Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences)

On completion of this degree students will have:

• An understanding of scientific knowledge and its application
• An awareness of, and ability to select and use, appropriate laboratory and/or field materials and equipment
• The ability to solve problems in a scientific laboratory
• The ability to communicate scientific and technical issues to a wide range of audience types
• An appreciated ethical behaviour in science
• The ability to obtain valid evidence and frame judgments on issues within a professional framework.

The Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences) from RMIT University allows you to explore the molecular level of living systems from which you can devise strategies to solve important practical problems.

Bioscience and biotechnology are shaping the environment and food supply, ensuring that all living things can survive and live more safely. Drawing on core science areas such as genetics, biological chemistry and microbiology this degree is taught by researchers at the leading edge of industry practice.

The degree is designed for those who wish to pursue careers in biological sciences and provide a biology specialisation for intending teachers.

You will develop the necessary ecological knowledge to deal with complex systems using modern biotechnological techniques. The degree covers ecology, ecotoxicology, marine biology and aquaculture, environmental biotechnology diagnostics and molecular agriculture. Through your studies you will develop core knowledge and techniques in plant and animal identification along with molecular biology, genetics, biological chemistry and microbiology.

Please note: Some subjects in this degree require you to attend laboratory sessions in Melbourne. The 2020 timetable is currently being finalised.

Recommended study pattern

This degree is an OUA Pathways degree, which means there is a recommended series of subjects that, once successfully completed, can be credited towards this degree. To commence the Pathway for this degree, simply select subjects from the Pathway stream below.

Students who aren't taking part in OUA Pathways can instead follow the study pattern below:

Level 1: Complete five (5) core subjects and three (3) Level 1 science electives.

Level 2: Complete four (4) core subjects and two (2) science electives (from Level 2 or 3) plus two (2) general electives from any OUA subjects.

Level 3: Complete five (5) core subjects and two (2) science electives (from Level 2 or 3) plus one (1) general elective from any OUA subjects.

Please see Degree Structure for further information.

Award requirements

To obtain the Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences), you must complete 24 subjects and meet these requirements:

• You must complete at least eight RMIT subjects
• You must complete the following Bachelor of Science subjects (from the core and elective science subjects):
  • eight (8) subjects at Level 1
  • four (4) core subjects at Level 2
  • five (5) core subjects at Level 3 and
  • at least four (4) science elective subjects from level 2 or 3
  • three (3) general electives which can be selected from any undergraduate subject offered through OUA
• A maximum of twelve subjects can be taken at First Year Level over the entire degree
• A maximum of one SSK will count towards the degree

Choose your subjects

Majors

Students may select their Level 3 core units from the 'major' areas of biosciences or biotechnology. Students may complete an additional 'minor' sequence using their general electives and should contact the course coordinator for further information.

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Science Pathway

• Level 1 Core Subjects

• Level 1 Science Electives

• Level 2 Core Subjects

• Level 3 Core Subjects in Biosciences

• Level 3 Core Subjects in Biotechnology

• Level 2 and 3 Science Electives

If you are are intending to complete the Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences), you must register for the RMIT degree. You are eligible to register as soon as you have successfully completed a minimum of two core RMIT OUA subjects within this degree.

If you wish to Graduate at the Melbourne graduation ceremony in December, you must complete your final subject no later than Study Period 2 in the year you intend to graduate.

A payment will be required to attend the graduation ceremony in Melbourne; for information about payments or application dates please click here. Alternatively students can apply to graduate in absentia at any time.

To register for the degree or to apply to graduate please click here.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $24,072

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

One of Australia's largest dual-sector institutes, offering both TAFE and higher education, RMIT University proudly delivers work-related education and practical research relevant to current business and community needs. More than 96,000 students study with RMIT, and many of their degrees are available through Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about RMIT University.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

10

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

16

Successful completion of one full time semester (four subjects) towards an undergraduate degree or higher level of study at an Australian university, and evidence of meeting maths entry requirement equivalent to VCE prerequisite Subjects 3 and 4: a study score of 20 in one of Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics

Successful completion of 2 OUA Core subjects from the Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences) at pass level (MAS120 and SCB100 recommended)

Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent, with an ATAR of 68. VCE prerequisites: Units 3 and 4: a minimum of 20 in one of Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics, and a minimum study score of 25 in English (or equivalent) or 30 in English (EAL)

Successful completion of Australian advanced diploma, diploma, or equivalent, and evidence of meeting maths entry requirement equivalent to VCE prerequisite Units 3 and 4: a study score of 20 in one of Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics

Students may be able to receive credit for previous studies completed at other institutions in the last 10 years. To have your credit formally assessed you must first register for the RMIT degree. You are eligible to register as soon as you have completed a minimum of two core RMIT OUA subjects. An administrative fee of $165 is applicable to register for an award.

Documentation will be required to support your application, such as:

• a certified copy of an Academic Transcript with final grades for Higher Education studies
• a certified copy of a Statement of Attainment for any completed TAFE studies
• subject outlines showing content, learning outcomes and assessment requirements
• an explanation of the grading structure used.

Recognition of prior learning based on industry experience is not available for this degree.

Before lodging a credit transfer students are encouraged to contact their OUA Administrator, School of Applied Sciences via email: ouaappsci@rmit.edu.au

To be eligible for admission to an RMIT program applicants must be at least 16 years of age by the commencement date of the program in which they want to enrol.

Laboratory, clinical and practical classes

Due to the specialist nature of this degree, you will be required to attend RMIT University in Melbourne to complete practical and laboratory classes.

These classes will be offered in block mode, as a week of intensive practical work during most subjects on site at RMIT City or Bundoora West campuses. There will be one week of block practicals in each Study Period.

These classes are compulsory and some classes may be scheduled concurrently with others. Students planning to enrol into multiple subjects within a particular Study Period that require a laboratory, clinical and/or practical component or wanting further information about the classes' schedule are advised to contact the Coordinator, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, prior to finalising their enrolment.

The following subjects have laboratory, clinical and/or practical classes:

• SCB110 Cell Structure and Function
• SCB120 Plant Structure and Function
• SCB130 Animal Structure and Function
• SCB140 Introduction to Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics
• SCB200 Microbiology 1
• SCB210 Biological Chemistry
• SCB220 Genetics and Molecular Biology
• SCB300 Plant Diversity
• SCB301 Animal Diversity
• SCB305 Ecology
• SCB310 Gene Technologies
• SCB330 Advanced Immunology and Cell Technology
• SCC100 Chemistry of Materials 1
• SCI300 Instrumentation for Scientists and Engineers.

The 2022 Practical Schedule is currently being finalised, check course pages for details.