Program Overview

Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science at Southern Cross University is an industry-orientated degree with career-focused science specialisations. Graduates are equipped with both scientific knowledge and practical skills to address critical global issues.

Overview

The three specialisations in Environment, Agriculture, and Marine offer focused expertise aligned with real-world applications, allowing students to tackle environmental challenges, sustainable agricultural practices, and marine conservation.

Specialisations

• Environment: This specialisation focuses on understanding and managing the natural environment. Students learn about ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change, and sustainability.
• Marine: This specialisation builds on introductory earth systems knowledge with units at the National Marine Science Centre, covering oceanography, marine ecology, fish and aquaculture, reefs, fisheries, and marine parks management.
• Agriculture: The Agriculture specialisation focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, crop science, and food production systems. Students learn about soil management, plant biology, and modern agricultural technology.

Course Structure

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Science, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

• 9 core units (108 credit points)
• 1 specialisation (132 credit points)
• 4 equivalent option units (48 credit points)

Core Units

• SCIN1004: Planet Earth
• ENVR1006: Effective Communication of Science
• BIOL1005: Cells and Molecules
• CHEM1001: Chemistry
• SCIN1005: Organisms and Environments
• STAT1002: Scientific Data Management and Analysis
• INDG1002: Indigenous Knowledge
• STAT2003: Quantitative Research Methods
• ENVR2012: Geographic Information Systems

Environment Specialisation

• ENVR1005: Ecosystem Management and Regeneration
• CHEM2001: Environmental Chemistry
• BIOL2011: Ecology
• ERTH2004: Career Development and Professional Practice
• ERTH2005: Landscape Processes
• ENVR2002: Wildlife Conservation
• ERTH2003: Aquatic Pollution and Catchment Management
• PLAN3001: Waste as a Resource
• ENVR3010: Economics for Environmental Sustainability
• ENVR3009: Biogeochemistry
• ENVR3004: Protected Area Management

Marine Specialisation

• MRNE1001: Marine Science and Management
• BIOL2011: Ecology
• MRNE2008: Fish Ecology and Aquaculture
• MRNE2009: Invertebrate Life
• ERTH2004: Career Development and Professional Practice
• MRNE2010: Oceanography
• GENG3001: Drones
• MRNE3006: Reefs
• MRNE3007: Fisheries and Marine Parks Management
• MRNE3008: Marine Megafauna
• MRNE3003: Ocean Change Biology

Agriculture Specialisation

• AGRC1003: Introduction to Agriculture
• SOIL2001: Soil Processes
• AGRC2009: Animal Science
• ENVR3010: Economics for Environmental Sustainability
• AGRC2007: Plant Biology
• FORS3006: Ecosystem Modelling
• AGRC2010: Agronomy
• FORS3007: Pest, Weed and Disease Management
• ERTH3003: Soil Ecology and Management
• AGRC3005: Perspectives and Approaches in Agriculture
• AGRC3006: Farm Planning

Option Units

• ENVR3003: Internship Study
• SCIN3005: Integrated Project
• INDG3001: Caring for Country
• CIVL3012: Sustainable Engineering Systems
• SCIN1001: Nature of Science
• EDUC1001: Language and Learning in Your Discipline
• COMM1004: A Culture of Enquiry
• FORS3009: Agroforestry

Learning Outcomes and Graduate Attributes

The course learning outcomes include:

• GA1: Intellectual rigour
• GA2: Creativity
• GA3: Ethical practice
• GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
• GA5: Lifelong learning
• GA6: Communication and social skills
• GA7: Cultural competence

Placements, Work Experience, and Study Hours

Students may choose to undertake an optional internship placement at career-relevant workplaces. Online students must complete on-campus compulsory residentials for some units.

Entry Requirements

• English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English.
• The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows:
  • Overall: 6.0
  • Listening: minimum 5.5
  • Reading: minimum 5.5
  • Speaking: minimum 5.5
  • Writing: minimum 5.5

Course Requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Science, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising core units, a specialisation, and option units.

Availability

The course is available at various locations, including Lismore, National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour, and online, with different teaching periods.

Notes

• Note 1: Double-weighted unit (24 credit points)
• Note 2: This unit has a compulsory residential requirement. Please refer to the unit page for more information.