Rank thresholdATAR: 69 SR: 69
Duration3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Location
Online and Rockhampton
Next start termTerm 2, 2024
Study modeOn Campus, Online
Course codeCU18
First-year fee
$10,788 (Indicative) (CSP)
ROK Medical Science 17_005.jpg

Overview

Discover how science can solve current and future medical, environmental, industrial and technological problems and launch your dynamic career in this field, with CQUni's Bachelor of Science. Develop practical, industry-relevant skills desired by industry and government through field and laboratory learning experiences, and choose between completing a professional placement or project to enhance your skills and experience. With the option to major in applied biology or applied chemistry, and choice of minors to tailor your degree to suit your interests and career goals, this course offers the perfect environment to pursue a rewarding career in science.

The Bachelor of Science at CQUniversity has been designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to major in an area of your choice and pursue a rewarding career in science. You will benefit from hands-on, practical learning experiences both on-campus and in the field.

The first year of the course will provide you with a foundation for a career in the biological, analytical and agricultural sciences and prepare you to major in Applied Biology or Applied Chemistry.

Further tailor your science degree to your interests and career goals by choosing two minors. Choose from:

  • Animal biology
  • Chemistry analytics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Liberal studies
  • Plant and crop systems
  • Plant biology

You will benefit from field trips to a variety of destinations, including coral reefs, intertidal and terrestrial ecosystems, mainland vegetation communities, agricultural enterprises, mine and other land degradation sites and freshwater and estuarine environments. You will also have the option to undertake a work placement as part of your studies, allowing you to network professionally while completing your studies. Alternatively, you may opt to complete a project to contextualise your knowledge. 

At CQUniversity, you will also benefit from the research strengths of our staff and gain an insight into unique scientific issues in the Central Queensland region.

Study experience

Career Opportunities

Completion of the Bachelor of Science will prepare you to pursue employment opportunities in fields such as:

  • chemical and material production
  • agriculture
  • medical sciences
  • mining and metals
  • power industries
  • environmental science and ecology
  • food technology
  • forensic analysis
  • research and development.

Structure & Availability

Course structure

You are required to complete 24 units, comprising of eight core units, eight major units, and two four-unit minors. 

Majors

Applied Biology Major

This major includes advanced units in Australian vertebrate biology, ecology, microbiology and management of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, which enable students to pursue a wide range of career options in the fields of ecosystem management and rehabilitation, environmental monitoring and conservation of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

Applied Chemistry Major

This major includes advanced units in environmental chemistry, molecular biology, nanotechnology, and biomaterials, which enable students to pursue a wide range of career options in the fields of applied chemistry, including analytical science and biotechnology.

Unit information

For information on the units, you could study as part of this course, visit the Handbook and select the "Course Structure" tab.

Credit transfer information

If you have already completed study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

On-Campus Availability

IntakeLocations
Term 1, 2023Rockhampton
Term 2, 2023Rockhampton
Term 1, 2024Rockhampton
Term 2, 2024Rockhampton
Term 1, 2025Rockhampton
Term 2, 2025Rockhampton

Online Availability

IntakeLocations
Term 1, 2023Available Online
Term 2, 2023Available Online
Term 1, 2024Available Online
Term 2, 2024Available Online
Term 1, 2025Available Online
Term 2, 2025Available Online

Applied Biology major
This major explores biology with a genetic, microbiological, ecological and physiological focus on Australian flora and fauna. Plus, you will study the implementation of environmental systems management to meet standards. You'll graduate with a comprehensive understanding of environmental biology with work-ready field skills.

You can choose two minors to complement this major including Chemistry Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Liberal Studies and, Plant and Crop Systems.

Applied Chemistry major
You'll develop a comprehensive understanding of Applied Chemistry in this major. Your study will include physical chemistry, organic and inorganic chemistry, plus the health and environmental applications. Rounding out your capabilities, you'll learn analytical techniques and theory to conduct investigations.

You can choose two minors to complement this major including Animal Biology, Entrepreneurship, Liberal Studies, Plant and Crop Systems, and Plant Biology.

Animal and Plant Biology in Depth minor
This minor pairs with the Applied Chemistry major for a strong foundation in both chemistry and biology. You'll explore biology with a genetic, microbiological, ecological and physiological focus on Australian flora and fauna.

Chemistry Analytics minor
Extend your skills to include chemical theory and investigation techniques for chemical pollution and food science.

Entrepreneurship minor
This minor supports the combination of science and your startup aspirations.

Environmental Management minor
You will learn the big picture around why an organisation needs an environmental conscience. You'll explore Australian Government environmental legislation and develop essential skills such as impact assessment to help any organisation live up to its environmental license to operate.

Liberal Studies minor
This minor has been designed to support credit, articulation agreements and transition arrangements. Please contact Course Advice for further information.

Plant and Crop Systems minor
This minor allows you to complement your environmental studies with foundational plant and crop agricultural knowledge. 

Students studying via mixed mode will be required to attend compulsory residential schools for some units.
Professional Placement or Project - BIOL12050

BIOL12050 - This unit provides students with an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge and practical skills attained in their degree course to the professional work environment. Students will undertake either a) an industry placement, or b) a short research project for 120 hours. They will report on their experience in an appropriate format, identifying the nature of the work and activities undertaken. They will also reflect on how the knowledge gained and the skills developed during placement relate to their course of study and their future career.

Requirements

 

 

Rank Threshold

 

A rank threshold is the minimum competitive rank that applications will be considered for entry to this course. The rank threshold for this course is: SR 69 | ATAR 69.0

 

Lowest Ranks

 

The lowest selection rank refers to the lowest rank to which an offer was made for an intake or term and includes adjustment factors applied to an applicant's ATAR such as the Regional Adjustment Scheme and Educational Access Scheme. An ATAR with adjustment factors applied is referred to as a selection rank.

The lowest selection ranks (includes adjustment factors) for Term 1, 2023 for the following locations are as follows:

Online: 77.8

Please note entry to courses is competitive and the lowest score (ATAR or selection rank) will vary from year to year and campus to campus and is provided as a historical guide of past performance.

Student profile

If you would like to know more about entry scores for applicants with recent secondary education and the student profile for this course view our Course and Entry Score Profile for Term 1, 2023.

 

 

Institute profile

To find out about CQUniversity's Undergraduate Profile for Term 1, 2023 view our Institute Profile.

 

Recommended study

Mathematical Methods, Biology, Chemistry

Prerequisites

English (Units 3 and 4, C)

English (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent

English Language Proficiency Requirements

If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.

Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:

  • A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
  • An Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma level qualification, or
  • Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0

completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.

If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:

  • An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Requires 550 or better overall and minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 75 or better overall and no score less than 17 (Internet Based Test); or
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or
  • An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.

English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study and must appear on a single result certificate.

If you are an international student, visit our international student information for more details.

Each student will be assessed individually.

Effective 25 September 2023, updates have been made to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for Queensland Health sites and the Queensland Ambulance Service. While Queensland Health does not currently mandate evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, it's essential to recognise that other organisations may enforce their own vaccination specific criteria. This situation is similar across other states and territories, with the exception of Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, where COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all healthcare students.    

You will have to meet this course's inherent requirements by demonstrating essential skills and attributes.

Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative Fees

Fee TypeFees
Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee$10,788
Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee$24,819

Indicative first-year fee

The fees listed are indicative only and based on enrolling in a full-time study load for one academic year (generally, this is eight units over two terms). Your fees may vary depending on the units you select and the number you study per term. Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Understanding your fees.

Commonwealth support and government assistance loans

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees if you meet eligibility requirements. If offered a CSP, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees. Learn more about paying for university.

Other study costs

Part of your course costs includes Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). There may also be additional costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. Explore other study costs.

At CQUniversity, we believe higher education should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more. 

How to apply

StateAdmission Code
New South WalesOnline: 160411
QueenslandOnline: 850615; Rockhampton: 850611
Northern TerritoryOnline: 150411
Western AustraliaOnline: 150411
South AustraliaOnline: 150411
TasmaniaOnline: 150411
VictoriaOnline: 150411

If you have decided what you would like to study and are ready to apply, we’re here to help you along the way.

Before you apply, you will need to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). If you do not have a USI, creating one is quick and easy. Simply visit usi.gov.au to create one.

Want to know more about application dates and other admission information?
View our important dates information and read about other admission considerations, such as information for domestic students with overseas qualifications, indigenous support, and elite athlete, coach and performer support.


What’s the best way to apply?

  • Option 1: Ideal for most situations, whether you have completed high school recently or some time ago.
  • Option 2: Ideal if you are studying with one of our partner study hubs.
  • Option 3: Ideal if you have previously studied with CQU.

Option 1: Ideal for most situations, apply via a tertiary admission centre

View the table below for the best application option based on where you live.

If you live in Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC)*
Queensland Apply via QTAC
New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Apply via UAC
Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, South Australia Apply via ApplyCQUNI

*Please note that you may be required to pay a fee when applying via a TAC.


Option 2: Want to study with one of our partner study hubs? Apply via ApplyCQUni

Benefit from local support, space, technology and facilities offered by one of our delivery partners.

If you are studying with: Study Support
Murray River Study Hub Access to local study facilities.

ApplyCQUNI


Option 3: If you have previously studied with CQU, apply direct.

As a past CQU student, you may be eligible to apply directly to CQU for this course. To apply directly, your prior study with CQU must be a completed or partially completed CQU course or unit, including:

  • CQU’s Skills for Tertiary Entrance Preparatory Studies (STEPS), Tertiary Entrance Program (TEP), or Start Uni Now (SUN) units.
  • A CQU certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree, bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master or research higher degree, or a unit within these courses.