Overview

La Trobe’s Bachelor of Science offers you foundational skills in science and the freedom to delve into your passions. Whether it’s protecting endangered animals, developing new ways to treat disease or fighting climate change, you’ll be ready to pursue your dream journey in science by tailoring your degree with a … For more content click the Read more button below. As you learn from leading academics and researchers, you’ll take a deep dive into science – not only scientific concepts, but also how scientists think, work and share their findings. Build skills in problem-solving, communication and collaboration – all highly sought after by employers – then use these skills to come up with innovative solutions to real-world problems. Personalise your learning so you can spend time focusing on the areas that really interest you. Choose from majors in a range of fields, including botany, statistics, microbiology, genetics, data science and more, and learn from academics who are leaders in their fields. You’ll have opportunities to put theory into practice through work placements with our industry partners. Previous students have undertaken placements with CSIRO, Bayer Crop Science and various State and Federal Government departments. You'll learn:Professional scientific thinkingLearn how science contributes new knowledge and finds solutions to problems in our society.Communicating as a professional scientistGain experience communicating to a range of audiences, both in written and verbal formats.Lab and fieldwork skillsLearn how to collect data and use specialist technical skills to develop new findings in the laboratory and in the field.Problem-solving and facing new challengesLearn to develop solutions to complex scientific problems.Collaboration and working in teamsCollaborate and work effectively in teams to solve problems and achieve shared goals.Professional conduct and professional identityLearn about ethical conduct when working as a scientific professional and how to promote and communicate your professional identity to potential employers and peers.

Portfolio

Office of the Provost

Course coordinator

Ross O'Shea

Location(s)

Bendigo

CRICOS code

022039C

Course instance contact

Jennifer Selkirk-Bell

Course duration (full time)

3 years

Study level

Undergraduate

AQF level

Level 7 - Bachelor Degree

Available only as an exit award

No

Study options

Domestic

International onshore

Completion requirements

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Science, students must complete 360 credit points consisting of: 60 core credit points; 60 elective credit points; 120 credit points major subjects and 120 credit points second major or minor and/or elective subjects

Additional explanatory information

Students must select a Science major as their primary major. Optional majors can only be undertaken as a second major when completing a double major combination.

Course structure
360 credit points

Level one120 credit points
Level two120 credit points
Level three120 credit points
Majors120 credit points
Majors - currently suspended to new enrolments 120 credit points

Course intended learning outcomes

On successful completion you will be able to:
1.
Explain the nature and methods of contemporary scientific practice, and the interrelationship between science and society.
2.
Apply broad knowledge of science across a range of fields, with in-depth understanding of at least one scientific discipline, to analyse and evaluate investigations into real world problems.
3.
Critically evaluate information from different sources to effectively communicate scientific reasoning and results to diverse audiences.
4.
Work and learn both independently and collaboratively, and demonstrate effective teamwork to complete tasks professionally.
5.
Employ academic and professional integrity and scientific rigour in the conduct, evaluation and reporting of scientific research and practice.

Course features

Work based learning (placement) requirements

Elective placement opportunities (Work Based Learning)
During this course, you will have the opportunity to participate in a Work Based Learning (WBL) placement experience, designed to allow you to extend your formal academic learning beyond the classroom. The WBL experience will provide the opportunity to bring your learning from the university into a work environment and test out your knowledge in a professional real-world environment. Some courses include compulsory WBL subjects, however, we also offer a range of elective WBL subjects, both cross-discipline and subject-specific. La Trobe University will source placements for some subjects, while others will require you to source your own placement. If you are required to source your own placement, dedicated staff will guide and support you through the process. Elective WBL subjects generally involve an application process and Subject Coordinator approval. The location and number of hours undertaken can vary considerably depending on the activity and the discipline area. Please refer to the individual subject entries for more information.Regional students are eligible to access additional support under the Regional Reward program

Work integrated learning opportunities

Industry presentations, Industry informed curriculum, Industry-informed projects, Interprofessional learning, Career development learning, Field trips, Professional simulations

Other opportunities

Student exchange and overseas short programs offer a unique opportunity for a meaningful learning and educational experience abroad. La Trobe University encourages all students to make the world their campus by participating in an exchange or overseas short program that fits within your degree structure.

Career outcomes

After graduation, you could work in the private sector, not-for-profits, laboratories and research. Your choice of majors and minors will guide the types of roles available to you.

You’ll have the vital foundations for a wide range of careers, including:

  • Researcher
    • Continue to further study to allow you to design and conduct experiments, analyse data and develop new theories or products to advance scientific knowledge.

  • Lab technician
    • Perform routine tests and experiments in your chosen discipline, maintain laboratory equipment and prepare samples to support scientific research.

  • Technical specialist
    • Apply your scientific knowledge and analytical skills to solve complex technical challenges and drive innovation in various industries.

  • Data scientist
    • Apply computational and analytical techniques to big data. Identify patterns, predict trends and support strategic decision-making in almost every field.

  • Microbiologist
    • Conduct research and experiments to cure diseases, improve water quality and health, or undertake other activities related to microorganisms and their interactions.

Professional recognition

The Chemistry major in the Bachelor of Science is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI). The Physics major in the Bachelor of Science is accredited by the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP). The Statistics major, with an additional subject (STA2ASM), in the Bachelor of Science is accredited by the Statistical Society of Australia (SSA). Professional membership may require an application to the professional body and may have additional or ongoing requirements beyond the completion of the degree.  Please contact the relevant professional body for details

Other course instances

Select a related course instance to view more information.

Internal course relationships

Nested

Associate Degree in Science

Diploma of Science

Related honours

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

External pathways

External pathways into this course

Additional costs

Cost description - Other

Field trips