Bachelor of Biological Science (International Students)
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 requirementsGeneral admission requirements for entry into undergraduate courses for international students at Deakin are summarised in the undergraduate admission requirements table. Some courses may have additional entry requirements. Students must also meet the undergraduate English language requirements.
Academic titleBachelor of Biological Science (International Students)
Course descriptionFees and charges
Fee paying place - International (IFP)
A Fee paying place is one for which the university does not receive any government funding. As such, students enrolled in these places are required to contribute the full cost of their course.
Fees for international students apply to persons living in Australia with Temporary Resident status, provided that there is no limitation on study and persons living abroad who are not Australian citizens and do not have Permanent Resident status in Australia.
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.
* 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.
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
General admission requirements for entry into undergraduate courses for international students at Deakin are summarised in the undergraduate admission requirements table (194kb).
Some courses may have additional entry requirements.
Students must also meet the undergraduate English language requirements.
Advanced standing - general
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for advanced standing. You will need to provide your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your advanced standing.
Your advanced standing is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the Advanced Standing System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
How to apply
* Applicant Portal: Use our online application system to submit and track your application now.
* Apply through a Deakin International office: Fill out an application form and submit it to a Deakin International office.
* Apply through a Deakin representative: Take your application form to your preferred agent for assistance.
Tracking your application:
If you have already applied and wish to enquire about your application please refer to the relevant area through which you originally applied.
* If you applied online, log back into the Applicant Portal using your username and password.
* If you applied through a Deakin representative please contact your representative.
* If you applied through a Deakin International office please contact that office.