Bachelor of Science (Earth and Environmental Systems and Marine Systems)

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Course Learning Outcome

1. Use complexity thinking and critical analysis in relation to scientific methods of inquiry.
2. Respond creatively to complex intellectual, professional, practical and societal challenges in the Anthropocene.
3. Apply professional judgement based on ethical behaviour, academic integrity, professional standards, regulatory frameworks, and respect for principles of social justice to support adaptability.
4. Select and apply appropriate practical and theoretical scientific methods, techniques and tools to collect and accurately record data through systematic inquiry.
5. Demonstrate broad and well-developed knowledge of the theory and application of scientific principles, system knowledge and associated practices
6. Synthesise, critically evaluate, and interpret scientific data and other information to draw rigorous conclusions and solve problems with intellectual independence
7. Reflect on the role of self in the context of learning, professional development and ethical practice in science.
8. Effectively communicate science and practice in a systems approach using a variety of modes to engage with a range of audiences.
9. Work collaboratively, responsibly and safely as part of a team.
10. Incorporate diverse cultural perspectives and Indigenous ways of knowing to inform understandings of complex and interconnected physical, social and economic systems.

The Bachelor of Science prepares students for employment or further study in the sciences, developing graduates who can apply science in the context of broader systems to address complex intellectual, professional, practical and societal challenges in the Anthropocene.

Career opportunities are diverse, including natural resource management in local council, state, Commonwealth Government or not-for-profit organisations, consulting, as an industry adviser or practitioner, research technician, quality control/quality assurance officer, data analyst or science communicator.

Specialisations allow students to develop expertise in an area of practice such as Marine, Forest, Earth and Environmental Science or Regenerative Agriculture and may have more specific career outcomes.

Graduate outcomes for specialisations might include:

Earth and Environmental Systems

Career opportunities exist in public and private sectors, national park and protected area management, environmental protection, waste management, environmental impact assessment and monitoring, environmental education and interpretation, ecotourism, land/river/coast care programs; and in environmental science research.

Marine Systems

Career opportunities exist in marine park management, fisheries and aquaculture, reef restoration, marine monitoring, marine-based tourism, state or federal government, marine consulting, or marine research and technical assistance.

Secondary education

ATAR: 70 or equivalent

English Proficiency 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

On campus requirements

Online students will be required to attend compulsory residential workshops at our National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour and our Lismore campus over the duration of the degree. For more information on these residential workshops, please refer to the course page on the Southern Cross University website.

Practicum placement

Within their study program, students will have the option for an internship placement at career-relevant workplaces. 

Applicants or students that can provide supporting documents to verify they already know, understand and can perform the learning outcomes for one or more units within a Southern Cross course, are eligible to have their prior learning assessed for credit by submitting an application for Advanced Standing.

The Bachelor of Science at Southern Cross University is a flexible degree that allows you to incorporate a wide range of subjects with career-focused science specialisations.

Focus on an area of professional practice by choosing a specialisation in Earth and Environmental Systems, Marine Systems, Forestry Systems or Regenerative Agriculture or a double specialisation in Earth and Environmental and Marine Systems. These specialisations are identified on your graduating testamur. 

Alternatively, you can choose a major from Applied Chemistry, Biology, Applied Mathematics and Physics. Or you can include a second major from other disciplines across the University.

The Bachelor of Science is characterised by practical and field experience in all years, making use of our easy access to a variety of subtropical terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems.

Bachelor of Science students have opportunities to form strong networks with industry and government through exciting work integrated learning opportunities.

Southern Cross University Bachelor of Science graduates are sought after here in Australia and across the globe.

Recommended Study Pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Earth Systems
• Science and Global Challenges
• Scientific Data Management and Analysis
• Marine Science and Management

Plus there’s a selection of electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award Requirements

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

• 1 specialisation in Earth and Environmental Systems or Marine Systems or Forestry Systems or Regenerative Agriculture or a double specialisation in Earth and Environmental Systems and Marine Systems; (288 credit points)