Download Bachelor of Science Major: Biology

Bachelor of Science
Major: Biology
UNDA Course Code 3226
CRICOS Code 045168D
2016
WHY STUDY AT NOTRE DAME?
The University of Notre Dame Australia is proud of its small
class sizes and caring community atmosphere. Committed to
excellence, social justice and the pastoral care of students and
staff, the University offers a uniquely personal approach to
teaching and learning. Notre Dame empowers students to
develop skills and confidence in order to succeed in their
chosen field. Because Notre Dame is a town university,
students have access to all the social, sporting and cultural
activities Fremantle has to offer, allowing learning to be both an
educational and cultural experience.
The University emphasises the value of the whole person and
the importance of maintaining an ethical and informed way of
living. All students undertake studies in Philosophy, Ethics and
Theology, exploring issues that go to the very heart of
participation in public life, while developing valuable life skills.
These units are designed to broaden students’ cultural
understanding, business values and capacity to think critically
and act morally.
INTRODUCTION
Biology spans the breadth of knowledge and understanding that
relates to all life, and consequently is at the core of many
significant scientific developments of today. For example, the
burden of an ever escalating global population is driving
advances in biotechnology to increase food production but also
demanding the adoption of more sustainable pathways that are
grounded in an understanding of our biological systems.
Locally, government acknowledges that declining biodiversity
and ecosystem health are real problems and the integral role
that biologists play in the sustainable management and
conservation of our natural resources is paramount.
Six Biology Major Compulsory Units
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Molecular and Cell Biology
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Animal Diversity
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Plant Diversity
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Microbiology
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Ecophysiology
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Pollution and Ecotoxicology
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Aquatic Science
One Additional Biology Unit
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Coastal Processes and Planning
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Biochemistry
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Vertebrate Biology
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Australian Ecology and Environmental Issues
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Tropical Environments and Ecology
Three Science Foundation Units
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Introduction to Biological Sciences
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Introduction to Physical Sciences
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Data Analysis and Experimental Design
Both of the following units
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Directed Science Research Project
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Science Internship
Seven Elective Units
Three Core Curriculum Units & One Foundation Unit
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Academic Writing, Communication and Research
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Ethics
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Introduction to Philosophy
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Introduction to Theology
BIOLOGY MAJOR
Biology graduates play a vital role in filling the gaps in our
knowledge of species, ecosystems and their threats, and thus
contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources
in Australia and elsewhere.
Students may study a major in Biology as part of another
degree, such as a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts or
Bachelor of Communications & Media. Further information is
available from the University.
COURSE STRUCTURE
PRACTICAL COMPONENT
Biology is most commonly undertaken within a Bachelor of
Science. This is a three year (full-time) program with eight out
of 24 units being allocated to the Biology major. In addition, a
student must complete three Foundation Science Units, a
Science Internship and a Directed Science Research project.
The remaining units may be used to study a second major or a
minor as part of the degree. This structure allows for flexibility
and a tailored degree program for each student studying at the
University.
As part of the Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology,
students undertake an Internship. This is a six-week industry
placement in an area related to Biological Sciences. During the
program, all students will be exposed to both practical and fieldbased experiences to assist them understand the application of
their studies to real world problems.
All students also undertake a semester-length Directed Science
Research Project in their final year of study. This provides the
opportunity to specialise in a particular area of interest and to
gain additional fieldwork and problem-solving skills.
DOUBLE DEGREES AND DOUBLE MAJORS
A Bachelor of Science program may be successfully combined
with any of the following degree programs:
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Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Behavioural Science
Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Laws
In addition, a number of double major combinations are
available that add considerably to graduates skills set and
career options. Recommended combinations include Biology
with Environmental Science, Human Biology, Geography,
Behavioural Science, or Archaeology. Details of these are
available from the University.
HONOURS
Honours is a one year course available to students who have
successfully completed a Bachelor degree. Please contact the
School of Arts and Sciences for admission requirements and
further information.
An Honours year assists in the development of advanced
research, communication and analytical skills. The qualification
provides enhanced graduate employment opportunities and
serves as a bridge to such postgraduate degrees as a Master
of Arts (MA) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES
Notre Dame has strong links with a number of universities in
the United States and around the world. Students may have the
opportunity of completing part of their degree at destinations
including the USA, Europe, the UK and Ireland.
EXPERIENCE THE WORLD OPPORTUNITIES
Biology students can experience the world through a Caritas
expedition to developing nations such as Uganda, Cambodia
and Malawi. While on location, students learn about sustainable
development, the environment, local history and politics and the
empowerment of small communities.
School leaver minimum academic entry requirements:
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Indicative minimum ATAR of 70
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Other approved scores as indicated by the University
Mature age minimum academic entry requirements:
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Successful completion of Notre Dame’s Foundation
Year program
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One semester (FTE) success in an undergraduate
university course
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Certificate IV completed at a Registered Training
Organisation (TAFE) or equivalent
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STAT score of 145 or higher
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Mature-age completion of two Year 12 WACE exams
with a resulting ATAR of 70
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
There is an ever increasing range of exciting and rewarding
career opportunities for the Biologist including:
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Federal, state and local government
Health sciences
Environmental science
Non-government agencies
Political advocacy groups
Business/industry sectors
Agricultural organisations
Teaching
Research
FURTHER INFORMATION
The information contained in this publication is designed as a
basic course description. Further information pertaining to
admissions, fees or the University itself can be found in the
Notre Dame Course Guide. International students refer to the
International Course Guide.
For more information please contact the Prospective Students
Office on (08) 9433 0533 or at [email protected]
Visit the website at www.nd.edu.au
This program provides students with the opportunity to
Experience the World, while gaining academic credit for their
degree.
MODE OF STUDY AND ASSESSMENT
Students may undertake study as a part-time or full-time
student, commencing in Semester One (February) or in
Semester Two (July), subject to unit availability. The
assessment of competency in each unit normally consists of
tutorial performance, a number of assignments or projects
during the semester and a final examination.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission to The University of Notre Dame Australia is based
on the following criteria:
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Personal qualities, motivation to study and academic
potential
Contribution to church, school and community life
Academic record
Interview
November 2015