionary Biology Major by completing the following units in addition to their core unit requirements:
SBB205 Vertebrate Structure, Function and Evolution
SQB237 Biogeography
SBB395 Palaeobiology *
Cell and Molecular Biology Major:
Students can use their elective units to obtain a Cell and Molecular Biology Major by completing the following units in addition to their core unit requirements:
SBB212 Biochemistry
SBB339 Human Molecular Genetics
Note: pre-requisites apply.
* not offered in 2009
Admission requirements - general
Deakin University offers admission to undergraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicant's previous academic record.
For more information on the Deakin Admissions Policy visit The Guide.
Admission requirements - specific
Applicants should have successfully completed VCE or equivalent. Refer to the VTAC Guide for the latest pre-requisite information www.vtac.edu.au
Those aged 21 or over on 1 January and who do not hold VCE or equivalent should apply under Alternative Admission. This category is open to those who do not satisfy normal entrance requirements, but can demonstrate relevant work or life experience.
Advanced standing - general
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Advanced Standing System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Advanced standing - specific
The Faculty may give credit towards the Bachelor of Biological Science for previous tertiary study and other approved forms of post-secondary study or experience. This previous study need not have led to a complete qualification; for example, a student may be given credit after completing the first year of a course at another institution. All applications for advanced standing must be made initially to the Selection/Enrolment Officer who will advise students of the necessary procedures at enrolment day.
All applications are considered on merit and usually no credit will be given for subjects/courses/units completed more than seven years prior to the request. For the Bachelor ofBiological Science the maximum advanced standing that can be granted is 16 credit points. This may include up to 8 credits for non-science studies.
How to apply
Applications for on and off campus study must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre (VTAC). For more information refer to VTAC (external site).